AllMovie

In this allegorical film without dialogue or explanatory remarks, director Diego Risquéz focuses on the Orinoco River and the history that has traveled along its course. The river starts in the highlands at the southeastern border of Venezuela and curves like a giant letter "C" up along the frontier with Colombia, and then across the vast plains towards the northeast, where it empties into the Atlantic Ocean. As much a part of Venezuelan music and literature as it is the home of several ancient Native American tribes, the Orinoco symbolizes more than just the history of the country. Risquéz moves the camera slowly along the waters of the river, and when he brings it up, Christopher Columbus is seen at the head of an expedition that claims this land for Spain. Back to the waters of the Orinoco, and when the camera is raised again, Walter Raleigh comes across with a parrot on his shoulder and offers gold to the local tribesmen. In the background are the sounds of the jungle, drumming, and tribal interactions, as various explorers encounter the forests, the native peoples, and in some cases, their destiny. Since there is no dialogue, the full 100 minutes might be a bit long for most audiences.