Marisol

Overview

Marisol follows the story of a humble and resilient young woman who maintains her kindness and sweetness despite a life filled with hardship. She lives in a tenement with her ailing mother, Sofia, and supports them by selling paper flowers on the street. Marisol bears a deep emotional trauma due to a prominent scar on her face, sustained in a childhood accident at a park. Because of their financial difficulties, she was never able to afford surgery to remove it.

Unbeknownst to Marisol, she is the granddaughter of Dr. Augusto Lima do Vale, a wealthy businessman and owner of a major mining company. In her youth, Sofia fell in love with Roger, a man from a modest background. Her father, Dr. Augusto, disapproved of the relationship due to Roger's social status. Facing her family's prejudice, Sofia eloped with Roger. However, after Marisol was born, Roger abandoned them. Out of pride, Sofia chose not to seek help from her family.

Sofia's relationship with Roger was orchestrated by Amparo, Dr. Augusto's daughter. Amparo paid Roger to seduce Sofia and lead her away from the family. On her deathbed, Sofia regrets not having been able to provide Marisol with a better life and is saddened by the trauma her daughter carries. She attempts to reveal Marisol's true heritage and gives her a family ring. However, before she can disclose the identity of Marisol’s grandfather, Sofia dies. The ring becomes the key to uncovering Marisol’s true origins.

Marisol eventually meets Rodrigo Lima do Vale, a wealthy young man, and the two fall in love. Rodrigo is the son of Leonardo, Dr. Augusto's son, and Amparo, an ambitious woman determined to protect her own interests. Leonardo is trapped in an unhappy marriage with Amparo and seeks comfort in the arms of his lover, Zulema—who is also involved with Mario. Upon discovering Marisol’s relationship with Rodrigo, Zulema conspires to seduce Rodrigo and separate him from Marisol.

Following Sofia's death, Marisol becomes vulnerable to manipulation by Mario and Zulema. She later meets Dr. Augusto and begins working at his mansion, unaware of their familial connection. Amparo immediately despises Marisol's presence and humiliates her at every opportunity. Matters worsen when Rodrigo publicly acknowledges his relationship with Marisol. In response, Amparo, Leonardo, and Rosana—Rodrigo's gold-digging fiancée—declare war on the couple.

Cast

Main cast

Bárbara Paz as Marisol – Endowed with gentle beauty and heartfelt emotion, Marisol is open and sincere in expressing her feelings. She is a humble, innocent, and shy young woman, largely due to a scar on her face from an accident at age six. Despite her delicate appearance, Marisol is a resilient and determined individual, prepared to face life's many challenges.

Carlos Casa Grande as Rodrigo Lima do Vale – A handsome, well-educated, wealthy, and charismatic young man, Rodrigo is the heir to Dr. Augusto's vast fortune. Although he was raised to take over the family's mining business, one of the largest in the country, Rodrigo's true passion is painting. While his grandfather supports his dreams, his parents, Leonardo and Amparo, strongly disapprove.

Glauce Graieb as Amparo Lima do Vale – Rodrigo's mother and the story's main antagonist. Ambitious, seductive, and selfish, Amparo comes from a modest background. She once worked as Leonardo's secretary while dating Mariano, Rodrigo's biological father. When Leonardo showed interest, Amparo saw an opportunity for social advancement and left Mariano.

Carla Fiorini as Mimi – Marisol's loyal and humorous friend. She is deeply in love with Chico.

Rodrigo Lombardi as Francisco "Chico" Soares – Younger brother of Mário and son of Margarida. Chico dreams of becoming a famous football goalkeeper and earning great wealth, although his clumsiness and lack of athletic skill make this unlikely. Nonetheless, he is kind-hearted and of strong moral character.

Juan Alba as Dr. Rubens Linhares – A handsome, intelligent, and wealthy physician of great integrity. He works at a clinic in his hometown alongside his father, Dr. Álvaro. Rubens is Rodrigo’s childhood friend and has two siblings, Camila and Daniel. He and his father later help rescue Marisol.

Roberto Arduim as Leonardo Lima do Vale – Husband of Amparo and son of Dr. Augusto. Leonardo is weak-willed and easily manipulated by Amparo. Although nominally president of the mining company, real control remains with Dr. Augusto. Leonardo's lack of authority frustrates Amparo and fuels her resentment.

Development and production

Marisol was the third television series co-produced by SBT and Televisa.

Reception

In April 2012, SBT aired the third rerun of Marisol, which achieved high viewership ratings.

Soundtrack

Awards and nominations

At the 38th Contigo! Television Awards, Marisol received multiple nominations, including:

Best Drama (Melhor Novela)

Best Actor (Melhor Ator): Carlos Casagrande

Best Actress (Melhor Atriz): Bárbara Paz

Best Supporting Actor (Melhor Ator Coadjuvante): Juan Alba

Best Supporting Actress (Melhor Atriz Coadjuvante): Carla Fioroni

Best Actress in a Comedy Role (Melhor Atriz Cômica): Carla Fioroni

Best Child Actress (Melhor Atriz Infantil): Raíssa Medeiros

Best Villain – Female (Melhor Vilã): Glauce Graieb

Best Villain – Male (Melhor Vilão): Alexandre Frota

Most Promising Actor (Melhor Ator Revelação): Jonathan Nogueira

Most Promising Actress (Melhor Atriz Revelação): Francisca Queiroz

Best Romantic Couple (Melhor Par Romântico): Carlos Casagrande and Bárbara Paz

Best Director (Melhor Diretor): Henrique Martins (also nominated for A Pequena Travessa, 2002)

Best Costume Design (Melhor Figurino): Gilda Bandeira de Mello (also for A Pequena Travessa, 2002)

Best Makeup (Melhor Maquiagem): Alcir Mathias (also for A Pequena Travessa, 2002)