Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
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Octavio Calderon | ... | Himself - Musician |
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Joachim Cooder | ... | Himself |
Ry Cooder | ... | Himself | |
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Angel Terry Domech | ... | Himself |
Ibrahim Ferrer | ... | Himself | |
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Ibrahim Ferrer Jr. | ... | Himself |
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Manuel Galbán | ... | Himself - Musician |
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Hugo Garzón | ... | Himself |
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Carlos González | ... | Himself |
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Juan de Marcos González | ... | Himself |
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Rubén González | ... | Himself |
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Pío Leyva | ... | Himself |
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Manuel 'Puntillita' Licea | ... | Himself |
Orlando 'Cachaíto' López | ... | Himself | |
Manuel 'Guajiro' Mirabal | ... | Himself |
A group of legendary Cuban musicians, some as old as their nineties, were brought together by Ry Cooder to record a CD. In this film, we see and hear some of the songs being recorded in Havana. There is also footage from concerts in Amsterdam and New York City's Carnegie Hall. In addition, many of the individual musicians talk about their lives in Cuba and about how they got started in music. Written by George S. Davis
Is this film perfect? By all means, no. In places the camera work waves out of control, and the constant featuring of Ry Cooder grows tedious. Yet despite all of this, there are certain images that this film captures that have refused to leave my mind. I get chills just thinking about Eliada Ochoa tearing up during her rendition of "Silencio" as she is filmed before an audience of thousands in Stockholm. I will never forget Ruben Gonzalez sitting at his piano basking in applause. And, of course, seeing Ibrahim Ferrer walk through the streets of midtown Mannhattan in utter awe is enough to make any man choke up. Though flawed, this picture never fails to stand as moving testament to the triumph of the human spirit. For these beautiful moments alone, I give this poignant film a 10.