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This version (presently available on DVD and US release) is the edited one. Like so many foreign films at the time, was edited for "American audiences". Since the studio had the rights to the film, there was nothing Pontecorvo could do, but watch his masterpiece reduced to nothing. 22 minutes were cut. In addition the DVD version is very poor. The aspect ratio has been changed, and the copy is very poor. As a result of the cuts, the subtle undertones of the relationship between the main characters was altered, as well as the political undertones. Pontecorvo had already conceded the change of title and script change (Spanish island to Portuguese island) because Generalisimo Franco's protest, and his threat not to allow distribution in Spain. It's ashame that at this point the directors cut version is not available , at least as an alternative to the average viewer. It is available , in the Italian DVD . It's in Italian language, with Brando's voice dubbed. The dubbing in this case doesn't take away from Brando's performance (his personal favorite). It has English subtitles. Pontecorvo himself edited this version before his death. It's quality is much better, and has the original aspect ratio. Occasionally shown at art festivals. My rating applies to this version . The real masterpiece .

I guess these days the term "original" is used freely, even though one presents work already done by others in the same medium. Such is the case of House of Cards. There's nothing original, other than the change in venue from London to Washington in House of Cards. Spacey's performance is excellent. But the script worked better in the original series, because of the different political system. Also Ian Richardson created the character for the screen, with a masterful performance. You'll be entertained by this series, is well done, and expertly directed by Fincher. But the true "original" is still the best. Why is it that American Cable networks and film studios have to base their stories on remakes of successful European productions? Whatever happened to American writers? I guess that it all has to do with making a "sure bet" with a proved script. Also a large number of the audience never watched the original series from BBC 23 years ago. If you are in this group, fetch the original, you won't be disappointed if you like a good story with great acting.

This film is a pseudo documentary. While the basic story is correct, the guerrillas , including some of the ones interviewed for this film, have blood from innocent people murdered along the way, only because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. In this film this people are portrait as heroes. Having massive support from the population (which they did not have). It was a "Dirty War" in which one side had the power to deprive your your freedom, or worse kill you. On the other side most of the people in the guerrilla movement had very little regard for human life in the pursuit of their fight. Obviously is very popular to present so called documentaries on a one sided fashion, specially the one that suits radical juries. The director neglected to find an interview people whose relatives (not affiliated with any of the factions loss their life) There were no heroes on either side of the coin , except the noncombatants who tried to do their job for society at a time of extremism. For this reason, I give this movie a 7.