Cast
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Nuno Lopes
as Sargento Francisco Xavier
Soraia Chaves
as Martírio
Marisa Paredes
as D. Filipa Sanches
John Malkovich
as General Wellington
Carloto Cotta
as Tenente Pedro de Alencar
Victoria Guerra
as Clarissa
Marcello Urgeghe
as Major Jonathan Foster
Jemima West
as Maureen
Afonso Pimentel
as Zé Maria
Miguel Borges
as Manuel Penabranca
Mathieu Amalric
as Barão Marbot
Melvil Poupaud
as Marechal Massena
Filipe Vargas
as Vicente de Almeida
Adriano Luz
as Bordalo
João Arrais
as Idiot
Crew
Director
- Valeria Sarmiento
Producer
- Paulo Branco
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Lines of Wellington examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Valeria Sarmiento brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2012, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Lines of Wellington took approximately 8 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $4.8 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 151 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 173 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 168 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2012, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Lines of Wellington shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Bring Us Your Women, which focuses more on action than character development, Lines of Wellington offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like How It Ends and Ma Belle, My Beauty explore similar territory, Lines of Wellington stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 4, 2012
- Runtime: 2h 31m
- Budget: $4,800,000
