15 opiniones
As "Revolution Rent" (2019 release; 91 min.) opens, it is "Havana, Cuba, December 24, Opening Night", as we seen the cast of the Cuban version of the Broadway play "RENT" about to hit the stage, many of them very nervous. We then go to "Miami, Florida", where we meet Andy Senor Jr. And his mom. Andy was one of the original cast members when "RENT" hit Broadway in 1996. Now 2 decades later, he has moved up to be one of the directors of carious RENT productions. Andy's mom fled Havana as a child, and when she gets wind that Andy is considering directing the Cuban version of RENT, she does not hide her displeasure. But Andy's mind is made up... At this point we are 10 min. Into the documentary.
Couple of comments: Andy Senor Jr.'s hands and feet are all over this film. He of course directed the Cuban version of the Broadway show, but he also co-directed and co-produced this documentary, which feels like a labor of love. The initial part focuses on how they will stage a Broadway show in Havana, with local actors of course, and needing to build a stage from scratch, etc. But the documentary really takes off when we get to know the local actors, many of them struggling and living in what you have to say looks a lot like poverty. (In fact, much of Havana looks to be in terrible shape, seemingly ready to collapse at any moment's notice). The other thread in the documentary is Andy's and his mom's relationship with Cuba, and whether they can find some closure. I found it all rather amazing. Once again, it's the human side (and insight) that makes this documentary worthwhile, rather than the technical challenges of staging a Broadway play in Havana. Last but not least: we learn that tickets for the show cost 10 pesos, or about 50 US cents. Obvious question: who financed the staging of RENT in Havana? How did they make any money on this? Other burning question: how did RENT get chosen/approved by the Cuban government for staging in Havana? None of these questions are addressed in the documentary.
"Revolutionary Rent" premiered on the film festival circuit in 2019, and then HBO snapped it up. It premiered last week on HBO and HBO Max, and is now available on HBO On Demand and other streaming services. If you are a fan of RENT or curious about what life is like in Havana for ordinary people, I'd readily suggest you check this out and draw your own conclusion.
Couple of comments: Andy Senor Jr.'s hands and feet are all over this film. He of course directed the Cuban version of the Broadway show, but he also co-directed and co-produced this documentary, which feels like a labor of love. The initial part focuses on how they will stage a Broadway show in Havana, with local actors of course, and needing to build a stage from scratch, etc. But the documentary really takes off when we get to know the local actors, many of them struggling and living in what you have to say looks a lot like poverty. (In fact, much of Havana looks to be in terrible shape, seemingly ready to collapse at any moment's notice). The other thread in the documentary is Andy's and his mom's relationship with Cuba, and whether they can find some closure. I found it all rather amazing. Once again, it's the human side (and insight) that makes this documentary worthwhile, rather than the technical challenges of staging a Broadway play in Havana. Last but not least: we learn that tickets for the show cost 10 pesos, or about 50 US cents. Obvious question: who financed the staging of RENT in Havana? How did they make any money on this? Other burning question: how did RENT get chosen/approved by the Cuban government for staging in Havana? None of these questions are addressed in the documentary.
"Revolutionary Rent" premiered on the film festival circuit in 2019, and then HBO snapped it up. It premiered last week on HBO and HBO Max, and is now available on HBO On Demand and other streaming services. If you are a fan of RENT or curious about what life is like in Havana for ordinary people, I'd readily suggest you check this out and draw your own conclusion.
- paul-allaer
- 17 jun 2021
- Enlace permanente
As a huge fan of Rent I really enjoyed this but it was about more than just the show. The story of Andy's mother was very moving and interesting. It was great to see the Cuban audition process and rehearsals from day 1 up to opening night and to get to know so many lovely people. Massively recommended.
- leejameswilson-73250
- 21 jun 2021
- Enlace permanente
Realistic, human, what it takes to fulfill on a dream and to move things that seemed unmovable! Andy shared his real life and put himself on the line for something bigger than himself, for a vision. Just inspiring and well done!
- litoland
- 30 jun 2021
- Enlace permanente
This film not only has the energy and emotion of RENT, but add the picante spice of Cuba - and you're in for a fun night at the movies ! We rarely get to see behind the curtain into the lives of ordinary Cubans, and these actors are extraordinary talents, but leading normal lives on the island. Get yourself a stack of tostones and enjoy ! Don't miss this movie !
- billzip-97595
- 8 jul 2021
- Enlace permanente
That's all this movie is. Ask yourself, what is there for them to relate to? Rent is a Capitalist dogma. The play is all about struggling under capitalism with AIDS in the background. The play is called rent, not AIDS.
This is just American propoganda designed to make Cuba look bad because of communism. All they show is decrepit buildings, like every major city in America doesn't have a skid row.
Where are the hospitals?
This movie just shows the world is a much better place without America. Unless you're american then you'll just look down on Cuba as poor and pitful like you're supposed to. And think oh what a great thing this colonizer is doing! They definitely need him and therefore US there.
If it was about empowerment, then why not help them put on a play written by them for them? It's a vanity project.
This is just American propoganda designed to make Cuba look bad because of communism. All they show is decrepit buildings, like every major city in America doesn't have a skid row.
Where are the hospitals?
This movie just shows the world is a much better place without America. Unless you're american then you'll just look down on Cuba as poor and pitful like you're supposed to. And think oh what a great thing this colonizer is doing! They definitely need him and therefore US there.
If it was about empowerment, then why not help them put on a play written by them for them? It's a vanity project.
- theredbaron2007
- 17 jun 2021
- Enlace permanente
An amazing documentary about bringing RENT to Cuba and all the hurdles the production company had to jump around to make it happen. This documentary isn't only about RENT the musical, it's about the cast and their struggles living in Cuba; they bring you into their lives and show you how they live, what they eat, what aches them and most importantly what they yearn for. A must see documentary.
- zdsggw
- 1 jul 2021
- Enlace permanente
This documentary if full of heart and soul. Rent performance in Cuba 🇨🇺 was groundbreaking. The beginning of something special for Cuban artist. Andy Senor did a phenomenal job! BRAVO.
- marco-11453
- 30 jun 2021
- Enlace permanente
A touching documentary about the importance of community and supporting each other. Multi faceted, many stories converge in a short time, to give u a glimpse of that life experience. It can be rewatched and u'll find more things each time.
- alekcr
- 24 jun 2021
- Enlace permanente
A very emotional documentary. One of the best documentaries i´ve seen in last years. Rent talks about love between humans, and the documentary also talks about people loving art.
If you want to feel the spirit of creation beyond all: Rent revolution.
If you want to feel the spirit of creation beyond all: Rent revolution.
- matigordon-03445
- 1 jul 2021
- Enlace permanente
This is a fantastic documentary. Shows you some real people doing real theatre without any barriers. It is not trying to change your mind about politics but rather educate and change the lives of a small group of people, which can be the change in the world that we all need. Absolutely recommend!!
- mannymusic1
- 30 jun 2021
- Enlace permanente
Revolution Rent immediately finds its place alongside "Every Little Step" as one of the premier theatrical documentaries-one that not only documents the creation of theatre, but also stands alone as a fantastic work of narrative, drama, and art unto itself in the style of Rent.
Director and star Andy Senor does a beautiful job of leading the user through the trials and tribulations of taking the Rent to Cuba, as the first modern musical to visit the island-and its effects on audiences and cast members alike. Equally as important, he shows us his own personal journey (as a Cuban himself), along with the familial pressures and pleasures of watching his struggles and success.
Can't recommend highly enough-a fantastic directorial debut!
Director and star Andy Senor does a beautiful job of leading the user through the trials and tribulations of taking the Rent to Cuba, as the first modern musical to visit the island-and its effects on audiences and cast members alike. Equally as important, he shows us his own personal journey (as a Cuban himself), along with the familial pressures and pleasures of watching his struggles and success.
Can't recommend highly enough-a fantastic directorial debut!
- merrittbaer
- 30 jul 2021
- Enlace permanente
A very personal and intimate approach of reaching into ones roots and creating bridges with those same roots. Interestingly, the lyrics of New York struggles translate directly to the same struggles of Cubans on the island that are not able to pay rent or worse, are without water or basic living conditions. This reveals the universal experience of art, and in this case, diving to very a very personal family history. A masterpiece.
- reubenerojas
- 5 jul 2021
- Enlace permanente
I absolutely loved this documentary. It made me laugh, it made me cry and I was loving it the entire time. 10/10 recommend. Andy and his team are AMAZING! I will watch this over and over again.
- tkrsrd
- 27 jul 2021
- Enlace permanente
- tamrasheehan
- 1 jul 2021
- Enlace permanente
This beautiful piece of art touches your soul. It pulled me into the experience instantly with Andy Senor's poignantstory telling. I felt every emotion organically and loved every second.
- loladias
- 4 jul 2021
- Enlace permanente