Anna Romano

I found it intriguing to watch. And in spite of some of its shortcomings critically, this was a thorough overview of Bolivar's life, his triumphs, his setbacks, his loves, his comrades and his political adversaries. There were moments when it was melodramatic but this is South America- intense, dangerous, exciting. There’s a different rhythm of life there, a different Perception of risk and danger. I feel as if I understand South America a lot more now- it was born out of a revolution and the spirit of freedom. The series also portrayed the difficulties of governing, the manipulations between former friends- Santander/Bolivar-once the main wars were over. The concept of freedom was even puzzling to some of the citizens in the countries liberated from the Spanish and this involved confusion over the beginnings and interpretations of democracy. It was refreshing to hear the narration from O’Leary, one of Bolivars right-hand men , sent by the British as part of a support force but ironically, of Irish nationality. Shany Nadan as bolivars long term lover, Manuela Saenz, conveys the intensity of her physical and emotional attachment to Bolivar. Her breakdown at hearing about his death leaves her overwhelmed with the emotional distress of endeavouring to absorb the significance of the end of a very charismatic historical figure. It's a truly stunning performance from an actress who seems to embody the passion and spirit of Saenz. Luis Geronimo masterfully conveys the grand gestures, decisions carried out by Bolivar with the exceptional command of his voice and physical posture. Additionally, there were some shocking facts about the treatment of women by the church and society at that time. Manuelita's mother was executed, she tells us, for having conceived and delivered her out of wedlock. Her father, meanwhile, survived and although very fond of his daughter, she was brought up in convents. No wonder Manuelita was a rebel, a fire-storm, a fire-brand a risk-taker, attracted to causes. We also see her husband, Dr. Thorne, threatening to take her to 'the prison for 'adulterous women" !!! when she refuses to continue to participate in their marriage. The series has been criticized for not focussing on Bolivar's personal and political shortcomings,i.e. his dictatorial slant, but it does, to an extent, show the unpopularity of his decisions as president in Gran Colombia and his mistake in having the three men accused of killing a priest executed and then displaying their bodies in public. There is the particularly bitter story of Julio Herrera who sought in vain to have his services to the army of patriots rewarded by an administrative post in the newly formed government. O'Leary tells us he was "one of the forgotten, the neglected' by the new regime in Gran Colombia. Interestingly, the post below that explains Haiti's role and support in the liberation of S. America. Overall, an enriching, emotional tapestry of an extraordinary man and his achievements.

deradful film, absurd tuen of events. lewd without any real plot, the fat lwayer is mysogenistic

Found it deeply tragic and at the same time, appropriately camp, but that is part of the characterisation. It is also clear that Wilde’s creativity is paradoxically linked with his suffering. He’s a multi talented artist and a multi faceted human being, tortured by his love for his wife Constance and his other attachments. Wilde comes over as a sensuous but also deeply spiritual man in sharp contrast to the rampant narcissism displayed by Bose. Given the harsh social restrictions of the time, it would be almost impossible for anyone to bring these tangled threads to a mutually satisfactory emotional conclusion for all involved.