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 again to deal with the same rebels that he built up because they have seized too much power that now threatens British sugar interests.
Direction
Pontecorvo shoots revolt like documentary—raw, sweaty, undeniable.
Acting
Brando's whispered menace vs. Márquez's volcanic stillness.
Score
Ennio Morricone's guerrilla rhythms that thrum under your skin.
Director
Gillo Pontecorvo
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Brando allegedly rewrote half his dialogue on set, infuriating Pontecorvo—who later admitted the improvisations improved the character's slippery amorality.
Released months after Guevara's death, the film was banned in Brazil and Argentina for fear it would ignite actual insurrection.
IT
