Fidel (2002)

Drawing from the complex tapestry of historical events, "Fidel" (2002) traces the meteoric rise of Fidel Castro, a man who transitions from a principled lawyer to a popular dissident, eventually emerging as the unchallenged ruler of Cuba. This cinematic journey, while fact-based, offers a somewhat sanitized portrayal of Castro's life, leaving the audience to question the authenticity of certain events. The narrative unfolds as Fidel Castro, a family man with political ambitions, finds his personal life intertwined with his relentless pursuit of power. His journey is marked by tumultuous events, including a politically-charged affair, imprisonment, expulsion, and a triumphant return that sees him leading an improbable revolution from the heart of the jungle. As Castro ousts the incumbent leader, Batista, and ascends to power, he ruthlessly eradicates opposition, subtly demonstrating his transformation from a freedom fighter to a dictator. The film hints at the notion of a promised free election, only to have it dismissed as contrary to the people's welfare - a testament to Castro's growing authoritarianism. While the film captures Castro's popularity among his people, it only lightly brushes upon the dissenting voices, offering a glimpse into the anti-Castro sentiment through a fleeting encounter with a former restaurant worker. The latter years of Castro's rule remain shrouded in mystery, giving rise to a multitude of unanswered questions. The film also briefly touches upon significant historical events, such as the Cuban missile crisis, painting a somewhat naive picture of Castro's belief in his ability to collaborate with President Kennedy. While "Fidel" could have ended with Castro's rise to power, it leaves the audience pondering about the years that followed, making this a captivating, yet enigmatic portrayal of one of history's most controversial figures.

Fidel is a documentary movie featuring Víctor Huggo Martin and directed by David Attwood.

Fidel is currently streaming on FlixFling.

It is also possible to buy Fidel on FlixFling.