Romão, an unemployed truck driver, needs work to support his family. That would take 1,000 reais a month-about $400, and a distant dream for most Brazilians. In quest of a better life, Romão (Wagner Moura, also appearing in God Is Brazilian-see April 24), his wife and five children pedal four bicycles 2,000 miles from northeast Brazil to Rio de Janeiro. Inspired by a true story, Vicente Amorim's debut feature brings us inside the dynamics of this family road trip and deftly explores male and female roles. Romão's wife Rose (Cláudia Abreu) loves her husband deeply, but he thinks only a man supports and decides for his family, and she has her own priorities. When she finds work and he does not, his pride pushes them onward. The couple also endures rebellion from their adolescent son, Antônio. Shot on location with handheld cameras, the film lets us see northeastern Brazil as they do. Magnificent light intensifies beauty and contrast throughout an arid landscape of religious pilgrimages, truck stops, and tourist-driven festival scams. A lively original score by Andre Abujamra and songs by popular Brazilian musician Robert Carlos add an upbeat touch. As we ride along on this family quest, we too experience exploitation, indifference, generosity, and courageous hope.