Terra Nostra

telenovela


title = Terra Nostra
country = Brazil
year = 1999
network = TV Globo
language = Portuguese
director = Jayme Monjardim
producer = —
cinematographer = —
writer = Benedito Ruy Barbosa | script = —
cast = Antônio Fagundes
Raul Cortez
Ana Paula Arósio
Thiago Lacerda
music = Marcus Viana
theme_song = Tormenta d'amore
performer = Charlotte Church & Agnaldo Rayol
episodes = 150 (60 min)
"Terra Nostra" is a Brazilian telenovela, which was produced by and broadcasted on TV Globo in 1999.

The story is set in the late 1800s and takes place at a time when slaves were freed in Brazil and there was a need for workers, especially on the coffee fazendas (plantations) of Brazil. As a result new laborers were sought and a large number of Italians, looking for a better life, immigrated to Brazil to work there.

Unlike many telenovela stories, the characters are not larger than life in "Terra Nostra." Instead, they are like everyday people who make everyday decisions. Consequently, the viewers can relate to what is happening in the story.

"Terra Nostra" was written by Benedito Ruy Barbosa and directed by Jayme Monjardim. Both men are responsible for writing and directing other first-rate stories. The telenovela is full of beautiful shots of nature and scenery. The pacing of each episode properly moves so that the viewers can savor the panorama, the story and the acting.

Musical director, Marcus Viana, puts together a heavenly music soundtrack for the telenovela. It is mainly filled with traditional Italian songs that are performed by well-known and talented musicians such as Charlotte Church, Caetano Veloso, Zizi Possi, and Jerry Adriani. The soundtrack also includes original instrumental music by Viana, also a gifted musician experienced with soundtracks for other shows.

"Terra Nostra" has been successfully shown worldwide, from places such as Tahiti, Russia, Greece, Canada, Chile the United States of America, Hungary, and Philippines to Italy, Spain, Croatia, Portugal and many more.

Cast

*Antônio Fagundes - Gumercindo Telles de Aranha
*Raul Cortez - Francesco Magliano
*Ana Paula Arósio - Giuliana Esplendore
*Thiago Lacerda - Mateo Batistela
*Débora Duarte - Maria do Socorro
*Paloma Duarte - Angélica
*Carolina Kasting - Rosana
*Odilon Wagner - Altino Neves Marcondes
*Gabriel Braga Nunes - Augusto Neves Marcondes
*Jackson Antunes - Antenor
*José Dumont - Batista
*Maria Fernanda Cândido - Paola
*Adriana Lessa - Naná
*Elias Gleizer - Padre Olavo
*Fernanda Muniz - Luiza

Plot

This historical telenovela tells the story of these Italian immigrants. It focuses on the relationship of Giuliana Esplendore and Matteo Batistela (Actors Ana Paula Arosío and Thiago Larceda) who meet each other during the voyage to Brazil.

Giuliana and Matteo immediately fall in love and plan a life together. Unfortunately, fate and some people do not plan it that way. A series of mishaps befall the couple and keep them apart. When they finally reunite, their conduct affects not only their lives, but also other people they have met along the way.

Moral issues arise which produce fruitful debate for the television viewers. There are no simple answers because none of the characters or issues are strictly right or wrong, black or white. The issues and personalities are gray and will cause the viewers to change their minds during the storyline.