Bolivar soy yo

I´m german living in Colombia and I enjoyed it. Yes, Colombia has serious problems and even in the best case real improvements of the situation will take decades. But in the meantime it´s a good idea to have self ironic view on it... Real life only has to be exaggerated a bit to have an absurd comedy. I really like this variance of latin humor. On the other hand, one great idea (an actor converts in a national hero) doesn´t make a great movie. Colombian telenovelas often have better stories with more details and better dialogues. Summing up I give a 6 of 10.

A friend loaned me this film and I'm glad he did. I am not knowledgeable on either the history of Simon Bolivar or current day Columbia, but this was not a barrier to enjoying the story. The protagonist is a lead in a very popular historical soap opera in which he plays Simon Bolivar. It is clear that the TV show is not going for historical accuracy, but is content to focus on Bolivar's love affairs. The script calls for Bolivar to be shot before a firing squad. Our protagonist begins to identify strongly with the character, especially the latter's dreams of a unified Columbia. He bolts from the set just before he is shot and visits the current president of Columbia who is a fan and invites him attend a political rally, where he feels he can benefit from the actor's popularity. A series of adventures ensue in which the lead character fluctuates between his own identity and that of Bolivar, moving more toward the latter as the film progresses. The humorous situations that follow are able to show how Bolivar's dream of a united Columbia have been thwarted by selfish politicians on both the right and left. This type of film often unravels about half way through, but "Bolivar Is Me" manages to reach the ending with flying colors. Very enjoyable on several levels. 7 of 10.

If you do not know much about Columbian history, this will spark your interest. The director, Jorge Alí Triana, has a knack for intriguing the viewer and making them want to research the life Simon Bolivar. When Santiago Miranda says that Simon Bolivar did not die the way that they depict in the soap opera that he plays a role in, it is intriguing. It forces the viewer to ask, how did he really die? That is a question that many have been asking for a long time. Also, the comedic relief in this film is genius. It keeps you on your toes, and it breaks up the dismal view that the viewer gets of Santiago, who seems insane at certain points in the movie. The viewers feel pity for him, mostly.

Anyone with some interest in Colombia (or the region) would probably find this film worthwhile. Though comical, it does have serious undertones, but it is not political in a partisan sense. The perilous title role is handled deftly by Robinson Diaz and Amparo Grisales is lovely in a supporting role. I think the movie succeeds on its own terms. The filmmakers seem to have been seeking a certain tone, not so easy to do in this case, but I would say they got it right.

I've seen this movie twice in a week.

I think Jorge Ali Triana, the director, is a genius. He says things he feels, but said through Bolivar mouth. It's an impact seeing Simon Bolivar addressing to the presidents, in a very hard way, telling them his ideals had been taken in a wrong way, using his name in schools that teach nothing, in guerrillas made for killing brothers, in institutions using corrupted ways to get their goals.

I must add I consider myself as a San Martin follower, but this movie has made me change a little bit my opinion about Simon Bolivar, his fight and ideals, and the way he stand for his principles.