I Am Cuba (1964)

"I Am Cuba" is a compelling exploration of the Cuban landscape in the throes of transition. Co-written by the influential poet Yevgeny Yevtushenko, this cinematic treatise weaves a complex narrative around the island nation teetering on the brink of post-revolutionary transformation. The film masterfully shuttles between the urban decadence of pre-Castro Havana and the rural simplicity of Cuban countryside, illuminating the stark contrasts that fuel a brewing revolution. The story unfolds through four intertwined vignettes, each shedding light on a distinct facet of Cuban society. In Havana, we delve into the life of Maria, a woman grappling with the shame of her clandestine livelihood, her story unfolding under a dreamy, disorienting lens that perfectly encapsulates the city's moral decay and social disparities. Venturing into the countryside, the film paints an idyllic panorama of palm trees and fertile lands, only to shatter the illusion with the harsh reality of Pedro, an aging peasant abruptly stripped of his livelihood by corporate greed. The juxtaposition of these disparate worlds exposes the profound inequities that feed the flames of rebellion. Back in the city, a group of defiant students challenge the oppressive regime, their idealistic crusade culminating in a poignant confrontation with the police. Yet, the revolution is not confined to the city. When Batista's forces bring the war to the doorstep of peasants Mariano and Amelia, the pacifist Mariano is compelled to join the guerrillas, marking the relentless spread of the revolutionary fervor. "I Am Cuba" is a poetic chronicle of a nation on the cusp of a radical change, a cinematic journey that delves deep into the heart of political oppression, social injustice, and the indomitable spirit of rebellion. This visually stunning masterpiece encapsulates the tumultuous period of Cuban history, captivating viewers with its compelling narrative and evocative imagery.

I Am Cuba is a drama movie featuring Sergio Corrieri.

I Am Cuba is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on Hoopla.