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Summary: Buena Vista Social Club
Review: A beautiful picture - for people who love people and music! I found myself completely transported by this film. Don't miss it.
Rating:
Summary: Buena Vista Social Club
Review: This is a movie that shows cuban music performed by cuban artists that have been doing this all their lives. Some of them had given up performing and are quite old for musicians, but they come alive with the chance to perform for a new generation. Their eyes twinkle with love for their craft. Some of the numbers would be considered old standards for those of us of latin backgrounds who grew up hearing our mothers/fathers or grandparents singing them. For jazz lovers worldwide it is a chance to appreciate the influence of cuban and afro cuban music in jazz. I truly enjoyed this movie and the music is outstanding!
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Summary: Carribean Treasures Rediscovered
Review: I think most people who loved the CD, will find that this filmed rendition will take their experience one step further. This fine film documents Ry Cooder's initiative to gather some of Cuba's finest musicians and create an album. "Buena Vista Social Club" allows us a glimpse into the lives of the musicians, and a haunting tour of run down Havana, a city longing to be rediscovered as the musicians were. Viewers get a taste of the passion behind the music, as well as the environment out of which these masters emerge.Documentaries have a tendency to turn their subjects into to museum pieces, whereas this film draws us into its sultry rhythms and quiet passions. I would strongly recommend this film to those who desire a good introduction to Caribbean/Latin music but don't want to get overwhelmed in a sea of repetitive 'merengue' or 'salsa.' This is the real thing, played by human beings who know how to keep rhythm because rhythm is at the very core of their beings. Those who have access to the DVD format will maximize their enjoyment of this presentation. Having additional material only available on DVD, such as concert footage and musician information, is like being at a Cuban fiesta where one has a lot of choice between fine food, excellent drink, and exquisite music.
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Summary: What a "Buena Vista" at cuba's musical nostalgia !
Review: Simply incredible ! For us who simply enjoy the living history portrayed by Cuba's music, this movie is a living masterpiece full of soundful convictions, memories and an overflow of musical nostalgia that left all of us who witnessed this art piece (at the movies), at the edge of our theater seats until the very last credit rolled down on the screen. The music is masterful, including cuban greats like Ruben Gonzalez, Omara Portuondo, Ibrahim Ferrer, Elciades Ochoa and Compay Segundo (all of whose CDs I have ofcourse), not to mention others. These musicians live "music" and let us know in every way how music is an essence in their living and how it can become one, with us in any corner of the world. Whether it is a bolero, son or trova the movie brings Cuba's soul to you. Characters and music blend in one to tell a story that again, is simply life itself. Buena Vista Social Club is a must buy movie, not only because it celebrates one of the best birth spots of latin music, but because it teaches us perfection and achievement through the enjoyment of all those little things that we love to do the most. pd: On the 28th Buena Vista Social Club will visit Puerto Rico. "I will be there !" Pablo Vega
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Summary: Living Afro-Cuban Music
Review: I have just finished watchig this film and as I write these words Ibrahim Ferrer's Cd is playing in the background, transporting me, just as this wonderful film did, to not just the romantic and nostalgic scene of Havana, but also to the decades when these amazing musicians were in their prime. The film captures not only the coming together of musical greats, but it also gives us a glimpse at the playful and humble character of these musicians. Who ever sees this film can't help but develop the highest esteem for all the musicians represented and Ibrahim Ferrer in Particular. Omara Portuondo's duo with him, sung with such emotion and passion as to bring tears to her eyes, captivates the viewer and gives him goosebumps as the tears come to his eyes too. This film gives us a portrait of musicians for whom music is not a way to make a living, but instead music is life itself,whether performing at Carneggie Hall in NY or on the streets of Havana with whom ever happens to live music as one does.
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Summary: Pure Joy
Review: It has been a Pure Joy to watch Buena Vista Social Club. I already had the CD for 2 years and it had urged me to search for more Cuban music. To see that there was a film about it, it was unbelievable! And I couldn't imagine a more suitable director to make this documentary than Wenders, who knows how to speak straight to the heart. Of course, he had all the help he could get, in the so human faces of these old and forgotten but happy musicians. It's been a lesson for all of us in the developed countries: money and fame aren't always necessary to find and keep the soul. Compay and Ibrahim give a lecture of beauty and life. You should listen to all the CDs they made and especially if you can understand Spanish, what an experience! Songs full of love and life, so different from today's cruel reality...
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Summary: Touching & Worthwhile
Review: God bless Ry Cooder for bringing these extraordinary musicians to the world's attention while they're still alive to hear the applause.
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Summary: Buena Vista Social Club
Review: The most incredible documentary I've ever seen! Had these musician's been allowed to perform outside of Cuba, they would surely be world reknown (millionaires too! ). Also, it gives us an idea of how run down and neglected Cuba has become without US support - such a pity! It truly must have been magnificent in its heyday. The Buena Vista Social Club should be a must see for all musicians and music students.
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Summary: Breathtaking
Review: One of the most touching movies/documentaries that I've ever seen. A must-see for anyone, even for people who've never experienced Cuban music or culture...
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Summary: Wonderful!
Review: What a beautiful, emotional, sensual "musicamentary"! The feel-good movie to beat them all. I had tears in my eyes almost from the opening credits - just from the beauty of it all. Any criticism of this movie, and of the CDs produed before and after it, would be churlish. It celebrates life, love, music, humility and grace. Get the DVD version, listen/watch on good gear - it deserves it. The way the sound is produced - how it cuts from a simple guitar and voice in the open air to a complete surround sound experience in a concert - during the same song - is very, very moving. For those who love music - and with this music all humanity will love it. Beautiful, wonderful, loving and heartwarming.
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