Burn! (1969)

7.1R129 minDirector: Gillo Pontecorvo

1969 film by Gillo Pontecorvo

Burn! (original title: Queimada, Portuguese for "Burnt" or "Burned") is a 1969 historical war drama film directed by Gillo Pontecorvo. Set in the mid-19th century, the film stars Marlon Brando as a British agent provocateur sent to overthrow a Portuguese colony in the Caribbean by manipulating a slave revolt to serve the interests of the sugar trade, and the complications that arise from the formation of a subsequent puppet state. The film is said to be a celebration of the "proletarian strength of Third World faces, the Algerians and the slaves."

The fictional plot is partly based on the activities of American filibuster William Walker, after whom the main character is named, and his 1855 invasion of Nicaragua. Screenwriters Franco Solinas and Giorgio Arlorio also drew on the experiences of intelligence agent Edward Lansdale, who served the United States government in the Philippines and Indochina in the 1950s through the 60s, and the Cuban Revolution.

The film is an Italian and French co-production by Alberto Grimaldi, distributed internationally by United Artists. It features a musical score composed by Ennio Morricone.

Plot summary adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

FAQ

What is Burn! about?
Burn! (1969) — The professional mercenary Sir William Walker instigates a slave revolt on the Caribbean island of Queimada in order to help improve the British sugar trade. Years later he is sent back to deal with the same rebels that he built up because they have seized too much power that now
Is Burn! based on a true story?
See the production background and source material details on the official Wikipedia article.
Is Burn! scary?
Content rating: R. See the reviews tab for parental guidance and tone notes.
What is Burn! (1969) about? Plot, synopsis and ending explained — Screencodex