The plot revolves around two women from different social classes and race in the early 20th century, shortly after the abolition of slavery in Brazil.

[1] Set in Rio de Janeiro's beginning of the 20th century, Lado a Lado tells the story of a friendship between two women: Isabel (Camila Pitanga), a descendant of a poor slave, and Laura (Marjorie Estiano), a white girl, daughter of a baroness.

Despite their very different origins and backgrounds, the two girls become very close while aspiring to a future of equality between men and women, and between black and white people.

They meet on their wedding day and build a friendship capable of shaking the tree of Constância (Patrícia Pillar), Laura's mother, a baroness traditionalist.

The deal marks a significant move, given the notorious difficulty of market penetration in China for foreign TV productions.