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Movies / On DVD / Strawberry & Chocolate
Strawberry & Chocolate

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Strawberry & Chocolate (1993)

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Reviews Counted:19

Fresh:15

Rotten:4

Average Rating:6.6/10

Rated: 18

Runtime: 1 hr 50 mins

Genre: Foreign Films

Theatrical Release:03-07-2009

Synopsis: This acclaimed, Oscar-nominated film set in Cuba follows the unlikely friendship between David (Vladimir Cruz), an uptight conservative, and Diego (Jorge Perrugoria), his flamboyantly gay neighbor.... This acclaimed, Oscar-nominated film set in Cuba follows the unlikely friendship between David (Vladimir Cruz), an uptight conservative, and Diego (Jorge Perrugoria), his flamboyantly gay neighbor. At first David balks at Diego's anti-Castro leanings (which have grown especially strong in light of the government's suppression of homosexuality). However, David soon finds irresistible Diego's access to American contraband (magazines, alcohol, etc.), and with the help of a vivacious neighbor, they negotiate their disappointments and ultimately find the pleasures of life. Combining drama with a bit of humor, this film provides a light, but realistic look at the Cuban Revolution, government persecution of marginalized groups, and the tendency of human kindness to overcome hardship. [More]

Starring: Jorge Perugorria, Vladimir Cruz, Mirta Ibarra

Starring: Jorge Perugorria, Vladimir Cruz, Mirta Ibarra

Director: Tomas Gutierrez Alea, Juan Carlos Tabio

Director: Tomas Gutierrez Alea, Juan Carlos Tabio

[See More Credits]

Reviews for Strawberry & Chocolate

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1 - 20 (sorted by date; UK critics are listed first)
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Its subject now reveals itself as political and social freedom in Castro’s Cuba and this is what makes it an intelligent companion piece to Memories of Underdevelopment, Alea’s earlier film.

Full Review Source: This is London | comment Comment
07/03/09
Derek Malcolm
Derek Malcolm
This is London

While the central story may lack edge, ‘Strawberry and Chocolate’ remains an entertaining, thoughtful take on the absurdity of confusing sexuality and politics.

Full Review Source: Time Out | comment Comment
07/03/09
Tom Huddlestone
Tom Huddlestone
Time Out
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

A clear call for tolerance, deftly executed by a director for whom the personal and the political were indivisible.

Full Review Source: Channel 4 Film | comment Comment
07/03/09
Jon Fortgang
Jon Fortgang
Channel 4 Film
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

It’s a clear-eyed critique of the revolution’s treatment of gay Cubans and, as such, it’s a brave and important piece of film-making.

Full Review Source: Times [UK] | comment Comment
07/03/09
Wendy Ide
Wendy Ide
Times [UK]
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Watching his funny and likeable Havana-set comedy is like chancing upon some undiscovered early gem by Godard or Woody Allen, and yet it has a worldliness and drollery that is all its own.

Full Review Source: Guardian [UK] | comment Comment
07/03/09
Peter Bradshaw
Peter Bradshaw
Guardian [UK]
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It's rather long-winded and the politics are pretty boring to an outsider.

Full Review Source: Sky Movies | comment Comment
07/03/09
Sky Movies
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

A superb Cuban film from 1993, a little classic about gay freedom and its aspirations versus Fidel Castro and his Marxist straitjacketing.

Full Review Source: Financial Times | comment Comment
07/03/09
Nigel Andrews
Nigel Andrews
Financial Times

It verges on the preachy, but it's a generous and intriguing film.

Full Review Source: Independent | comment Comment
07/03/09
Robert Hanks
Robert Hanks
Independent

Strawberry & Chocolate (Fresa y Chocolate) has a special place in cinema history.

Full Review Source: Daily Express | comment Comment
07/03/09
Allan Hunter
Allan Hunter
Daily Express

This first gay filmic offering from Cuba actually plays a good deal better than it sounds.

Full Review Source: Empire Magazine | comment Comment
12/30/06
Empire Magazine
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Beautiful.

comment Comment
06/12/04
Rich Cline
Rich Cline
Shadows on the Wall
N/R

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: Variety | comment Comment
07/22/08
David Stratton
David Stratton
Variety
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

The film's premise (friendship between a straight and gay man) may be familiar, but set in Cuba the tale's particular context adds freshness and political alertness, resulting in a charming film with a quasi-hopeful message

Full Review Source: EmanuelLevy.Com | comment Comment
04/09/07
Emanuel Levy
Emanuel Levy
EmanuelLevy.Com

Intelligent political drama

comment Comment
02/05/07
John A. Nesbit
John A. Nesbit
Old School Reviews

No review available.

comment Comment
04/28/05
Philip Martin
Philip Martin
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
N/R

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: New York Times | comment Comment
05/20/03
Caryn James
Caryn James
New York Times
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: Palo Alto Weekly | comment Comment
05/20/03
Leonard Schwarz
Leonard Schwarz
Palo Alto Weekly
N/R

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: rec.arts.movies.reviews | comment Comment
09/17/01
Louis Proyect
Louis Proyect
rec.arts.movies.reviews
N/R

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: Los Angeles Times | comment Comment
02/13/01
Los Angeles Times
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N/R

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Full Review Source: Deseret News, Salt Lake City | comment Comment
01/01/00
Deseret News, Salt Lake City
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1 - 20 (sorted by date; UK critics are listed first)
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