The broadcast takes place starting at 3:45 PM (Brasília time), right after TV Globo's afternoon programming.
Synopsis of A Long Way Home
The plot follows Lucas, a young veterinary student who develops a deep bond with Bella, an extremely loyal and companionable female dog. The routine of the two changes drastically when Bella is captured by animal control and taken to a shelter hundreds of kilometers away from home.
Determined to reunite with her owner, Bella begins a long journey through different regions, facing natural challenges, dangers, and unexpected encounters with people and other animals.
Along the way, the story shows not only the dog's physical resilience but mainly the emotional strength that drives her to move forward.
Is the movie's story real?
One of the main questions from audiences is whether the story of A Long Way Home actually happened. The answer is: not exactly.
The film is not based on a specific real case, but was inspired by true stories of dogs that traveled long distances to reunite with their owners.
The screenplay originates from a book by W. Bruce Cameron, an author known for works exploring the bond between humans and animals, such as "A Dog's Purpose."
Real cases that inspired the film
Although Bella is a fictional character, her trajectory was built based on real accounts, such as:
Hachiko: The famous Japanese dog who waited for his owner for almost 10 years at a train station, even after the man's death. The case became a worldwide symbol of loyalty.
Bobbie the Wonder Dog: A dog that traveled approximately 4,000 kilometers in the United States in 1923 to reunite with his family after getting lost.
These stories show that the behavior portrayed in the film is not exaggerated — it reflects real situations that happen in different parts of the world.
What the film A Long Way Home reveals about reality
Despite being entertainment-focused, A Long Way Home addresses important and current topics.
Laws affecting dogs and their owners
One of the plot's central points is legislation about certain dog breeds, known as BSL (Breed-Specific Legislation), which exists in some countries.
These laws restrict or prohibit breeds considered dangerous, which can result in the separation of animals and their owners — exactly what happens in the story.
In Brazil, this type of legislation is not applied nationally, but local rules exist and there are frequent discussions about responsible pet ownership.
The relationship between humans and pets in Brazil
According to data from the Brazilian Pet Institute, the country has one of the largest populations of domestic animals in the world, with millions of dogs living in Brazilian homes.
This helps explain why films like A Long Way Home are so successful: they reflect an emotional reality close to audiences. For many Brazilians, a pet is part of the family — and stories of reunion and fidelity have great impact.
Why does the film move audiences so much?
The success of A Long Way Home is directly linked to how it builds its narrative.
Identification with the audience
The relationship between Bella and Lucas is simple but powerful. It represents a type of bond that many people have already experienced. Anyone who has owned a dog knows that loyalty and affection are defining characteristics, which makes the story resonate emotionally.
