Paraiso

This is really one of the best music documentaries I ever watched. It's not only about the music of the Cuban band "Madera limpia" from Guantánamo in the East of Cuba but also an interesting view of Cuban life without the normal pictures of Havanna and the tourists. It focuses on the everyday life of the members of "Madera limpia" and their inspiration for the music they make - a mixture of traditional son and rap-inspired new music styles. Look out for the soundtrack with songs like "verdad global" that describes boredom ("aburrimiento que tengo yo ..."). The film itself fits perfectly to the music and is made in a fresh and young fashion with unexpected perspectives and camera angles. You'll remember the film and its music for a long time after you left the cinema ...

Paraiso gives you a genuine feel for life in Cuba. The heat, the music, the sea, living in a country short of basic supplies, the sex and sexiness, cultural heritage, the dodgy western middle-aged male tourists taking advantage of people's desperation for cash - all are shown as they are.

It is a documentary of sorts, following the members of a band exploring their hopes and lives.

Don't expect something like Buena Vista Social Club - this departs from that movie's rich color to present life for young people far away from the crowds of Havana.

Especially enjoyable is seeing how music, dance and sex are an integral part to life in Cuba.