Manuela Sáenz
Synopsis
In 1856, a whaler arrives in Paita, Peru; on board is Herman Melville, who is astonished to learn that Manuela Sáenz, for eight years the lover of Simón Bolívar, is still alive. He calls on her, and although she will not talk to him about her life, his visit sends her to her chest of Bolívar's letters. As she reads them, the sepia-toned present gives way to flashbacks in color: she meets 'the Liberator' in 1822, becomes his lover, and also becomes a colonel in his military movement to realize the 'Gran Colombia', one nation across South America. As plague (brought by the ship) closes in on Manuela's household, so does her tempestuous story move toward Bolívar's betrayal and death.
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Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Diego Rísquez
- Screenplay & Story
- Leonardo Padrón
- Original Title
- Manuela Sáenz
- Country of Origin
- Venezuela
- Spoken Languages
- Spanish
- Runtime
- 1h 37m
- Production Studios
- Producciones Guakamaya
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Diego Rísquez
Leonardo Padrón
Department Leadership Roster
Leonardo Padrón
Writer
Diego Rísquez
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Manuela Sáenz.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Manuela Sáenz
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Manuela Sáenz about?
In 1856, a whaler arrives in Paita, Peru; on board is Herman Melville, who is astonished to learn that Manuela Sáenz, for eight years the lover of Simón Bolívar, is still alive. He calls on her, and although she will not talk to him about her life, his visit sends her to her chest of Bolívar's letters. As she reads them, the sepia-toned present gives way to flashbacks in color: she meets 'the Liberator' in 1822, becomes his lover, and also becomes a colonel in his military movement to realize the 'Gran Colombia', one nation across South America. As plague (brought by the ship) closes in on Manuela's household, so does her tempestuous story move toward Bolívar's betrayal and death.
Who directed Manuela Sáenz?
Manuela Sáenz was directed by Diego Rísquez.
Who stars in Manuela Sáenz?
The principal cast of Manuela Sáenz includes Beatriz Valdés, Mariano Álvarez, Erich Wildpret, Orlando Urdaneta, Alejo Felipe.
When was Manuela Sáenz released and how long is it?
Manuela Sáenz was released in 2000 with a total runtime of 1h 37m.