Lines of Wellington (2012)

Film Overview
"Lines of Wellington" is a 2012 historic drama directed by Valeria Sarmiento and produced by Paulo Branco. The movie was heavily influenced by the designated work of the late director Raul Ruiz, concentrating on the historical events of the Portuguese front throughout the Peninsular War in 1810. Its star-studded cast includes John Malkovich, Catherine Deneuve, Mathieu Amalric, and many well-known European stars.

Plot Summary
The story begins in September 1810 throughout the 3rd French invasion of Portugal by Napoleon's forces. The famous Duke of Wellington, Arthur Wellesley, remarkably played by John Malkovich, stands as the new British-Portuguese commander-in-chief. With an excellent tactical mind, Wellington designs a defensive line (Lines of Torres Vedras) fortified with 152 forts, aiming to protect Lisbon and exhaust Napoleon's forces.

Concurrently, the plot follows the adversities of various private stories from soldiers, including a solid woman of the street, Clarissa, and a caring yet desolate lieutenant, Martírio. Linking individual stories illustrate the harsh truth of war, creating a psychological connection for the audience.

Creative Direction and Vision
Heavily motivated by famous Chilean director Raúl Ruiz, who passed away before getting a chance to direct it himself, the film carries his complex story and storytelling genius. After Ruiz's unfortunate death, his widow, Valeria Sarmiento took over instructions, remaining true to his artistic vision, and brought life to the sophisticated narrative that would have remained in his hands.

Historical Representation and Characters
The movie stands out at providing a vivid portrayal of the Peninsular War. Together with the major historical figure, The Duke of Wellington, the film brings a wide variety of characters to life, representing various classes and professions of the time. This uses a complex yet remarkable perspective on how a regular populace gets knotted in the strife of political chaos and war.

Important Reception
Though the film didn't receive a larger audience due to its language barrier and extended run-time, it shined through its unbelievable efficiencies, with Malkovich's portrayal of Wellington as stand-out. Often admired for its remarkable production design, authentic setting, and the proficient interweaving of characters' narratives within the larger historical context, Lines of Wellington uses an engaging perspective on the mayhem and scary of war.

Film Conclusion and Impact
"Lines of Wellington" concludes by revealing the withdrawal of the French forces, leaving devastation and anarchy in their wake. The film efficiently utilizes the metaphor of fog to represent both the physical and psychological state of war, clearing just when peace is restored. Although spoiled by the shadow of death and destruction, the movie likewise explores themes of love, endurance, and hope versus all odds.

With its epic historic setting, the movie works as a tribute to the tenacious spirit of the Portuguese individuals and their struggle for survival throughout among the most crucial durations in their history. Despite its long run-time and large cast of characters, Lines of Wellington manages to craft a compelling narrative that effectively connects private stories into the bigger historical context, making it a significant contribution to war movie theater.

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