Gourmet cook Dona Flor (Braga) is widowed by her first husband, Vadhino (Wilker), a handsome but debauched womanizer whose only real talent lay in bed. Now remarried, Dona's second spouse is a dull druggist (Mendonca) who has little interest in carnal delight. Disappointed, Dona finds herself longing for bad-boy Vadhino, and soon the force of her memories conjures a supernatural guest.

Based on the magical-realist novel by Jorge Amado, Barreto's sexy “Dona Flor” features then-model Sonia Braga in a steamy role opposite Wilker's blond (and buck naked) Bahia stud. Barreto handles the fantasy element in the best way – with little fuss – outfitting the 1940s-era film with bright period detail, lush scenery, and zesty tropicalia music. But it's his honest and intelligent look at sex and human relationships that turn the sheets of earthy romanticism in “Dona Flor.”