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Strawberry & Chocolate by Tom?s Guti?rrez Alea, Juan Carlos Tab?o
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DVD Cover InformationActor: Francisco Gattorno, Joel Angelino, Jorge Perugorr?a, Mirta Ibarra, Vladimir Cruz Director: Juan Carlos Tab?o, Tom?s Guti?rrez Alea DVD: Region Code 1 Audio: English (Subtitled); Spanish (Original Language) Format: Color, DVD-Video, NTSC, Subtitled Picture Format: 1.85:1 Running Time: 104 minutes DVD Release Date: 2004-01-13 Audience Rating: R (Restricted) Studio: Walt Disney Video
Movie Reviews of Strawberry & ChocolateMovie Review: Exploring love, ideas, and friendship in Havana Summary: 4 StarsI won't bother with plot points and such since lots of other reviewers have already done so, but I will say that this film is definitely worthy of the accolades and positive reviews it has received. I was particularly struck by the performance of Jorge Perugorr?a as the gay artist Diego. Perugorria's performance draws you in whether he is being sly and bitchy or indignant and passionate. His unrequited love for David (Vladimir Cruz) is both sweetly na?ve as well as crushingly sad. I won't give away the final scene, but I will say that without Perugorria's stellar performance throughout the film it would have been a less powerful moment.
But the film is more than just a gay man's infatuation with a young Marxist; it is also about the struggle of contradictory ideas and opinions in a world where the view is rigidly controlled. David is put off by Diego's flamboyance and flirtation, but he is quite fascinated by Diego's ideas and courage.
The action takes place mostly in Diego's apartment, but the scenes of Havana are stark and somewhat depressing, showing buildings and sidewalks crumbling from neglect. At one point Diego takes David to the roof of his building and laments the collapse of the once beautiful Havana.
The film was nominated for an Oscar and won numerous awards, including ones from the Berlin and Sundance film festivals, but its multiple awards at the Havana Film Festival may surprise some, considering the implicit criticism of the Cuban system contained in the film. Happily, Perugorria's extraordinary performance was recognized at the festival when he won for best actor.
Summary of Strawberry & ChocolateThis charming Cuban film details the unusual relationship between the flamboyant, educated Diego (Jorge Perugorr?a) and the young, homophobic, pro-Revolution David (Vladimir Cruz). Miserable at being dumped by his girlfriend, David at first spurns the attentions of Diego; however, at the prompting of his Communist roommate, Miguel (Francisco Gattorno), he cultivates an acquaintanceship with Diego in order to investigate his liberal leanings. Of course, Diego's cultured ways prove fascinating to the younger man and a true friendship grows. Add the slightly crazy neighbor Nancy (Mirta Ibarra), who frequently attempts suicide, as romantic fodder for David, and this playful drama becomes a heartwarming film. Disputed in its own country, this film was the first Cuban picture to be nominated for best foreign picture at the Academy Awards. --Jenny Brown Robert Redford and Miramax Films proudly present STRAWBERRY & CHOCOLATE, the irresistible comedy treat that's received outstanding critical acclaim! Meet David -- a naive young college kid who's out on his own for the very first time. With the help of two extraordinary new friends, David soon learns everything there is to know about the things that aren't taught in school! Diego is the writer who teaches him about the passion of life ... and Nancy is the woman who teaches him about the passion of love! Nominated for the Academy Award(R) as Best Foreign Language Film in 1994, STRAWBERRY & CHOCOLATE is a deliciously fun-filled celebration of life at its entertaining best!
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