Robert Montgomery

I was a big fan of the Sharpe series. Bolívar is comparable, yet different. The series mixes its rhythms in a way that draws the viewer in— from fast paced battle scenes to the languid, romance of the Latin American telenovella. The film lets us feel the inner life of this historical icon as well as the other characters without excess emoting and introspection by the actors. For those interested in history the series is a must see. The Enlightenment and the French Revolution animate the consciousness of the main characters. If you thought that Che invented, “Patria libre o morir!”, Bolivar shows the historical roots of this anti-colonial cry for national liberation. The cast and acting is top rate and the cinematography captures the feel of the locale. While a bit long at sixty, hour long episodes, I didn’t want it to end.