Fraise et chocolat

This film isn't just an "odd couple" story, as it can appear at a first glance. This is a landmark Cuban film about the plight of homosexual artists in Communist Cuba. Being homosexual in Cuba in the 60's and 70's, maybe even the 80's, could mean incarceration or being sent to "colonies", often hard labour camps. What makes this film extraordinary is that it was made by a Cuban director who had been himself part of the Communist intelligenzia at the beginning, but could still be objective and therefore critical of the intolerance of real socialism. What also makes the film extraordinary is that the film itself was a box office success in Cuba and helped change attitudes towards homosexuality. Tomás Gutiérrez Alea, or Titón, as he was known in Cuba, is the greatest and best loved Cuban filmmaker, with a trademark black humour, best exemplified in his outstanding films Memorias del subdesarrollo (Memories of Underdevelopment) (1968) and La Muerte de un burócrata (Death of a Bureaucrat) (1966). His last film, Guantanamera (1994), which he made when ill with cancer, is a black comedy of "funeral" errors and criticism of Cuban bureaucracy. This is his legacy, the way he wanted his public to remember him, laughing at death.

The comment from the viewer in Norway who had to be forced to watch this lovely film is in dire need of just more than learning to speak Spanish. This film is not about two gay men, as one character is gay, the other is straight. It is a movie about how two people who seem to be very different are really very similar. Both love their country and they learn that love of man (or of woman) and of country can be expressed differently and still be valued and respected. It is a wonderful, charming, endearing and thoroughly well acted movie. It is extremely realistic and gives and shows a snapshot of Cuba we are not able to see or partake of. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. It is funny, well acted and well written and directed. The two male leads are superior as is the female character. I have seen this movie many times and never tire of it. I most highly recommend it. It is not a gay film, so don't think of it that way or you will be very disappointed.

STRAWBERRY AND CHOCOLATE (Fresa y Chocolate)

Aspect ratio: 1.85:1

Sound format: Ultra-Stereo

Used as an unwitting pawn by his pro-revolutionary colleagues, a naive student (Vladmir Cruz) is encouraged to develop a platonic relationship with a flamboyant gay artist (Jorge Perugorria), whose political allegiances have fallen under suspicion. But as their friendship deepens, Cruz is transformed by Perugorria's resistance to the Cuban regime, even as the forces of oppression begin to close around them.

Based on a short story ('El Lobo, el Bosque y el Hombre Nuevo') by screenwriter Senel Paz, STRAWBERRY AND CHOCOLATE is a joyous celebration of life and non-conformity, distinguished by Perugorria's vivid performance as a self-proclaimed 'outsider' who rejects his friend's unquestioning loyalty to the Cuban political system that is stifling their beloved homeland. Their budding relationship is complicated by Perugorria's unrequited love for Cruz, depicted here with dignity and compassion, though it's their political differences which ultimately unite the two characters, even as Perugorria is forced to reap the whirlwind of his public defiance. Also starring Mirta Ibarra as Perugorria's flaky neighbor, who introduces virginal Cruz to the joys of sexual liberation! It isn't a terribly cinematic film, but production values are solid, and the characters are played with such integrity, it hardly matters; this is a movie in which ideas take precedence over action, and the emotional payoff is quite powerful indeed. Beautiful music score by Jose Maria Vitier, too. Directed by Tomás Gutiérrez Alea and Juan Carlos Tabío.

NB. The original US version (released by Miramax) is missing approximately six minutes of footage. Absent material includes a brief conversation about racism during Cruz's first visit to Perugorria's apartment, and a sad little sequence in which the two characters pretend not to notice each other after meeting by accident in a bookstore.

(Spanish dialogue)

one of films with status of experience. because it is a simple and precise pledge for discover the other. because it is a great friendship story. because it defines each totalitarian regime in its essence - especially Communism - in the right manner. and, not the last, for great performances. Jorge Perugorria is the fine example, his Diego being brilliant example of vulnerability, force and special form of wisdom. Vladimir Cruz, as the young man looking his sense/happiness, Galateea of a not ordinary Pygmalion, does an admirable work, too. and it is not fair to ignore Francisco Gattorno who has the chance to propose more than a character from the Latino soap opera area. "Fresa y chocolate" is one of films who must see twice. in strange way, for its beautiful simplicity. because it remains one of the most touching pledge for the courage to be yourself. and for the joy of life. and for authentic links between people. short, a real great film.

A beautiful movie for the heart. One of the most wonderful stories of friendship ever told.

Jorge Perugorría as Diego is amazing. (I'd well like to see some of his other work.) It is most astonishing to see how his character develops from the limp-wristed cliché gay at the beginning to a fascinating man who gets in conflict with the regime because he is different on every level from what the system requires him to be: he is an independent spirit, a person with a genuine love for the arts, for literature, for music, he is disappointed by communist ideals - and he is also gay, by the way.

Vladimir Cruz is also very fine as the young and naive David who discovers things through his friendship with Diego he'd never ever thought of: like discovering the beauty of things, of life, of poetry and music... And also being committed to another person, even though this person may seem very 'different' from oneself at first glance.

The development of David's and Diego's friendship is fascinating (I wouldn't interpret anything more into it, not even in the final scene). This is also a "coming of age" tale, in a way: by his friendship with Diego, David begins to think, develops a maturity of spirit - and is also, at last, able to develop a loving and mature relationship with a woman. It is very sweet when he tells Diego: "No-one will hurt her. She is with me."

A true gem of a film. I recommend it to everyone.