Cuban cinematography has a lot to offer, including a wide range of film genres and shooting methods. But they all share a great tale, which is something in common. Its filmmakers rely on its nation's breathtaking scenery, fascinating history, and fascinating people who then come up with many remarkable movies.
You will undoubtedly be transported to this fascinating island with its distinctive music and lifestyle through dramas, comedies, and documentaries, all of which tell one or more outstanding stories. The top 10 Cuban films of all time are presented on this list.
Greatest Cuban Movies of All Time
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Una Noche (One Night, 2012)
Many young people feel suffocated by Havana, Cuba's living conditions. Raul continues to dream of Miami despite the fact that it is both close by and far away. He has no choice but to run if he is charged with violence. He turns to his closest friend Elio and begs for assistance in making the 90-mile trip across the Atlantic.
Elio has the same desire to flee the capital, but he struggles to balance it with his friends' needs for assistance and his duty to look out for his younger sister. All of them will face one of the greatest tests of their lives this evening, which will be filled with hope and decisions.
Viva Cuba (2005)
The stark contrasts between the two families jeopardize the bond of two young children in this contemporary Romeo and Juliet. Malu's single mother doesn't want him to associate with Jorgito, who comes from a lower socioeconomic level, because they both live in an upper-class neighborhood.
The mother of Jorgito, a strong but impoverished socialist who is proud of her way of life, agrees. However, none of them are aware of the unique connection that the boy and girl share. They travel to the other side of the island to find Malu's father and persuade him to sign the documents that prevent her from being taken away when they learn that Malu's mother intends to leave Cuba.
Conducta (Behavior, 2014)
One of the most highly regarded films in Cuba over the past ten years, Carmela is a drama about an elderly teacher with a soft spot for kids from troubled backgrounds. The 12-year-old Chala, who is in love with Yeni, is placed in her charge by her headmistress. They both live in challenging circumstances at home and are both destitute.
The disparities between the elite and lower classes are well depicted in this film's outstanding portrayal of Cuban society and way of life. It demonstrates the gravity of all the problems, but it also inspires hope since Carmela's class can be seen as a safe haven for those who are different and unheard at home but can express themselves elsewhere.
Fresa y chocolate (1993)
This romance movie, another hidden gem from Cuba, tells the story of Diego, a young homosexual who falls in love with David, a young heterosexual communist who is full of prejudice and reactionary notions. David initially opposes everything Diego wants to share with him, but over the course of countless conversations about their respective worldviews, David gradually begins to show Diego more shows of affection.
As their love grows stronger, certain other backstories start to intrude on it and don't give them enough room to grow it further. We are ultimately left with an unclear conclusion that gives us the option to speculatively consider what might take place in the future.
Retrato de Teresa (1979)
Teresa, a lady in her middle years, feels completely out of control of her life. She is married, has three sons, has a demanding profession, and does volunteer work while juggling a number of life decisions. She feels pressured to do more than just spend time at home and cater to her husband Ramon, who demands more of her time.
After the divorce and her husband has an affair but then decides he wants to return home, Teresa realizes who she had been living with all these years and comes to the realization that there is so much more to life and that she has many opportunities to take advantage of and fulfill her lifelong ambitions.
Lucia (1968)
The three women in this intriguing period drama, who are all named Lucia, are set in three separate eras. Through the perspective of these three women, we are transported to the 1930s, 1960s, and the period of the Cuban War of Independence.
The audience will learn a lot of fresh and fascinating facts about Cuba from this black-and-white film that offers great insight into several historical eras in Cuba. It is a staple of Cuban cinematography and has won numerous awards.
Suite Habana (Havana Suite, 2013)
Although it was a documentary, this film, which is regarded as one of the greatest and most influential Cuban productions ever, was made using fictional cinematic techniques. It entirely lacks words and relies solely on music and visuals to get its point through.
It's an intriguing approach and a completely different way of filming, given that most Cuban films rely heavily on spoken words. The story takes place over one day in Havana, beginning in the early morning when we begin following ten men and their ordinary lives, from family to work issues and everything else that can fit in a 24-hour period.
El Benny (2006)
This musical drama is based on the true account of Benny More, a musician who, in the 1950s, quits the Duany orchestra and forms his own "Banda Gigante." Through flashbacks, we are made aware of his life, endeavors, and ups and downs in Mexico, Cuba, and Venezuela.
Benny has been through a lot, battled alcoholism, and dealt with a vengeful businessman, but after collapsing and being admitted to the hospital, he decided to put everything behind him. When he runs into his former bandmate Monchy many years later, he will remember everything from his earlier days.
De cierta manera (One Way or Another, 1974)
This romantic drama tells the tale of Yolanda, a teacher who struggles to find the right methods and approaches to teach the kids from the slums because of the cultural differences between them. Additionally, Yolanda is in the midst of a potential romance with Mario, a worker at a bus factory who feels threatened by her liberal and feminist viewpoints.
The differences between men and women who are born and raised in conservative and strict environments are expertly depicted in this film, and it also demonstrates what must take place for a relationship to succeed. To maintain a relationship and begin understanding those who are different from us, sexism, racism, and all other forms of prejudice must be forgotten and eliminated.
Los sobrevivientes (The Survivors, 1979)
This comedy revolves around a wealthy woman who refuses to hand over all of her possessions to the new socialist government. She makes the decision to conceal all of her treasures in the twelve dining room chairs.
After she passes away, her nephew learns what she had done, and since all of her chairs are now in the hands of various individuals, he will need to locate them in order to try and make a claim to what he believes is rightfully his.
