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Lines of Wellington is a historical film that tells the story of the Peninsular War, which took place in Portugal during the early 19th century. The movie details the events leading up to and following the famous Battle of Buçaco, where the British-Portuguese forces under General Wellington successfully defended their position against a French attack.

The movie follows a range of characters, both historical and fictional, on both sides of the conflict. Perhaps the most prominent character is General Wellington himself, played by Nuno Lopes. Wellington is depicted as a complex and often enigmatic figure, who is respected by his troops but who also has a reputation for being cold and distant.

Other key characters in the film include the Spanish guerrilla fighter Juan de Mañara, played by Soraia Chaves, and the French general Jean-Baptiste Drouet, played by Marcello Urgeghe. Mañara is portrayed as a fierce warrior who is willing to do whatever it takes to defeat the French, while Drouet is shown as a cultured but ruthless military commander.

The story of the film is told through a series of interconnected vignettes, each of which explores a different aspect of the war. These vignettes range from intimate character studies to large-scale battle sequences, and they are often linked by recurring motifs, such as the sight of a lone horse running free across a barren landscape.

One of the most striking elements of the film is its visual style. The director, Valeria Sarmiento, uses a palette of muted colors and naturalistic lighting to give the movie a slightly dreamlike quality. Many scenes are shot with a shallow depth of field, which creates an impressionistic effect that suggests the fragility of life in times of war.

The film is also notable for its use of music. The score, composed by Jorge Arriagada, combines traditional Portuguese folk melodies with modern classical elements, creating a haunting and often melancholic sound that perfectly suits the film's subject matter.

Overall, Lines of Wellington is a powerful and evocative film that offers a unique perspective on a little-known episode of European history. Through its vivid characters, stunning visuals, and haunting music, it captures the brutal realities of war while also celebrating the human spirit that endures in even the darkest times.

Lines of Wellington is a 2012 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 32 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.