Wednesday, May 9, 2012

I AM CUBA (1964)



Original Title: Soy Cuba
Directed by: Mikhail Kalatozov
Run time: 141 min

Technically, this film by Kalatozov is superb. The shots are amazing especially the long unbroken shot. Just like the title, it is about Cuba and it's struggle to reach social justice.

Wait what? Social justice?! Isn't that commie propaganda? Bitch please, propaganda or not this film is awesome in every seconds of it and if you like cinematography you should watch this one since this is also as good as The Cranes are Flying. Speaking of which, no matter where you stand on political spectrum, social justice is something we all should strive.

Although presented in black and white but it is very effective and the propaganda went smoothly. First it shows how Cuba suffers under 'imperialism' and then the people show resistance. The farmer whose land taken by big companies (you don't say?!) and the students (Captain Obvious) helped by Fidel Castro's men to give Cuba to Cuban plus the story of everyday living in Cuba that can give you some good insight.

To put cherry on top, the anti American content is prevalent where several 'Americans' character are portrayed to be rich, lewd and annoying. Propaganda aside, this is a masterpiece in storytelling and cinematography.

The shots are extravagant, in one unbroken scene that involves hundreds of people and wide landscape, the camera seems to float. Along with that comes beautiful scenes of Cuban landscape accompanied by folk songs and poetry. Ain't that grand? And whoever think that by watching this then anyone can be converted into a commie loving people should have their scrawny asses whipped by Mjolnir since a good movie is good, no matter what's it all about.

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