The Life We Lead

An inspiring tale about a bond that endures when life goes off script. Ana Fonseca is a rising tennis hopeful whose world hinges on the support of her sister Manuela and close friends. A devastating car crash shatters that world, and Ana falls into a coma from which she awakens years later to a life that has moved on without her. The person she was seems distant, and the people she trusted have built new paths. As Ana fights to reclaim some sense of normalcy, she must relearn family ties and friendships while facing changes in her body, memory, and ambitions. The drama tracks her quiet, painful adjustment and the stubborn hope that love can bridge even a lost time.

Released in 2011 on Globo, the series was directed by Teresa Lampréia, Fabrício Mamberti, Jayme Monjardim, Leonardo Nogueira, and Luciano Sabino. It's an original production created by Lícia Manzo, Álvaro Ramos, and Daniel Adjafre, grounded in contemporary Brazilian family life and framed by the everyday rhythms of a coastal city.

Audiences praised its focus on sisterhood and the emotional gravity of recovery. The show's grounded depiction of everyday life and its exploration of memory and identity resonated with viewers beyond the romance plots, contributing to conversations about resilience in Brazilian television and inspiring discussions about disability and reintegration. Its cultural footprint extended to discussions about care and aging families.

Reception leaned toward praise for character development and the steady emotional pace. The series wrestles with love in imperfect times, the pull of loyalty, and the challenge of reclaiming a life that can never fully return to its former self, while also questioning what makes a family whole when memory fades. Its tone stays grounded even as dramatic moments accumulate.

Awards for the show are not widely documented in major databases. While the performances drew positive notices, it did not pick up major international nominations during its run, and it remains known for its intimate storytelling rather than ceremony wins.