Rating: 
Summary: Inspiring look at Cuba and humanity in general.
Review: "Strawberry and Chocolate" is a great subjective look at the Cuban Revolution. Most of the film is critical of it, but there are times when it shows positive aspects of it. It also shows a compassionate look at a man unwanted by the communist uprising because of his sexual identity (gay) and his education (very much of it). But besides the political and human rights perspective, this movie is interesting and grand in plot and direction. Tomas Gutierrez Alea is one of the best directors in Cuba as well as, in my opinion, the world. This movie is another one spurned by the product of his genius. I was captivated by the relationship between intellectual, sensitive Diego and young, impressionable David. I was glad that David's ideas and personality changed and grew a lot by the end, and the movie was a very convincing portrait of a young man's maturing. This movie will give you a reason to hope that things can always get better, and that truly good people do exist in the world. Although it is sad and frustrating at times, because it is the following of a man doomed to be rejected in his own country, it carries an underlying message of hope for the human race. I recommend this and all of the films directed by Alea to anyone interested in Cuba, the revolution, and just plain great films.
Rating:
Summary: Inspiring look at Cuba and humanity in general.
Review: "Strawberry and Chocolate" is a great subjective look at the Cuban Revolution. Most of the film is critical of it, but there are times when it shows positive aspects of it. It also shows a compassionate look at a man unwanted by the communist uprising because of his sexual identity (gay) and his education (very much of it). But besides the political and human rights perspective, this movie is interesting and grand in plot and direction. Tomas Gutierrez Alea is one of the best directors in Cuba as well as, in my opinion, the world. This movie is another one spurned by the product of his genius. I was captivated by the relationship between intellectual, sensitive Diego and young, impressionable David. I was glad that David's ideas and personality changed and grew a lot by the end, and the movie was a very convincing portrait of a young man's maturing. This movie will give you a reason to hope that things can always get better, and that truly good people do exist in the world. Although it is sad and frustrating at times, because it is the following of a man doomed to be rejected in his own country, it carries an underlying message of hope for the human race. I recommend this and all of the films directed by Alea to anyone interested in Cuba, the revolution, and just plain great films.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful, deep, and heart-warming; makes you feel dignified
Review: "Strawberry and Chocolate" is the first Cuban film I have seen in years.... It is certainly the only one that openly discusses things like communism, homosexuality, and political immigration. Although on the surface, this film talks about politics and social ideology, most importantly, it is about people: their happiness, their problems, and often their loneliness. Characters' problems are not blaimed solely on the communist regime. Rather, authors locate roots of these problems and solutions to them within the characters themselves. The two main characters [David and Diego], who initially don't seem to have anything in common, end up loving each other. All they needed to do, in order to discover things they can share, is to look deep within themselves. One of the greatest things they share, is their un-dying love for their mother-land, Cuba: each man loves in his own way, but they are in it together... It is important that David and Diego do not end up being lovers [as it would probably happen in a Hollywood-ish film], because the bond they share is much more powerful than any physical atttraction could ever be. This bond has blossomed in the place, where before there was nothing besides fear and hatred. All characters [the two men, as well as "Nancy", Diego's lonely and unlucky-in-love neighbor] have their own dignity, spirituality, and inner beauty, despite their human faults and peculiarities. These people are not saints, but they are DECENT people. Being together, however, makes them even stronger in their decency. They cling to each other, as only people on the sinking ship would, because they know that they must be together in order to survive. This film makes its viewers feel deep emotions as well as entertains them with sophisticated, smart humor and actors' highly-charged performances. It also leaves very powerful images with the viewers for a long time. It still breaks my heart to remember Diego talking to his refrigerator and Nancy being hospitalized... "Strawberry and Chocolate" is a lesson in universal humanity.
Rating:
Summary: as Diego says, " Art makes you feel and think"
Review: ...and this exquisitely acted film is a beautiful, sensitive, work of art. Mario Garcia Joya's cinematography is gorgeous, and so is the soundtrack by José Maria Vitier, using piano pieces by Ignacio Cervantes. Jorge Perugorria is Diego, a gay man who loves his country, but is unable to express himself in it. It's an extraordinary performance that shouldn't be missed. Vladimir Cruz is also excellent as David, his straight friend, and Mirta Ibarra ! Her "Nancy" is so touching. Her short scene with "The godfather" brought me to tears...and for those of us who became addicted to the oh so romantic telenovela "Laberintos de Passion" starring Francisco Gattorno, here he is, eight years younger, doing a great job as David's fiercly communist friend...so why is that photo of James Dean by the mirror ? Ah ! All those little inconsistencies that make us who we are... This is a tender gem of a film and really needs more than one viewing to fully appreciate...especially if you are reading the subtitles, and can't give 100% attention to the magnificent acting.
Rating:
Summary: World's Collide!
Review: A great view of a Cuban traditionalist hetrosexual, and a homosexual of the arts who loves his nation. The Gay artist hides his actual ambition, (a bit deceptive) for his yearning to be free, and his love for the straight man. Enough support cast to add a bit of flavor to the picture. It's ending is on a wonderful positive note. Each gets what they want in some form, or fashion. Sounds like some homosexual dreams even here in America --- to be free, & totally equal! Are people free in the US is up to one's interpretation. ENJOY THIS FILM!
Hey the guy does get the girl. See, something for everyone!
Rating: 
Summary: DISILLUSIONMENT
Review: A sad Cuban film about a gay intellectual who befriends a student who is very devoted to the causes and ideals of Communist Cuba. He, however, has to begin to open his eyes to the realities of modern day Cuba when his friend is harassed and maligned... and when it is clear that the friend is so harassed even though he too is patriotic and loves Cuba... just not Communist Cuba. The young man also begins a love affair with an older woman, a friend of the gay man. A description of the film won't really do it justice. The performances themselves convey a lot of emotion and also provide thought provoking angles from which to survey the Cuban situation.
Rating: 
Summary: Accurate testimony
Review: As a Cuban, I can testify that this film is a very accurate testimony of the civil rights dilemma inside the communist country. The movie is not, however, so politic; rather it is about friendship and human relationships, and it is fun as well. I also must testify that anti-government critics contained in this film cannot be taken as a proof of freedom of expression in Cuba. I think that freedom of expression is when critic is the rule and not the exception. This movie is, in that sense, the exception and not the rule.
Rating:
Summary: A sincere film that speaks of the Cuban soul
Review: As, I'm assuming, the only Cuban-American to review this film online, I feel especially proud that my country was able to produce such an eloquent, intelligent and all around outstanding film. Many people unacquainted with our customs couldn't possibly begin to relish the cultural nuances that abound in this film. The slang, the attitudes and all-around mannerisms are unmistakibly Cuban and to me it was as if though I were watching a home movie of some old friends. Rarely, have I related to characters the way I did to David, Diego and Nancy. Jorge Perrugoria's Diego is a triumph. Anyone familiar with what's regarded as the quitessential Cuban homosexual (cultured, well-read, opera and ballet loving) will be able to savor this performance like a fine wine; it is absolute perfection. It is hard to believe that he is, in reality, heterosexual. He is just too, too perfect. The fact that this film captures the essence of Cuba is both a revelation and a devestation. One is made to see the crumbling glory that is Havana and it almost inspires heartbreak. Nevertheless, a terrific film through and through and one that I can't recommend enough!
Rating:
Summary: A must-see
Review: Despite what the poster might imply , this is anything but a harmless romantic comedy . This wonderful Cuban film describes the strong friendship which is being slowly developed between gay artlover Diego and communist student David . Their different sexual preferences and motivations towards each other stand at first as an obstacle to their relationship yet as time goes by , our heroes get to know each other and gain a new prespective about life , human relationships , political values and morality . Add to all this a female neighbour with a past full of sins and a heart of gold and what you get is a must-see film which combines perfectly sweetness and wit . Strawberry And Chocolate Touches many different subjects ( love , sexuallity , political beliefs ) with a tender discreet way . It's one of the best foreign films i've seen and surely the best one about Cuba . Once more i will disagree with people who consider this " one of my favourite gay films " because for me this movie is so much more : an ode to male frienship against all odds , an advertise for Cuban people and spirit internationally if you ask me .
Rating:
Summary: Cuba en dos sabores
Review: Este es probablemente uno de esos filmes afortunados que ha abordado el tema del homosexualismo sin convertirse en un melodrama imposible de digerir. El secreto está en la dirección y el guión a cuatro manos y dos afinados cerebros de Tabío (Una novia para David) y Gutiérrez Alea (Memorias del Subdesarrollo). Las actuaciones de Jorge Perugorría y Mirtha Ibarra son muy respetables. Ni siquiera el gris Vladimir Cruz y el insoportablemente mediocre Francisco Gattorno logran restarle mérito a ésta excelente oferta que, cosa rara, logró ser nominada a los premios Oscars. Que no haya ganado habla mucho a su favor... no olviden que "Before Night Falls" también se fue con las manos vacías.
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