Original subtitles

Achieving independence did cost two wars to Venezuela

because the victorious achievements of the first one became nullified when, after Napoleon was defeated,

Spain deployed overwhelming force to re-establish control over Latin America.

Summarizing ideas and characters from the revolutionary movement

in a quick summary of the second war, our story begins with the new formation of the first rebel groups.

Peasants, middle class conservatives, military from the first army, united by the idea of liberty,

were crazy concepts and ways to achieve them for those times.

Halt!

I have a message for General del Llano.

Come with me.

Well, there is General del Llano.

Lieutenant Paco Barreiro, from General Bolivar's Army.

General del Llano, from General del Llano's Army.

How much do you want for the cows and the grain?

200 pesos.

Let's make it 400.

Payable in cash after the revolution victory.

We need it now, we are poor.

This ... is money.

You don't believe it because you don't believe in the revolution.

You love liberty ... but you don't expect it.

Go and leave me alone.

So General Bolivar sends you.

And what does the Liberator want?

He wants the Spanish troops to beat him again?

He wants all the chiefs to meet to discuss our problems.

So, does General Bolivar have problems?

Tell him I don't discuss war: I make it!

Yes, General!

We llaneros (plainsmen) were already fighting the Spaniards ...

when the Liberator was still wearing diapers.

You also tell him that the revolution has changed many things.

Before the peasants visited the masters,

and now ...

the masters must visit the peasants.

Yes, General.

If he wants to talk with me ....

tell him to come here!

Will do, General!

Halt!

- Hi, pal. Can I go? - Oh, it's you. Hi.

That's what he told me, word by word.

You don't think he will change his mind?

No.

The peasant is not coming!

Gentlemen, del Llano refuses to come.

Very good! Better that way, we don't want anything to do with him.

This way we won't have any contact with those marauders.

Why marauders? They are peasants who have lived in poverty for centuries.

- They're great fighters. - They are no soldiers!

What do they have in common with Fernando Gonzalez's veterans,

or with Cardon's soldiers? Anyway, we came here to discuss supply zones.

We are talking about the same region.

- Then end of discussion. - Immediately!

Great, gentlemen.

By removing del Llano from our plan, he can come at any time in our area

and force people who already gave everything to give what they don't have.

As a result, people will see in the banner of freedom a symbol of hunger.

This is why we must make it clear that we are not linked to del Llano.

After we do that we just have to divide amongst ourselves the supply zones.

- Agreed? - Agreed.

- Agreed? - Do you agree, Bolivar?

I don't think so, my friends.

No, I cannot be in agreement.

Neither with you

nor with you.

I don't think we have to split responsibilities or supply areas.

On the contrary, we must unite.

Right now,

we must become one single unit. One single force!

Force? Each of us can hardly put 4 soldiers together!

- That's why we need to unite. - We didn't come here to discuss that.

I did, and we will talk about that! I'm only interested in unity!

Where is your democracy? Each of us has the right to choose why to risk his neck!

If you believe that then your concept of America is different than mine.

Or his, or his.

It's rather the King of Spain's!

We already know that speech, Bolivar!

Whites, Creoles, Mestizos, Blacks, we are all very different races!

We know that.

How can we achieve results without a central command?

There is disorder, and laws are nonsense. We know, Bolivar!

- Yours is the speech of dictatorship! - That's not true!

- Bolivar, your unity has cost us defeat! - But where is that unity?

In any case, to do things right we must do them twice!

We must learn from our mistakes.

Otherwise our brothers' and friends' sacrifices would have been in vain.

You know where they are!

The lucky ones, in the cemeteries. The others lay dead in the Venezuelan plains.

Their bones under the sun!

Let's be clear. A single army means one single chief.

And I don't think you want to nominate me or him.

The veterans that I have led in many battles over the years

will not obey another commander overnight. They are not mercenaries!

Remember that we don't need unity: we need justice!

I always tell to my men Death to the King, Death to the Government.

Down to the Spanish army, all our days are to fight!

We will not have one minute of peace!

We must be incensed by hate and revenge! That is, by justice.

Unity will come later!

Listen, it's over 300 horses.

- What shall we do, General? - Retreat.

There is no other way.

Each man on his own. Good luck.

On your horses.

They think they are at home. Looks like they are parading.

- I would love to blast them! - Please, General.

We couldn't even ....

That's suicidal. They will be slaughtered!

Bolivar!

Cardon! Call Cardon!

Call him!

- Let's go! - Let's attack!

- Charge, guys! - Charge!

- For Venezuela! - Let's go!

Charge!

Once again his reasoning prevailed.

We made them run.

In order to win, we must be united.

Halt!

Where is that madman?

Paco ....

Be brave, old pal. Don't give up, that's an order.

I need you, do you understand?

Don't order me that, Sir.

For first time I won't be able to obey you.

Forgive me, Paco, for being your master for so many years.

Forgive me for setting you free so late.

And forgive me if, with freedom, I gave you a flag to die for.

At least you die a free man.

And your child and his children will die as free men.

This I swear to you.

Shoot them!

Aim!

Stop!

Why shooting them?

Why not? We have too many prisoners to feed.

And you speak about justice, Cardon?

They are soldiers, not murderers. Let them go so that they talk about us,

they will say that we don't fight against Spaniards but rather for independence.

They too have Spanish blood. Set them free!

General Bolivar, we don't take orders from you! You are not our commander!

- Obey him. - Untie their hands.

Where are we going, General?

To San Antonio de Apure, to meet with del Llano!

To join him!

Look ....

You arrived well escorted, General Bolivar.

What do you want?

I want to tell you, General, that in our Country there are no peasants left

and no masters either, just soldiers of the revolution.

I also want to tell you that if you fought the Spaniards since I wore diapers

that's because you are fighting them alone.

The Spanish Army is united.

We will never win if we are divided.

- Long live Bolivar! - Long live the revolution!

- Greetings, friends. - Gentlemen ....

General.

Greetings, Bolivar!

- Our republic has been reborn, friends! - Thanks to you, General.

It is a just symbol that we have the first Congress here, in this house,

destroyed like our Country, which we are going to rebuild once and forever.

Forever!

He's a fanatic, he speaks of freedom for all American countries.

We will take care of our own Country, and that's enough.

Enough!

He says there is no liberty without unity, and there is no unity without equality.

The abolition of slavery. That's very nice.

-And who will work the land? Us? - Why not?

- What? - Why not?

Before starting the first Congress of our new democracy,

let's drink to our soldiers, who fought to give it new life.

- Long live independence! - Long live!

Under Bolivar's message of unity, the revolution advances.

With the fall of Angostura and Soledad, with Barinas and Casanare occupied,

and with the victories of Vargas and Boyaca, a great part of Venezuela has been freed.

But the bulk of the Spanish army is still intact.

General Simon Bolivar, Commander in Chief of the Liberation Army, calls to arms to all citizens 18 to 50 years old to achieve our Country's independence.

- How did you spend the night? Thinking? - Well, not the entire night.

- Good morning. - Good morning, General.

Let's go, lads!

By Saint Anthony, we've already freed half the Country from the Spaniards.

General ....

We've stopped a coach. They carry these documents.

And you spend all nights thinking.

Don't be sarcastic, I really think.

We still haven't found the Spaniards.

We haven't found the bulk of the army. We have only fought their rearguards.

- Damn, we've won all battles! - Yes, but only the final victory counts.

Pedro Primero also wanted to be the first one in the good news.

A Spanish passport.

Let's see who it is.

What's it? What are you doing?

Don't you see they're stealing the horses?

Hitch them up again.

- This passport was issued in Carabobo. - No, it was just stamped.

- At the Spanish General Headquarters. - Exactly.

- Going where? - To our home, to Caracas.

Going home?

Carabobo is not the way to Caracas, even if it is safer.

There could be a large concentration of troops.

Yes, you're right. Very large and very cumbersome.

But things can be worse.

Soldiers that are bandits, like yours for example!

Thank you.

These papers are no longer valid.

This area is no longer under Spanish control.

Since when?

Did nobody tell you about the revolution?

Really. So you think it would be better for us to turn around?

That depends on your point of view.

Is a woman allowed to have a point of view?

That depends on the woman.

Listen, what documents are needed in the areas that Spaniards no longer control?

The one I will give you.

- Your name? - Conchita Moreno Diaz.

And yours?

Consuelo Hernández.

Hernández?

Yes, my husband is in charge of the Spanish Administration in Caracas.

Sorry, he never asked me for my point of view.

You may want to know that the entire Spanish Army is gathering in Carabobo.

Thank you.

And if this doesn't work, to whom do I complain?

To me ... with it.

We are heading towards Carabobo!

Take charge and camp overnight.

Alright, General!

But he is Bolivar!

I'm going!

My dear!

Say good morning to the master.

We no longer use the word "master" in my house.

But....

Gabriel! What a surprise!

I thought you were in London.

That's where your last letter came from.

Then I went to Brussels and Paris.

Let me see you.

You haven't changed, perhaps a few more wrinkles.

How did you know that I would be here?

That's easy for an old politician. This old house is in your path.

- We started here! - Our first memories.

I remember when the Governor sent his son with the message.

"Don't misbehave, I know you agitators are conspiring". Remember?

Yes ....

And you answered quickly "We just get together to play music"

And you started playing the piano.

Rivas was there, I was here,

Mateos was over there.

Mateos, what a great guy ....

- Remember him? - Yes.

- And on the other side was Aristeguieta. - Aristeguieta ....

Yes ...

And Gonzalo ....

over there ...

But there's no use being sad, Gabriel.

If we didn't succeed then we will succeed now,

because now we are more committed and decided!

You already did it....

and I wasn't there.

Being exiled is a sad thing, Simon. Many months with no news.

Then it takes months to cross the ocean. By the time one arrives, it's all over.

No, no ...

nothing is over, the Spaniards are still there, waiting for us,

militarily intact and better equipped than us.

Alright.

But, you have already achieved your great dream: the Unification of Venezuela.

In Paris everyone talked about you.

Your Angostura manifest, the division of power,

people's sovereignty and the abolishment of slavery.

A chorus of approval!

But what defined you as a visionary

was your concept of freedom for all people in a united South America.

Then listen to me.

Listen ...

You've arrived just in time, Gabriel.

I need a man like you.

Not in the battlefield, but in Congress.

A politician who spreads my ideas.

- Will you do that, Gabriel? - Of course, Simon.

The timing is perfect. Each of us will have a task to do .

I will be at the battlefield, you will be in Congress for the political victory.

And combining our efforts, maybe ...

our dream of America's unification will become true.

Alert, night watch!

Halt!

Halt! Who's there? Just salute!

General!

- How old are you? - I am 15.

- Volunteer? - Yes, Sir.

- And you watch for your friends this way? - The Liberator ....!

Yes, The Liberator.

And you are sleeping!

To the arms!

Don't kill them! Take them prisoner!

You damn bastards!

There they go!

Get them!

Halt! Don't move!

Your names?

Capt. Andres Diaz de Sandoval.

Lieut. Miguel Diaz de Sandoval.

- Are you related? - We are brothers.

We've captured two Spanish officers. They are brothers.

- In uniforms? - Yes, Sir.

- Where are they? - In the hospital.

- Go to bed. - But I need to ...

To bed! Tomorrow we won't rest. Go!

- Ssssh! Silence! - Huh? Oh, yes.

How many beds do we have?

200 here, and 500 in the area.

They're not enough. You'll have to do the impossible, doctor. Will you?

- Of course. - OK.

It's not about that. It's that you didn't say a word about that.

If you couldn't tell the soldiers

you could at least have told me!

I don't put up with falsehood.

Since when does a captain have to tell his soldiers

what they will do in battle?

It's not the captain, it's you!

I'm not talking to a superior, but to my own brother.

And if I'd told you before the objective of our operation?

What would have you done?

Would you have defected?

I don't know.

One thing is to blow up a magazine, and different one is killing treacherously!

There is no treachery! We must prevent these beds

from being filled with the wounded and dying to satisfy Bolivar's ambition.

He's destroying the natural way of life.

You have offended your uniform, and the Spanish army you are so proud of!

And to win we must assassinate the commander in chief of the enemy's army?

Since when is that a problem?

Since we came back to this land after fighting the French.

The land where I was born

which is also the land of the people we are fighting

in the name of a king who is neither our father nor theirs.

Excellent article, Simon. Clearer and stronger than your Angostura speech.

So you think it could be published in our old Correo del Orinoco?

Of course!

- Have a good trip. - Thank you, General.

Lt. Miguel Diaz de Sandoval, right?

Yes, Sir.

I have two good reasons to have you shot, Lieutenant.

First, it wasn't an act of war but an attempt to murder me.

Yes, Sir.

Second, like myself you are a Venezuelan born in Caracas.

Yet, you are wearing a Spanish uniform. This is considered treason.

Yes, Sir. I know your manifesto "War or Death".

When I wrote that

times were harder. Much harder

and bloodier than now.

Therefore,

I expect you will be more useful alive.

Meanwhile you'll tell me how many Spanish regiments are awaiting us in Carabobo;

How many cannons;

the size of the infantry;

and how many horses.

General Bolivar, if me being a Spanish soldier

could be considered as treason,

so would be answering your questions.

Do you love your uniform?

I am a Spanish soldier.

And for what I know you have never renounced your origin.

That's why I love my uniform..

Indeed.

I, too, have Spanish blood.

- From now on you are under my orders. - I cannot accept, General.

Your first task will sound a bit strange to you: you'll have to free a prisoner.

Your brother.

General, I would give my life ...

Perhaps that will give you a clearer idea about the power or our revolution.

In any case, Lieutenant Diaz ...

the Spanish forces in Carabobo consist of one cavalry division

under the command of Brigadier Morales;

3 infantry regiments commanded by Brig. Burgos;

the complete Valencia Regiment;

a regiment of artillery commanded by Col. ...

Colonel Corrucha, with 12 cannons and 2000 soldiers.

In total, 10,000 men. Let's go, Captain Diaz.

- My rank is lieutenant, Sir. - I said "captain".

Miguel!

Miguel, I said "captain", not "general".

Let's go.

Soldiers!

You are about to complete

the greatest task ever entrusted by the Heavens to men!

To rid the world from tyranny and slavery!

Soldiers!

The enemy you must defeat brags of being undefeated for 14 years in a row!

You are about to confront men

who want to fight against you

and you all did shine in over 100 battles!

Soldiers!

Venezuela and the rest of America look at you and await Peace,

which is the daughter of Victory.

The whole Liberal Europe is looking at you!

Because freedom in the New World

means freedom everywhere!

Will you default that hope?

No!!!!! No!!!!! No!!!!!

You are invincible!

Long live the King!

- The infantry is ready. - Good.

Jose Antonio!

Now is your turn.

Just a moment.

Pedro will never change, he always wants to be first.

That's why we love him.

Very well.

Now I wish you lots of luck.

He wants to be first.

- That's why we love him. - Sure.

OK, the moment has arrived.

The artillery.

We were misinformed. The cavalry should be retreating. Instead, they are attacking.

- Inform Jose Antonio! - Right now!

Go!

Forward!

What's the matter, Pedro?

Why do you turn around? Are you afraid of the enemy?

No Sir, I came to say goodbye, because ...

I'm dead.

Pedro!

Forward!

General ...

General Bolivar, General Fuentes says this battle will decide our independence.

That the Venezuelan people will never forget it.

He is quite right.

They won't forget it.

When public disasters forced me to take up arms to free my country

I did swear from the bottom of my heart

that I would be just a soldier.

I would serve as such during the war.

And during peace I would be just an ordinary citizen.

If this Congress insists in putting me in charge of the Executive power

I shall obey.

But ...

I will only accept as an act of obedience

and I will do so for as long as the war lasts.

And on the condition of remaining in command of the Army

at least until the total liberation of our Peruvian brothers.

War must continue, gentlemen.

There is no freedom in Peru! There is no freedom in Ecuador!

There is no freedom in Chile!

Unless freedom and justice prevail in the whole South America

our Country will be just a besieged fortress.

War must continue!

I declare this against my own feelings

because I know war is the worst of all evils,

But I also know that tyranny and slavery

are the summaries of all evils of all wars.

Oh, dear .....

Do you know that your husband can see from the street what you are doing?

I know, Aunt Conchita, but today I don't care at all.

OK then.

Your wife is wiser than you, Hernandez.

She has prevented the public opinion being hostile against us.

That's what I said.

Therefore we must thank you, lady,

that the parade didn't see this house's windows shut.

Showing hostility could have carried serious consequences.

There's no doubt.

This way, we remain friends of Spain as well as public officials.

We have to satisfy people's wishes first.

By keeping them in our fist.

No, just a moment. Let's make it clear, that was not the reason behind my action.

My only reason is that I believe in Bolivar and his cause.

And today is a happy day both for me and for my Country.

I'm sorry for you.

But why, Consuelo? We are all here to thank you.

I'm serious. Besides, one must know how to lose.

My dear, you must come with me this afternoon to the official reception,

And I am asking you to show up radiant and beautiful.

General, have you heard what the dictator has said?

It's not enough for him to rule our country Venezuela,

he wants to rule the world and conquer it with our blood!

Do you agree with him?

No.

And I don't agree with you either, my friend.

- General del Llano. - General ....

I am the Prince of Neira, General.

She is my wife, and admirer of yours and a strong supporter of the republic.

General ...

No, no, Lady. I am not Ferdinand VII!

Her heart may be republican, but her back keeps bowing like a royalist.

This is way more boring and cumbersome than war, isn't it?

I hope it will be soon over.

They are the real people.

Wait, I have an idea. Miguel!

Tell the Mayor to come here right now!

But why do we have to continue the war?

It will be a hard blow for them.

They are peasants. They only love the village where they were born.

How could I make them fight for other countries?

What to do? What will we do to persuade them?

Let them enjoy for now, OK?

Dear Mayor.

What do you think, dear friends, about telling them as a symbolic gesture,

that our victory is, in fact, people's victory?

May I beg you that you open all doors so that all can come inside and feel united?

Come all in, this way!

Don't say there, come in! The party is for you too!

Is this serious?

Why not? He wants a symbolic gesture, didn't you hear?

Fantastic, fabulous! What a great actor.

That's how the revolution is made, my friend.

And that's how people are persuaded to die for it.

I will beg my wife to dance tomorrow with our dishwasher.

You could ask her that tonight.

Come in here all of you!

Start the music!

Is there a beautiful lady who won't mind helping me?

- Stop her, please! - Why don't you do it yourself?

Do you always do this?

Always.

Tell me the truth. You understood immediately, didn't you?

Understood what?

That I am a peasant's daughter.

You are way more than I expected.

Your coat, Sir.

Are you leaving?

Yes, I've had enough. And I beg you to do the same thing.

For your dear niece. And quickly!

Thank you very much gentlemen. Go back to the ballroom and dance.

And you? What are you doing here? Go back to dance!

What are you doing here? Go back to the ballroom and have fun!

Go and drink something in the hall.

Whatever you like.

- Don't touch your hair. - Why not?

Because it looks better that way.

You think so?

Divine.

Do you remember when we first met?

Yes, I do.

Did you ever use my passport?

- No, never. - Really?

I remember you wore a black dress.

- Impressive. - I remember that well.

It's strange that a man remembers such a thing.

You had a grey coat, and a ring in your finger.

-You remember everything. - Yes.

No, there is something I cannot remember.

Let's see ....

Could you help me?

I gave you that piece of scrap paper.

Then I told you that you were the most beautiful woman I ever saw.

You didn't say that.

Yes, I did. And you answered: "I know, everybody tells me the same thing".

- What a liar, I didn't say that. - Well, let's say you did.

Then I thought "My God, if I were one of those lucky men..."

who would get even just one of her smiles, I would tell her...

And I told you "will you think of me once in a while"?

- You have a great imagination. - No, no, I'm sure I told you that!

Seriously ....

Will you think of me once in a while?

Why are you teasing me? Why?

- I'm not teasing you. - Yes.

Tell me ....

Will you think of me once in a while?

Just once in a while.

I will.

Thank you.

I saw her, she's there.

Thank you gentlemen.

See you next time.

Consuelo!

Consuelo, I've been looking for you everywhere.

Please, leave this place soon.

It's very important, I'll explain you later, dear.

You are very beautiful.

So, tonight?

Tonight? How could I get away from my husband?

- Is he jealous? - Yes.

Tomorrow?

Tomorrow I can't get away from the Liberator. We are leaving.

I'm looking forward to see you again.

All in you is love, and impatience consumes me like a fever.

I'm dying to have you by my side.

To feel you.

To be always with you.

Consuelo, be careful. I don't know what he is up to, but he is furious.

Furious? Why?

The young man came with the usual parcel.

And the letter? Where is it?

Don't speak so loud!

The young man just gave it to me; and when I turned around, here he was.

He took away the parcel from my hands.

The letter is probably inside, like last time.

Calm down, Aunt.

Sorry I involved you in this, but it will be resolved.

I will leave him, forever.

Sorry for interrupting you.

I want to talk with you.

- Is it so urgent? - Yes.

We can continue our conversation later.

- I apologize, my dear friend. - We'll have more time.

If you wish you can read this as well.

I give you my word, I wanted to talk to you about this long time ago.

How long has this been going on?

I met Bolivar before the dance, I thought I told you that.

I know nothing, you have betrayed me....

like a snake.

No, I did not.

I didn't tell you before because I wanted to make sure on how I felt. That's why.

Sure about what? About behaving like a whore?

No, only sure about myself.

And now I am. Do you understand?

You always did what you wanted. Now it's over.

From now on and until the dictator has been killed

you will remain locked in this house, which is where you belong!

You will be under continuous surveillance! Every move and every step you take!

Our Peruvian brother expect that your vote will be favourable

for the Liberator to continue with his campaign to help his country.

I want to tell you, my dear Peruvian colleague,

that we feel the wounds inflicted on you by the Spaniards

as if they had inflicted those wounds on us.

But we must ask ourselves if your interests are the same as ours.

It sounds strange hearing about interests when we are talking about revolution.

Liberty that allows for others' slavery is no liberty. So said Bolivar.

And luckily he is the one representing the real people of Venezuela.

To such effect I am asking the Vice-President

to state if he truly believes this assembly represents our interests.

That is, People's interests.

Or if, on the other hand, the presence of so many uniforms

represents the opposite.

The opposite, you say?

That men who fought for years to give this congress the right to exist sit here?

No, that wouldn't be the case, gentlemen;

provided the elections didn't take place in military compounds!

And where could they have taken place when all citizens are in the battlefield?

It is regrettable that on the bench where this objection comes from

sits a man who still wears a military uniform!

I fought for the Venezuelan people, and to the people I remain loyal.

War was a bitter necessity yesterday. Today it's just a useless suicide!

From today on, the true people's defenders

are not after utopian dreams or delusions of grandeur!

It's just a few of us right now, but our "no" won't torture your minds!

Calm down, gentlemen!

No more money for the Army until the Venezuelan people

recovers from the misery that war brought in!

Unfortunately, it was not just the rhetoric from the opposition.

The people, who had suffered greatly during two wars, were starving.

Out, out!

Out! Stay away!

Very well ...

The generals can give the order to camp.

We'll stay here a few days until new orders, so that the men can rest.

Thanks for the heads-up, Gabriel.

For trying to prevent a negative vote.

Your reputation would have suffered a lot.

I don't understand. I can't understand what's going on.

Why are so many suddenly changing their minds? Why?

Why this opposition? I would like to meet the turncoats face to face.

Look at me, Simon. You have one in front of you.

Reality is what has changed.

The Peruvian army only exists on paper.

Yes, I know.

- We're bankrupt. - I know that too.

No more foreign loans, nobody cares about our united America.

We care about it, Gabriel, and we can no longer wait.

We must attack in Peru by surprise.

Embarking the whole Army? Sailing for weeks?

That is precisely the point. We don't have to embark the whole Army.

On the contrary, we'll do the opposite of what they expect us to do.

We'll come through the rear and in half of the time!

- Through the Andes? - Yes, through the Andes! Why not?

Do you really think the plainsmen will follow you up there? Do you?

Don't ask me whether I believe that or not!

If I asked the Army, they would follow me even to Caracas.

But I prefer to wait for the Congress' vote.

And if the vote "no"?

I will wait for Congress' vote nevertheless.

Miguel!

Miguel, you will go with His Excellency back to Caracas,

then come back with Congress' vote. Ride the horses into the ground if necessary.

- Bye, Gabriel. - Bye, Simon.

Can I ask that the men be fed?

Yes, yes, of course.

C'mon, get my luggage right now.

And you, take the coach over there.

Right now.

I wanted to verify that your pass worked. It did.

Didn't you ask me to think of you occasionally?

You were busy when I arrived, and I know with whom.

Don't listen to the people, I was in Caracas during the vote.

People don't know of those manipulations. Only you know exactly what they want,

and you must do it.

And you came here to tell me that?

I can't believe you made such a long trip just for that. Why did you come?

I came because I didn't want you to feel alone in this moment.

Really?

Well' I've thought of you occasionally.

What else?

I came because, regardless of what Congress says ...

Don't say anything else.

Kiss me. Kiss me.

Miguel won't return from Caracas for at least 3 days.

- Even riding the horses into the ground? - Yes, even if he does that.

Over 50% of his group will vote "no".

This way our "no" will be outstanding.

Isn't that what we want?

I wonder, what will Bolivar do after Congress votes "no"?

If he obeys, he will give us a lesson in democracy and he'll be more popular.

Is that what we want?

We know Bolivar very well.

He believes in what he does, even when he is wrong. He won't obey.

Or he may rebel.

And since the army is on his side he will wipe all of us out.

In other words, we should vote "yes".

Yes, so that he keeps chasing his dreams of military glory, which will fail.

But the army will return decimated and defeated.

And they are the people, our children.

The army will never get to see the Spaniards.

Officers, soldiers, full regiments will defect, like the Peruvians did.

That will be the end of Bolivar and Peñaranda.

Mr. Vice-President ...

Against, 20. In favour, 35.

Congress authorizes the crossing of the Andes.

We've won!

Bolivar won!

Come here.

- No! - Why not?

- Because I don't want to. - And why not?

Because I don't want to.

- General! - Yes?

- What's up? - Capt. Miguel Diaz has arrived.

- Miguel? - Yes, sir.

Tell him to come here right now!

Ricardo!

Ricardo, we are leaving tonight, tell everyone to get ready.

Yes, Sir.

Excuse me, please

Tell me the truth, you have forgotten about my presence.

You've asked yourself "what do I do with this woman?" Am I right?

No. On the contrary, I was worried about you.

Listen, never mention the word "worry" when talking about me. Never.

I worry about what others may think about you.

I don't care about others, even if they think or say that I am your lover.

I'm proud of it.

Are you serious?

Yes.

That's beautiful.

See you soon.

- Will you wait for me? - Don't worry about that.

We agreed not to talk about worrying.

Miguel! Tell me.

Congress voted "yes", General.

See? Old Peñaranda could not let me down.

It was General Gonzalez the one who voted "yes". Peñaranda voted "no".

- Gonzalez voted "yes"? - Yes, General.

Then, from now on, the enemy is also behind us.

Come with me.

Consuelo!

Consuelo!

A woman would stay at your side hoping to assist you.

In the Andes I would be a hassle.

Go ahead, Liberator of America. Adoring you is my reward.

Halt!

We can see the plains!

We arrived to the promised land.

Let's go and conquer it!

Your attention!

Gentlemen, the Army has crossed the Andes!

Long love the Liberator!

How dare you?

Leave right now, this is my house!

But she ... is still my wife!

You can leave us alone, Aunt. I'm not afraid of him, even if he is drunk.

You'll see how I can teach you a good lesson.

We can talk here.

So, what do you have to tell me?

I want you to leave this city, this country.

I want you to leave for Europe, for Africa, or for Hell.

Go wherever you want, but leave!

Right now! Do you understand?

Thank you. This means Bolivar is coming back.

And your anger tells me that he is the absolute victor.

We'll see who wins in the end.

In any case, I cannot tolerate this infamous intrigue to continue.

This dishonourable affair.

You are the only infamous part of this story.

You are not even worthy of being the husband of Bolivar's lover.

What are you saying?

What did you dare to say?

Don't you realize how disgusting you are?

You make me sick.

How could you stoop so low?

Someone will stoop even lower than I.

Believe me, Consuelo. You haven't chosen the strongest one.

You can't even imagine the surprise we have for him.

But I don't want to disturb your sleep. Good night.

What are you trying to say? What do you mean?

We are in agreement, Fuentes.

We have to keep under continuous fire the only way out: the Huamanga Pass.

Nobody will get out.

They will be either dead or become our prisoners.

We'll place the artillery here

and here

or here

A delegation from Congress, General. They want to see you now.

- They have an urgent message for you. - Let them in.

You can be assured this will be the last enemy stronghold in Peru.

The indians call in Ayacucho, which means Death's Corner.

Right now, any place in our country is Death's Corner.

- Welcome, gentlemen. - How are you, General Bolivar?

We have a message from Congress, General.

- If I may clarify something ... - No, thank you.

Is this a State secret?

No, sir.

In view of the serious political situation

the majority of Congress has passed a resolution

obliging President Bolivar to chair the next extraordinary session.

Therefore, Congress invites President Bolivar

to step down as Army Commander in Chief!

In foreign soil and to return to the Capital.

If the Liberator steps down as Commander in Chief

I won't recognize any other authority over me!

Therefore, gentlemen, consider yourselves my prisoners!

Later, I will fill your carriage with my horses' dung,

and return it to Congress!

General...!

During General Bolivar's absence

Congress has decided to transfer command to General Fuentes.

Gentlemen ....

please thank Congress on my behalf, but I am declining.

Bolivar took us to victory;

Bolivar has arranged another victory, and he must remain in command.

In fact, those victories upset these gentlemen from Caracas!

If they could they wouldn't have chosen you, a great strategist.

But rather my friend Pedro Primero!

Because my friend Pedro doesn't know much about politics,

and his skin is dark.

And he died!

He died thinking he was fighting for Bolivar,

because del Llano would have made him believe that!

Meanwhile, you all tremble, feeling small because of your President's glory!

And of his generals!

Thank you, gentlemen. Your mission is over.

It isn't glory what really counts.

All the battles we fought,

including the ones we won, we lost and won again,

All the blood spilt,

all the misery we made the people endure ....

Tell me, what was all that for?

So that the people rule, not the generals!

The people must be obeyed, even when they are wrong.

When we disobey Congress, we disobey the people who elected them.

And the people are my good Paco ....

and your Pedro.

General Fuentes, tell me where I have to station my troops.

Excuse me ....

Does the stage for the Andes stop here?

- Yes, over there. - Thank you.

Consuelo!

You are the only one who never lets me down.

Forget it all, love.

Have you been faithful to me, Simon?

Yes, often.

My dear, if I could stop thinking.

How could I stop living for a few months?

To shut down completely,

not just physically but also mentally.

I cannot longer find the strength I used to have.

I'm completely exhausted.

Is this because they betrayed you? Because they took you away from Ayacucho?

And they wanted to stop you from winning the decisive battle?

No, that's not it.

Whether or not I was in command of the battle;

whether or not my name is associated to a glorious episode,

what depresses me is something else.

Everything that has happened in recent months

has made me doubt.

More than any other thing I doubt

that perhaps all that has been done has been in vain.

Maybe even the best of men

didn't fight for freedom

but rather for power.

I only know that very simple people like me realize there have been many changes.

And that's something that nobody can change.

What does that white flag mean?

That the Spaniards are surrendering without fighting?

Marshall Monet is riding together with the flag.

Do I have the honour of speaking with General Jose Antonio Fuentes?

Yes, sir. And he is General del Llano.

A fine soldier. I salute you.

I'm also honoured of meeting you, Marshall Monet. I'm ready to listen to you.

We know that the fate of the whole campaign depends of this battle.

That could be, sir.

That means heavy losses to both sides.

Since ours is a civil war

I have in my ranks fathers, sons and brothers of the ones fighting in yours.

Could we call a truce so that they can hug each other, perhaps for one last time?

Agreed, Marshall Monet. And may God be with us.

Miguel ....

Thank you, Andres.

Thanks to you.

May God keep you, brother.

Don't mention God's name.

God has closed His eyes, not to see a war

which set brothers against brothers.

All wars set brothers against brothers.

We shouldn't drag ours mistakes until the end, Miguel.

I must now admit that Bolivar is not a criminal.

America will be what you want it to be.

Forward!

Miguel!

I would like to apologize to Congress for my garment

which still has on it dust from the battlefields.

But I thought I shouldn't delay my trip after your call.

I realize now what kind of civil assembly

gave me the order to leave the army on the eve of a decisive battle.

A battle that is not over yet

and which result we will soon know.

Whoever wanted our soldiers' defeat ....

may still see his infamous wishes fulfilled!

I told my generals that I would obey Congress, for Congress is the People.

However, I now realize that you all are as far from the People

as Ayacucho is from this hall!

You have abused our political ideas for your personal gain!

You speak in the name of the People

while thinking in your own interests and ambitions!

What a petty Country,

the one ending the houses and fields of those who gave you their votes!

Don't you think that your real Country ..

should be where those people who are not free as yet live?

- Victory, Simon! - Long live the Liberator!

- Long live the Army! - Long live!

Long live the People!

You saw it, my friends.

Your children's blood wasn't shed in vain in the land of Apure!

Or in Bogota!

Or in Soledad!

Or Carabobo!

Or Quito!

Or Junin!

Or Ayacucho!

Each battle has been a step closer to unity!

Unity ... !

Which is the only road to freedom!

I didn't understand a word.

Never mind, as long as the ones in the square understand.

But don't you forget that Ayacucho was just one step.

You must remain up in arms, and keep fighting without giving up!

Never give up!

Never back off!

YES! YES! YES!

Because the road is long and dangerous,

and the end is still far away!

- Long live the Liberator! - Long live!

English subtitles by O Cangaceiro