It was shot in about 60 filming locations at eight cities, including São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Parati, Salvador and Coimbra, which lasted twelve weeks.

[2][6] Its worldwide premiere occurred at the Panorama section of the 2001 Berlin International Film Festival,[4][11] and it was well received by the public.

Kate Blackhurst from The Lumière Reader said "I can see why it won several international film awards, and its excellence lies in the fact that it is almost impossible to explain.

"[6] Variety's Eddie Cockrell "Andre Klotzel revisits distinctive brand of local telenovela melodrama he knows best, with spoofy results that will put pic in demand at fests.

"[8] Writing for The New York Times, Elvis Mitchell stated it has a "hilarious poise", adding that the film "is playful and formal".