Bitter Sugar

This was, indeed, a very shocking movie. It shows the life inside Cuba as no movie has done before. The scene in which Bobby and his friends infect themselfs with AIDS is very disturbing since you know there´s no other way the authorities are going to listen to them. Also, the fact that the movie is filmed in black and white gives a more penetrating feeling.

It is amazing how many people are ready to criticize this movie when they have NO direct knowledge of Cuba or its sociopolitical situation.

Myself, I have been to Cuba, traveled its highways, walked many of its cities and towns' streets, and had long conversations with the common people as well as government officials.

As a result, I can tell everyone reading this that in no uncertain terms that the problems portrayed in Azucar Amarga are very real. The prostitution, tourist aparteid, and growing dispair shown in this film are completely accurate.

Cuba is a country coming apart at the seams due to its contridictory existence as a communist state embracing the capitalist tourism industry to survive. Those Cuban with access to tourist dollars are surviving and those without access now beg in the streets. It is heart-wrenching but true.

Please avoid snap judgements of this film's accuracy until you too have spent weeks living the Cuban experience. Until then, you know nothing.

This movie is a great movie. It tells the story of Cuba through the eyes of those who are for Fidel and those who are against him. It also has a love story. The two lovers believe opposite ways when it comes to Cuba, but they still love each other. I highly recommend this movie for both its drama and its information on Cuba.

I enjoyed this movie very much. I think it is a good resource to learn about Cuba. The constant battle between Neo-liberalism and Socialism was done very well, and I learned so much about the two systems. All of the different characters are affected in different ways by both systems and shows the strong emotion throughout.

This movie has love that cannot be, rebellion, and a family that struggles to make it. It is in black in white, which is very effective because none of the points in the movie are black and white. There is always a shade of gray. The music is enjoyable and really keeps the movie flowing at a steady pace.

This movie is a great way to learn about Cuba and is enjoyable to watch as well. I highly recommend it.

Azúcar Armarga is a very interesting film to see now. With the focus on Elian and Cuba, this film portrays the importance of socialism and neo-liberalism economics that currently effects conditions in Cuba. It represents the conflict of the Cuban people between their heritage and a better life.