User reviews

Though the plot was often hard to follow the movie was funny and enjoyable to watch. Following Santiago through his "self-discovery" as Simón Bolívar is both saddening and uplifting as the plot unfolds. The fact that the Bolivar soy yo is filmed from the perspective of a movie about a soap opera adds an interesting twist. The plot often borders on ridiculousness and any important theme that may have been intended is lost in the shadows of the storyline. One leaves the movie having completely enjoyed themselves but feeling slightly confused as to what actually happened. I would recommend this movie to anyone, even if they did not speak Spanish.

The unique, borderline bizarre style of Bolivar was particularly entertaining, but the real value of the movie was its underlying political and cultural statement. The quotes that leap forcefully out of Robinson Díaz's mouth speak of a misused and abused cultural icon that has been used as a tool to sway the public. The icon of Bolivar, along with icons like Che Guevara and Salvador Allende, has taken on a life of its own, and has been used for purposes that the men themselves may have stood against. The ravings of a half-mad soap opera actor, the incredulity of a kidnapped president, and the cooing of the beautiful Amparo Grisales fully entertain while still conveying this important message.

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.

This movie was certainly entertaining as the audience gets to watch a crazy man act absurdly pretending to be someone else. The soap-opera-type of drama and acting adds another layer of things that make the viewer smile. The main character Santiago takes on a Don Quijote-like persona, living his life as though he were actually Simón Bolívar. The irrationality of it all makes it hard to take the film seriously. Perhaps there is some sort of message or theme to the movie, but the ridiculousness of everything is too distracting to allow any long lasting impressions to stick with the audience. The light, nonchalant nature of this movie makes it accessible to any sort of audience.

Based on a real story, this awesome film is pure magic realism. It is one of those films that are able to mix tragedy and humor, something characteristic of Latin America. Being Colombian I think I find in this movie a vivid portrait of the reality of my country; it depicts the dreams of our liberator, the dreams the common people have about him, and the realities of an amazing and contradictory country. The humor in this film is not just about simple jokes, it is a social criticism. Perhaps the only thing that could make this movie a bad one is the viewer. Either if you are an expert of the Colombian conflict or someone who has no idea about it, I definitely recommend `Bolívar soy yo.'

This is the kind of movie i fear the most. Arrogant and Irresponsible, it presents a sketch of the colombian conflict so cliched and dumb it represents an insult to all Colombian people. The performances are godawul, from Grisales (her naked scene is absolutely pitiful), to Bejarano, to Fanny Mickey (who looks right out of a Tim Burton nightmare), to Díaz, who makes a notable effort to bring life to a character so one-dimensional, so cliched and so badly written all he´s left to work with is a mustache. Not to mention the gratuitous ending, a gore fest so cheesy that it would make Ed Wood cringe. It fails in all ways, cinematography, art direction, costumes, makeup, editing, and most of all directing, Jorge Alí Triana has always been a lousy filmmaker but at least his previous movies had some dignity. I can't say anything good about this waste of money, except that i hope Colombian filmmakers learn a lesson about honesty, integrity and responsability from this mean-intended fiasco.

This film can be seen on many different levels. On the surface it is a (very funny) comedy about an actor who gets so involved in the role of Simón Bolívar in a Colombian soap opera that he believes himself to be the Liberator. On a deeper level, the film makes wry comments about the theatrical nature of politics and about the way in which the mass media mix politics and fiction all the time. The politicians are at first very keen to be able to invite "Simón Bolívar" to political rallies and regional summits, and even the guerrillas want this "Simón" as the symbol of their struggle. At one point one of the guerrillas of the comically named Simon Bolivar Bolshevik Front pulls out a video camera saying "This is a Historical moment. We must record it, comrades". As we know all too well from recent events, freedom fighters and terrorists alike know that politics has become a matter of image as much as substance. It is telling that the populace in the film trust a fictional soap opera hero more than they do the president of their country. It is also telling that the mass media have no respect for History, and will happily rewrite the way Simón Bolívar died to make it more "dramatic".

This film will upset those on the Left and the Right who still believe that history is about Truth and politics are about Honour and Duty. For the rest it is a funny, bittersweet satire on the powerlessness of politicians and the power of "the society of the spectacle".

This is the prime example of a great idea executed by a moron. The story is pretty cool but photography, art and even casting is awful... I mean, why is the director's girlfriend playing two different roles anyway, if she's such a bad actress? She even looks to the camera at one point! Having near impossible locations, this foolish attempt of film wastes them. For example, a special permission was granted to film inside the Casa de Bolívar (Colombia President's quarters) but it was wasted in shot from 50 feet away. The Quinta de Bolívar (Bolívar's favorite house, now a museum) is one of the most emblematic colonial buildings in Bogotá, but shot in the night with a terrible photography looks like crap. Amparo Grisales is terrible in a double-sided role, since she's far from a good actress. Art is average, since they ask the audience to believe in a world without detail.

In fewer words, although the screenplay is a masterpiece, the overall film in near enjoyable due lack of talent in the directing department.

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.

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.

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 like this movie its funny and has great Colombian actors, I enjoyed Robinson Diaz as the actor that wants to be Bolivar and follow his dreams of peace and union in a world that doesn't care about justice anymore. Amparo Grisales always beautiful, Camargo as the president that just care about his image instead of the country problems. Funny as people treat Robinson as Bolivar maybe looking for a hope a "Liberator" somebody they can believe and trust.

I saw the film "Bolívar soy yo" yesterday (October 2, 2002). It was shown in the 33rd International Film Festival of India. Jorge Ali Triana was present in the auditorium. I am moved. I have never dreamt that based on the life of the 'Great Liberator' of Latin America i.e. Simon Bolivar, a serious film like 'Bolívar soy yo' could be made. I am really moved.

It's a great work, each character well managed, and a very good direction. Also the sound and photography are well done. I feel that the time I spend seeing this movie was great. I have seen it many times and in each view I found new lectures in the characters. Is a good film and a fine production. I recommend it. This film has a historic view which refers to Bolivar's life and his beloved Manuelita, who some writer said she was the Liberator of the Liberator, an extraordinary woman that twice saved Bolivar's life. Also in the same film scenes we can observed some of the problems this wonderful country (Colombia) has with the "guerrillas" and their points of view. The writers made a very good work.

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.