Burn! (re-release) 2004
Directed by
Gillo Pontecorvo
Made by
United Artists
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Burn! (re-release) (2004). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
In 1844, the British Admiralty sends Sir William Walker, an agent provocateur, to the island of Queimada (which translates to “Burned” or “Burnt”), a Portuguese colony nestled in the Lesser Antilles. The British government has a clear agenda: they aim to open the island for economic exploitation under the Antilles Royal Sugar Company. Walker’s primary mission is to orchestrate a rebellion among the enslaved Africans against the Portuguese rule, which the British plans to replace with a government led by compliant white planters.
Upon his arrival in Queimada, Walker forms a friendship with the charismatic José Dolores, whom he persuades to spearhead the slave uprising. He also encourages influential landowners to reject the Portuguese authority. The rebellion led by Dolores proves successful, culminating in Walker facilitating the assassination of the Portuguese governor during a well-planned night coup. Subsequently, Walker establishes a puppet government loyal to the Antilles Company, headed by the idealistic yet ineffective revolutionary Teddy Sanchez. Walker convinces Dolores to accept the new regime and lay down his weapons in return for the promise of abolishing slavery. With his mission completed, Walker moves on to his next assignment in Indochina.
Fast forward to 1848, Dolores becomes disillusioned with the puppet regime’s collaboration with the Antilles Company and leads a second rebellion aimed at expelling British control from Queimada. After six long years of conflict, in 1854, the company brings Walker back to Queimada (having located him in Plymouth, England) with the approval of the Admiralty, assigning him the task of quelling the rebellion and restoring order to the island. Fueled by resentment towards the company’s exploitation, President Sanchez doesn’t cooperate. Walker orchestrates a coup, leading to Sanchez’s ousting and execution, and sets up a regime that entirely serves the company’s interests. British troops are called in, and guided by Walker, they swiftly suppress the insurgency and capture Dolores.
Despite their shared past, when Walker tries to save Dolores from execution, the rebel leader declines, declaring that freedom is earned, not granted. Tragically, Dolores is hanged shortly thereafter. As Walker prepares to leave Queimada, he is confronted by a man reminiscent of Dolores, who then stabs him to death. In his final moments, Walker gazes around to see the disapproving stares of the oppressed community that he had once sought to liberate.
Timeline
Track the key events of Burn! (re-release) (2004) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Arrival in Queimada
In 1844, Sir William Walker arrives on the island of Queimada, a Portuguese colony. The British Admiralty has tasked him with instigating a rebellion among the enslaved Africans to undermine Portuguese control and establish British interests.
Friendship with José Dolores
After his arrival, Walker befriends José Dolores, a charismatic leader among the enslaved population. He convinces Dolores to lead the rebellion against Portuguese authority, setting the stage for a significant uprising.
Instigating the Rebellion
Walker encourages local landowners to turn against Portuguese rule, fostering a united front for the impending rebellion. This strategic move lays the groundwork for the uprising led by Dolores.
Assassination of the Governor
The rebellion culminates in a successful coup during which Walker facilitates the assassination of the Portuguese governor. This pivotal event marks the start of British influence on the island and the removal of colonial authority.
Establishment of Puppet Government
Following the rebellion, Walker establishes a puppet government headed by the idealistic yet ineffective Teddy Sanchez. The new regime is crafted to suit the interests of the Antilles Royal Sugar Company.
Dolores Accepts New Regime
Walker convinces Dolores to accept the new government and disarm in exchange for a promise to abolish slavery. However, this promise leads to further complications as power dynamics begin to shift.
Disillusionment and Second Rebellion
By 1848, José Dolores becomes disillusioned with Sanchez's collaboration with the Antilles Company. He leads a second rebellion aimed at overthrowing the British-backed regime and expelling foreign control from Queimada.
Walker Returned to Queimada
In 1854, the Antilles Company, seeking to quell the rebellion, brings Walker back to Queimada. With the Admiralty's approval, his mission is to restore order and eliminate the uprising that has disrupted their control.
Coup Against Sanchez
Walker orchestrates a coup to oust President Sanchez, who stands in opposition to the Antilles Company's interests. Sanchez is executed, underscoring Walker's ruthless dedication to maintaining British control.
Suppression of the Insurgency
With British troops called in, Walker leads a concerted effort to suppress the rebellion. Dolores is captured, marking a significant victory for the British and their local allies.
Dolores's Defiance
In a poignant moment, when Walker attempts to save Dolores from execution, the rebel leader refuses his aid. He boldly declares that freedom is something that must be earned, not offered.
Execution of Dolores
Despite Walker's intentions, Dolores is hanged shortly after their final confrontation. His execution symbolizes the crushing of the rebellion and the tenacity of British dominance over the island.
Confrontation Before Departure
As Walker prepares to leave Queimada, he encounters a man resembling Dolores. In a shocking twist, this man stabs Walker, reflecting the unresolved animosity towards his manipulative actions.
Walker's Final Moments
In his dying moments, Walker realizes the depth of the suffering he has caused. He is surrounded by the disapproving gazes of the very people he sought to 'liberate,' leaving a legacy of betrayal.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Burn! (re-release) (2004) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Sir William Walker
Sir William Walker is an agent provocateur representing British interests in the film. Charismatic yet manipulative, he orchestrates rebellions for his government's gain rather than for true liberation. His journey is one of moral ambiguity, leading to devastating consequences for those he once inspired.
José Dolores
José Dolores is a charismatic leader who originally embraces Walker's vision for rebellion but grows increasingly disillusioned as the puppet government's collaboration with colonizers becomes apparent. His arc reveals a deep commitment to achieving true freedom, which ultimately leads to tragedy.
Teddy Sanchez
Teddy Sanchez serves as a symbolic figure of the puppet regime established by Walker. Idealistic but ineffective, his inability to confront the realities of colonialism leads to further conflict. Sanchez's character highlights the complexities of leadership under external control and betrayal.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Burn! (re-release) (2004), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
1844-1854
The period from 1844 to 1854 was marked by colonial tensions as European powers sought to expand their empires through exploitation of resources and people. This era saw revolutions and uprisings, with enslaved populations fighting for freedom and power dynamics shifting rapidly. The struggle for autonomy and the fight against imperialism were defining themes during these years.
Location
Queimada
Queimada, a Portuguese colony in the Lesser Antilles, serves as the battleground for colonial and revolutionary ideologies. Known for its sugar plantations and the exploitation of enslaved Africans, the island encapsulates the conflicting interests of imperial powers and the desires of oppressed communities. Its tumultuous history during the mid-19th century is marked by rebellions and the struggle for independence from colonial rule.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Burn! (re-release) (2004). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Rebellion
Rebellion is a central theme, as seen through the orchestrated uprisings led by José Dolores against the colonial Portuguese rule. The film highlights the complexities of revolutionary movements, where motivations and consequences intertwine. It explores the idea of freedom, emphasizing that true liberation requires struggle and sacrifice.
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Freedom
The quest for freedom permeates the narrative, driving characters like Dolores to resist oppressive systems. The film illustrates the stark contrast between the promise of liberation and the realities of betrayal. Ultimately, it underscores a profound message: freedom must be fought for, not merely granted by occupying forces.
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Colonialism
Colonialism looms large in the story, showcasing the exploitative agendas of European powers like Britain. The manipulation of local populations for economic gain and the establishment of puppet governments reveal the dark underbelly of imperialism. The film critiques the persistent cycle of oppression that arises from such exploitation, leaving lasting effects on the colonized.
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