Realities of Freedom in Bolivar Soy Yo - Movie Review Example

Realities of Freedom in “Bolivar Soy Yo” Introduction The expressions of freedom and democracy of Latin America have created alternative foundations that represent independence. One of the expressions that has created an alternative understanding is from the interpretation of Simon Bolivar’s “El Libertador.” The work of Bolivar was known to define both reality and fiction in a different way while adding in a stronger definition of what independence means. The significance of this particular work is one that was followed by “Bolivar Soy Yo,” a film that was based on Bolivar’s understanding of liberation. Both of the works contributed to the struggle for independence from Spain and created a deeper understanding of the political concepts of Latin America. More importantly, there was an understanding of the struggle of independence from Spain and what this meant to the specific country. The revolutionary concepts portrayed in both Bolivar’s and Martin’s works created a different understanding of the culture and politics o the time. From these works, depictions in different films and programs, such as soap operas have gained a deeper significance within the country. Bolivar Soy Yo and El Libertador The concepts that are depicted in “Bolivar Soy Yo” are defined by the concepts of independence, as well as the cultural aspects that are a part of Latin America. Each of these is combined with the understanding of the society and what is needed for the particular time frame. The main focus on both “Bolivar Soy Yo” and Bolivar’s original work is to question the ideas of independence and freedom. In “Bolivar Soy Yo,” this is depicted through the political plot line that is in the movie. The main part of this in the movie begins after Santiago is taken to a mental ward. After this, the president requests that he goes to a summit meeting, which Santiago rejects. At this point, Santiago begins to believe that he is Bolivar and that he has to claim independence from the government and president. With this, there is an understanding by the majority of the public that there needs to be a revolution for independence, with the rebels believing that the government has too many controls. The statements that are made in this political realm create a different understanding of the ideas of independence and the concepts of reality that are expected within society. More importantly, there is deeper meaning about the concept of the rebels and the realities and fiction that is associated with independence. The second aspect that is a part of the film, and which moves into other arenas of movies, is through the concept of reality and fiction that moves throughout the film. This is not only used to show a questioning of fiction, but also redefines the realities that are a part of politics and culture. The perspectives that are added into this create a question about what really happened in terms of independence and whether it is truthful. For instance, the ending section moves outside of the political realm as well as the relationships that are created and ends with Santiago saying “cut” then showing the screen. Another instance shows this when Santiago decides to dress as Bolivar, in which he moves within the political realms and takes the ideas of independence. Screen cuts and showing the studio are used in spaces such as when Santiago is taken into the mental ward to show this questioning of reality. This shows a depiction between the realities and fantasy of the movie, as well as a question of whether society, culture and the political realm has accepted the concepts of independence and freedom as a part of their lives. Relating Soap Operas to Bolivar Soy Yo The two concepts of independence and reality versus fiction in Bolivar Soy Yo are not only pertinent in the statements made through the movie and from the ideas of liberation created by Bolivar. The themes that have been created from this have also moved into other areas of entertainment, specifically because of their significance in society. One of the shows that have created the ideas of both independence and the difference between reality and fiction is the depictions through soap operas in Columbia. The themes that are used in these mediums carry through to create a deeper meaning to the realities of society as well as the concepts that are a part of the culture from the past political realms. When looking at the realistic and fictional lines, one can see a representation from several different soap operas. For instance, “Pasion de Gavilanes,” or Passion of Hawks, has a resemblance of the realistic and fictional aspects of life. Even though this doesn’t move outside of the script or narrative to question reality, the story line becomes extreme in moments to create a sense of fiction. This is done through the three brothers who fall in love with the three sisters, and which create different scenarios and senses of drama through this main theme. This is combined with the extreme actions that portray revenge on the families and the way that the landowners and outside characters look at the romance. It can be seen from certain areas that the concepts of reality, such as the wealthy landowner, depict a reality that most can relate to. However, the love relationship as well as the ideas of revenge moves into extreme circumstances to show a line between reality and fiction. The concepts of reality and fiction through this soap opera are similar to “Bolivar Soy Yo.” From one perspective the ideals of what are happening could be realistic and make sense in terms of the plot line that is happening. For instance, Santiago’s depiction of Bolivar and the way that reality is portrayed through politics is one that could be seen as realistic. This specific portrayal relates directly to the landowner in the “Passion of Hawks” to show the same type of realistic situation that needs to be overthrown. However, the extremities that move into fiction are portrayed in the same manner. For instance, with Santiago, the admiration from the politicians, being thrown into the mental institute and the movement between different realities all become fictional. In the soap opera, this same type of fiction is seen, specifically because of the three relationships and the extremity of drama that is seen through the concepts of revenge that are a part of the soap opera. The idea of reality versus fiction moves into other types of soap operas that are directly linked to ones understanding of personal reality. One of the most popular soap operas that are in Columbia is ‘Yo Soy Betty, La Fea.” This particular soap opera depicts the story of a woman, Lety, who is working at a corporation and falls in love with her boss, who is already dating another woman. Lety is also known as the ugly duckling and is hardly recognized by the boss or what is occurring. However, as time goes on, the boss realizes that he is in love with Lety, despite her looks and other problems with her character. The concept of reality in this particular show is one that is overtaken by the fiction of what could possibly happen through the fantasies of Lety as well as the end results from the boss. The fantasies take over the reality and eventually become the realistic ending of the soap opera, as Lety turns into the woman that the boss loves. This particular soap opera is similar to Bolivar because of the character depiction. By the end of the film, Santiago believes that he is Bolivar and is fighting for independence. Similar to Lety, there is a belief that the idea of fantasy is one that can turn into reality. More importantly the characters that are in each of the areas of cinema can change to become something that they fantasize about, as opposed to the reality of who they are. For Santiago, he turns into the fantasy of Bolivar as the hero who is able to gain independence for the country. For Lety, her fantasy of being with her boss allows her to build her own reality to move outside of the realities of her looks and into a real relationship with her boss by the end. The ability for the characters to create their own reality through fantasy and to cross the boundaries between the two becomes a central theme in both the movie and in the soap opera. Not only do some of the soap operas depict the theme of reality versus fantasy, but also move into the ideals of independence, as shown through the settings and the main characters. Many of the soap operas move into the societal understandings of freedom and independence of Spain with political undertones that are a part of many of the scenes. Creating this depiction is similar to the same ideals of “Bolivar soy Yo” in understanding some of the main conflicts that are a part of Latin America. Intertwining these central concepts provides a different association with the soap operas as well as the way that many look at the concept of politics and societal freedoms. A soap opera that shows this main ideal is “Alborada.” This soap opera takes place in the historical time period of Panama and Mexico and sets the stage for the several concepts of politics. The main part of this comes from the main character, Hipolita, who is being forced into a relationship to become pregnant. To gain her freedom, she flees to Mexico so she doesn’t have to go through the arrangements by her mother – in law. The main plot line that takes place with this is one that becomes a metaphor for the idea of gaining freedom. As the freedom continues, there is an understanding of the political agendas and how this intertwines with the individual lives of those that are within a country. For instance, when the main character goes to Mexico, she becomes intertwined with the politics that are a part of the country and the changes that are occurring toward freedom. Her own ideas of independence become intertwined with the love affair and the concepts of independence that are from this time frame. The history and the ideas of independence become a main component that is seen throughout this soap opera. The ideas of freedom and independence in this soap opera are similar to the struggles that are represented through the depiction of Bolivar. Santiago and Hipolita are similar in character as both become representations of freedom and independence. Even though Hipolita is forced to go into a different country because of the ideas of independence, Santiago has a similar movement as he goes through the mental institute then becomes a political leader. Each of these links directly to the realities of politics and the way that it is associated with one’s ability to have a sense of freedom. The importance of independence in both the soap opera and the film are first understood by individual freedoms and the concept of defining individual independence. However, this intertwines with the concepts of freedom as it is represented through politics, individuals that are running the country and the way that this is associated with one’s personal freedoms. These all become a main staple for the country and the way that it is able to show the ideals of freedom and independence that the culture associates with. A second soap opera that shows the ideas of freedom and independence is Rubi. This particular soap opera is based on Rubi, who decides to leave her husband for wealth and independence. Rubi is found going between two men, one who was her old fiancée who has gained status and wealth, and the second who is her new fiancée, who continues to lose his status and wealth. The underlying theme that is a part of this is based on the political agendas that many have, as well as the ways in which individuals will compromise their own freedoms and independence for other concepts that relate specifically to status and wealth. The themes that are in “Rubi” are also seen in “Bolivar Soy Yo” and depict the same idea of wealth and riches, as opposed to independence. The character of Rubi is one that is seen through the politicians that surround Santiago, all which create a specific relationship to wealth and riches as their main priority. The psychologists, politicians and others surrounding Santiago are all based on ideas of wealth and prestige and base their identity and freedoms off this main component. However, Santiago moves against this by making statements that freedom is much more important than wealth and status. It is this same conflict that Rubi carries, even though it is more internal than Santiago’s statements. Her building of reputation is based on wealth and status, as opposed to freedoms. However, as her character moves between men and fights with the identity, she has to realize that independence and freedom is more important than her relationship with wealth. Other characters in this soap opera also bring this same message to society to show the concepts of independence and freedom as more important than wealth and status. Conclusion The main concepts that are a part of “Bolivar Yos So” are also depicted in other soap operas and films. These reflect the ideas of fantasy as opposed to reality, as well as the concept of independence and freedom. Each of these has become a basis for the main ideologies of the films and television not only because of the main concepts as essential to film. More importantly, these two themes reflect society and the most important components that are a part of the culture and the movement of Latin America into political freedoms that took place from Bolivar. The statements that are made and which are based on ideas of liberty show that the Latin American ideology is one that continues to be focused on independence, freedom and political ideologies that should become a reality, as opposed to being a fantasy. The impact that this has made is reflected in soap operas as well as other television series, all which create a reflection of the societal values of independence. Works Cited Estrada Carla. Alborada. Televisa: 2006 Isfel, Violeta. Rubi. Televisa: 2005. Jimenez, Julio. Pasion de Gavilanes. RTI Columbia: 2003. Ribero, Mario. Yo Soy Betty, La Fea. RTI Columbia: 2007 Triana, Jorge Ali. Bolivar Soy Yo. RTI Colubmia: 2002. Read More