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Poster for Burn!

1969 | 129 min | History, Drama, War

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (80% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a box office flop and almost no lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Great for anyone who loves backroom deals and speeches and lovers of period drama. Power and ambition drive every scene. Sits nicely alongside The Last of the Mohicans or The Woman King. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Intense.
The pace
Gives its people room to develop, at 2 hr 9 min.
What might put you off
  • It's in Italian, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Made in 1969: an older pace and style.
  • Not the one if you want explosions or easy laughs.

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.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    80% on Rotten Tomatoes, 72 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    Our audience score: 59%

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Reach & staying powerWeak

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far

  • Buzz & cultural impactWeak

    Not enough engagement data yet

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Gillo Pontecorvo

  • Marlon BrandoSir William Walker
  • Evaristo MárquezJosé Dolores
  • Renato SalvatoriTeddy Sanchez
  • Dana GhiaFrancesca
  • Valeria Ferran WananiGuarina
  • Giampiero AlbertiniHenry Thompson
  • Norman HillShelton
  • Thomas LyonsGen. Alonso Prada
  • Carlo PalmucciJack
  • Enrico Cesaretti