Sonia Herman Dolz gives us a warmer, better-looking and more intimate film than Wim Wenders' later effort: Buena Vista Social Club (also about Cuban musical legends). In Lagrimas Negras, we hear contagiously nostalgic tales that are personal individual recounts by the fathers of Cuban music but that also give us an overall idea of the history of the island's electrifying rhythms. The faces and movements of these masters, most of them in their 90's, tell an epic story in themselves. We then follow them as the legendary Guarachera Cubana as they reunite, rehearse and go on tour as far the netherlands, sharing their experiences and giving us their authentic, incredibly heart-felt music. Unlike Wim Wenders's cold dv handheld camera, Lagrimas Negras has beautiful film cinematography which brings closer the warm amber tones and enchanting visuals found in the mecca del son Cubano ! An wonderful film about wonderful music!
