Watch Bolivar: El Hombre de Las Dificultades

Bolivar: El Hombre de Las Dificultades (Bolivar: The Man of Difficulties) is a biographical film that tells the story of Simón Bolivar, the 19th-century Venezuelan military and political leader who played a significant role in the liberation of several Latin American countries from Spanish colonial rule. Released in 2013, the film directed by Luis Alberto Lamata, was produced by José Ramón Novoa and Luis A. Rodríguez.

The movie portrays Bolivar's life, highlighting his contribution to the struggle for independence in South America. It depicts the complex and tumultuous world of Bolívar, who leads an army in a series of upheavals and battles, traversing mountains and navigating various alliances to rid Latin America of Spanish colonial rule. The film takes the viewer on a journey through Bolívar's personal life, including his love for María Teresa del Toro, the woman he married in the last years of his life.

Roque Valero portrays the lead character, Simón Bolivar, with perfection. He captures the spirit of Bolivar, depicting him as a charismatic leader, an intellectual, and a driven individual determined to bring his revolutionary ideas to fruition. Valero's performance as Bolívar is both nuanced and balanced, bringing depth and realism to the character. The movie's supporting cast includes Alberto Alifa, who plays Antonio José de Sucre, Bolívar's most trusted general, with aplomb, as well as Carlos Enrique Almirante and Zhandra De Abreu.

The movie's director, Luis Alberto Lamata, brilliantly pieces together the puzzle of Bolivar's life, chronicling from his birth to his death, covering periods of his life that are often overlooked in traditional retellings of his story. The film does a fantastic job of humanizing Bolívar, showing him as a man with his own frustrations, doubts, and fears, who often struggled to cope with the loss of both his wife and his close friends and collaborators.

Through creative storytelling and adept historical accuracy, the film provides a meaningful and insightful portrayal of Bolivar's life, shedding light on the challenges he faced in his pursuit for South American independence. The film presents a vivid image of the political and social scene that existed during his era and contextualizes the factors that forced him to take drastic action.

The film's cinematography and direction are first-rate, with dramatic scenes of battles and sweeping landscapes of the South American continent adding to its visual appeal. The film's soundtrack, composed by Roque Valero, is nothing short of outstanding, adding significant depth and emotion to the movie.

Overall, Bolivar: El Hombre de Las Dificultades is an intriguing and engaging film that provides insight into the life and legacy of one of South America's greatest heroes. It digs beneath the surface of the historical figure, exploring the psychological, ideological and socio-economic elements that influence Bolivar's decisions, while also documenting the various ups and downs of his life. For lovers of South American history, biographical narratives, or those intrigued by the life of Simón Bolivar, this is a must-watch film.

Bolivar: El Hombre de Las Dificultades is a 2013 history movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 57 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 2.7.