Stars: Raquel Revuelta, Eslinda Nunez, Adele Legra, Adolfo Llaurado, Ramon Brito, Sergio Correri, Daisy Granados, Omar Valdes, Salvador Wood, Jose Gallardo, Luz Maria Collaso, Jean Bouise, Raul Garcia, Alberto Morgan, Celia Rodriguez, Fausto Mirabal, Roberto Garcia York, Jorge Perugorria, Vladimir Cruz, Mirta Ibarra, Francisco Gattorno, Jorge Angelino, Marilyn Solaya

Director: Tomas Gutierrez Alea

Summary: In 1959, Fidel Castro guided the revolution that overthrew previous president Fulgencio Batista. This collection marks the 50th anniversary of that historical event, by bringing together a series of titles aimed at a better understanding of Cuba, a country which has often been surrounded by mystery and controversy. Features the films LUCIA, I AM CUBA, MEMORIES OF UNDEREDEVELOPMENT and STRAWBERRY AND CHOCOLATE <BR>

In 1959, Fidel Castro guided the revolution that overthrew previous president Fulgencio Batista. This collection marks the 50th anniversary of that historical event, by bringing together a series of titles aimed at a better understanding of Cuba, a country which has often been surrounded by mystery and controversy. Features the films LUCIA, I AM CUBA, MEMORIES OF UNDEREDEVELOPMENT and STRAWBERRY AND CHOCOLATE

A landmark in Cuban cinema, LUCIA explores the lives of three women, each named Lucia, living through the political and social revolutions of the 1890s, 1930s, and 1960s. Repeatedly, Lucia tries to find personal and romantic solace while living through chaotic times of violent change. By telling each segment in a style specific to its era--from overblown melodrama to documentary-style comedy--Director Humberto Solas evocatively captures the predicament of individuals caught up in the tide of history. As a whole, LUCIA powerfully conveys the continuing evolution of life within Cuba; and Lucia's struggle for liberation becomes a potent symbol for Cuba itself.


I AM CUBA - This Russian-made study of Cuba, partially written by renowned poet Yevgeny Yevtushenko, captures the island just before it made the transition to a post-revolutionary society. Moving from city to country and back again, I AM CUBA examines the various problems caused by political oppression as well as by great discrepancies in wealth and power.


MEMORIES OF UNDERDEVELOPMENT - Sergio (Sergio Correri) is happy to see off his wife and parents and friends; they are all fleeing Cuba in the wake of the Bay of Pigs invasion for America. He is sceptical of the ability of the Revolution to make a real change in Cuban society, observing that it is only the latest passion for an ever-changing society. Although Sergio's family furniture business has been taken over by the state, he still has a modest income as the landlord of several apartment buildings. He spends much of his time observing, either by walking the streets of Havana or using his telescope to spy on others from the safety of his apartment balcony. His passion is women, and in Elena (Daisy Granados), he finds an especially attractive object of desire. Her lack of experience excites him, but it almost proves his undoing when he decides to move on to other prey and Elena's family accuses him at a public trial of seducing and raping her. Acquitted and temporarily chastened, Sergio muses on what a new crisis, the discovery of Soviet missile installations by the United States, will mean for his island and his future.


STRAWBERRY AND CHOCOLATE - 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 neighbour. 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 neighbour, they negotiate their disappointments and ultimately find the pleasures of life. Combining drama with a bit of humour, 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.

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Main Language:	Spanish, Russian
Region:	Region 0
Subtitles:	English
Release Date:	July 20, 2009
Runtime:	490 minutes
Certification:
Catalogue Number:	M R B D V D 024
Keywords:	Years, Revolution, Spanish, Drama, Cuban
Genre:	Drama