directed by carioca director walter salles, and starring some local actors, such as vinícius de oliveira, the film was released in 1998, to much critical acclaim.

based around two central characters: dora, a retired teacher who makes a living writing letters for the illiterate, in central do brasil train station, and joshua, a young boy who recently lost his mother, the story follows their journey from the station, on search of the boys family.

their journey takes them to the northeastern region of brazil, where joshua's family is originally from, and shows a beautiful, yet at times tragic and difficult side of the country.           

the film was praised for displaying some of the hardship of the times, and has some memorable scenes, shot right inside the famous station.