Cuba and the Cameraman

I had been in Cuba for a family holiday just after Fidel Castro died. I saw some people who hate Fidel, and also others who are proud of Fidel. I think Jon Alpert succeeded to show people from both sides. He also shows some human side of Fidel via private interviews.

The story of the three brothers and the sister is so heartbreaking. They are so nice people and I wished to be with them to help and share all their feelings.

It was a 45-year real story of the people. I think Jon Alpert did a great job.

I don't expect that Mr. Jon Alpert will cover every expect of Cuban revolution or its outcome that affects Cuban people politically, economically or socially. So I have enjoyed this documentary from other part of the world with warm heart for the characters here. I got emotional for three farmer brothers. Beautiful people there in Cuba and Mr. Alpert is also amazing with his beautiful mind and effort. Thank you for showing the world something that nobody seen before.

This gringo is loud, he keeps his eyes wide open, he's affectionate, he's direct, he's witty, and - most importantly - he connects. John Alpert's "Cuba and the Cameraman" is a must-see and confirmation why this country is so lovable and has a great future.

It's hard not to like the unspoiled, friendly and proud people profiled in this documentary. The director remarkably touches bases with both common folk like the three elderly farming brothers who make up the heart of the film and Castro himself. There's a sense of resiliency and humor that is inspiring. You also get to witness an American's view of the roller coaster ride Cuba has taken from the heady days of revolution to the horror of the 90's to 2016, when life has improved immeasurably for the subjects, some of whom have gone from gaunt to almost portly. Whatever your opinion is of Castro and his autocratic tendencies, this documentary concentrates its light on the Cuban people, their relationships with each other, their country and with the cameraman. I was surprised at how open Cubans are in criticizing their leader and their predicament, especially in the horrible 90's. One gets the feeling from western media that Cubans have been silenced and jailed under Castro for their views but here, nobody seems to be intimidated at all in speaking of their anger and resentment over the way the country has been run. By the end, I felt close to each of this film's subjects to the point where I was disappointed that two Cubans who emigrated to the USA during the later stages of filming are not interviewed after their exodus to America.

Really great stuff from Alpert about Cuba and his relationship with Fidel. Castro definitely uses Alpert in a funny human way for his own sake but there seems to be a friendly relationship between the two which makes this documentary very interesting to watch without judging about his political signature