Estevao, Ivan and Gilberto studied construction engineering together at university and they have now been co-owners of an important construction company for fifteen years. Problems start when Estevao, a major share-holder in the company, decides that he no longer wants to work with his former fellow-students. Ivan and Gilberto resolve the situation by agreeing to get rid of him. Hired assassin Anisio is not satisfied merely with a financial reward and plans to improve his social status. He becomes more and more involved in the lives of Ivan and Gilberto and, in order to get what he wants, he befriends the young, trusting Marina, the daughter of the murdered Estevao. Set in Sao Paulo, the story points to the violence which is an everyday part of life in the big city, as a backdrop to the portrayal of friendship, power, ambition and betrayal. The film won Best Director, Best Music, Best Actor and the Critics’ Award at the Brazilian Film Festival, and Best Film from the Latin-American film jury at the Berlin IFF.