

Barren Lives
1963, Portuguese. Directed by Nelson Pereira dos Santos.
A destitute family tries to escape the drought in the backlands of northeastern Brazil. Fabiano (Átila Iório), Sinhá Vitória (Maria Ribeiro), their two children and their dog Baleia wander aimlessly and almost hopelessly through the remote interior, surviving the forces of nature and the cruelty of men. An adaptation of the work by Graciliano Ramos.
- Runtime
- 1h 40m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- Portuguese
- Rated
- Check local
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Worth the Hype
Clear your evening for this.
7.4/10 from 101 TMDB viewer ratings.
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Where to watch Barren Lives
Barren Lives isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 22 August 1963.
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Cast & crew
Details
- Released
- 22 August 1963
- Original title
- Vidas Secas
- Country
- Brazil
- Written by
- Nelson Pereira dos Santos
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
What Barren Lives is based on
Barren Lives is based on Vidas Secas (1938) by Graciliano Ramos.
1938
Vidas Secas
By Graciliano Ramos
Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.
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Barren Lives: quick answers
Is Barren Lives worth watching?
Our verdict is Worth the Hype: Clear your evening for this. It scores 7.4/10 from 101 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is Barren Lives?
Barren Lives runs 100 minutes (1h 40m).
Does Barren Lives have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Barren Lives. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Barren Lives parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for Barren Lives yet.
Which OTT platform is Barren Lives on?
Barren Lives isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 22 August 1963. (Checked 9 November 2026.)
What movies are like Barren Lives?
If you liked Barren Lives, try Central Station, The Given Word, Cinema, Aspirins and Vultures.
Who directed Barren Lives?
Barren Lives (1963) was directed by Nelson Pereira dos Santos and stars Átila Iório, Maria Ribeiro, Baleia.
What is Barren Lives based on?
Barren Lives is based on Vidas Secas (1938) by Graciliano Ramos.