This film focuses on the relationship between a retired, cynic schoolteacher and an orphan boy. Dora, the woman working at Rio de Janeiro's Central Station as a writer of letters for illiterate customers, meets Josue, the orphan-to-be boy, by chance. His mother and him consult her services so they could send a letter to his father asking him to come home. However, because of an unforeseen accident, Josue's mother dies outside the station and he begins to walk randomly around the station. Then almost out-of character, Dora decides to take him in and lets him sleep at her place. However, we later find out that she plans to sell the boy to a corrupt couple in order to buy a TV. Luckily, her neighbor/friend acts as her conscience and convinces her to bring the boy back. Dora ends up stealing him back and is forced to leave the city for her own safety.
Dora tries to leave Josue numerous times but he continues to follow her. In one of their escapades, they lose all their money and have to rely on the kindness of strangers. Dora promises to reunite Josue with his father and during their journey they begin to care for each other, especially Dora. Despite her old character, Dora begins to pity the boy and they grow closer and closer as they reach their goal.
After finding out who Josue's half-brothers are and confirming that they are kind people, Dora decides to leave him behind as she starts her own journey. Throughout their journey together, Dora transformed from a cynical being to a kind, respectful woman. She grew to love herself as much as others. Her love for Josue is strong and this is seen when Dora leaves Josue behind and writes a letter for him. In this scene, she cries and I believe she is the happiest at this point. She learns to rediscover herself and learns to love and care for others. While some scenes seemed unnecessary and slow, the overall film was a great coming of age story. This film shows how one can grow up and change even at a later age.
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