Search - Fidel: The Untold Story on DVD

Destined To Be Considered Heretical

Dana Garrett | 10/17/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This DVD will be considered heretical by some because it dares to present the idea that not only is there a perspective behind Cuba's communist leader but there is also an individual man. Here you will see a review of Castro's life, his rise to power, his huge significance for third world countries, his essential contribution to freedom in South Africa, his conflicts with the USA, and (another heresy) his conflicts with, and independence from, the erstwhile Soviet Union. There are more heresies as well. Viewers will be surprised to see Castro publicly admit to mistakes, awkwardly avoid questions about his romantic life because he believes that private lives are not anyone's business (a socialist thinks that--imagine!), his notorious competitive side in sports and games. The film accomplishes this through many interviews with him, old footage of Castro, and interviews with his friends and compatriots. I was most surprised about how shy Castro seemed one-on-one. I highly recommend the film because it dares to show a picture of Castro that observers rarely get in the USA. I haven't seen a better film on Castro than this one."

A unique perspective

Michael Brown | Cleveland, Ohio USA | 08/11/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What is so rewarding about this traditional-style documentary is the humanization of Castro, a figure made grotesque and often demonized in the United States by a very small minority of persons. Regardless of how you perceive "socialism", this documentary shows Castro from a relatively positive profile and therefore his and Cuba's history from a unique perspective. Americans will be surprised to discover that in many parts of the globe Castro is considered a great hero, whereas here he is portrayed as equal parts monster and tyrant. No mention is made of repressive measures or political prisoners however, an interesting omission, but given the fact that almost all reports and documentaries focus exclusively on his "repression" and the fate of political prisoners, it is somewhat understandable. Even the uneducated would benefit from seeing this documentary, and would probably think of Castro in a different light."

Viva la revolucion!

Kimmi | California | 10/03/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This film presents the rationale and strategy for the Cuban Revolution from Castro's perspective. It is an exciting story of his motivation, challenges, and tireless efforts to keep the revolution going in Cuba and other oppressed countries despite interference from the U.S. It doesn't include criticism of Castro's Cuba, but you can get that from many sources. If you want to understand why the U.S. Government is so hard on Castro, this film will show you."

Excelente

Mr Bojangles | Florida | 06/21/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I watched this movie a few months ago and came away very impressed. This movie is a bringing-to-light of the positive acts of the Revolution. Discussed are Cuba's health-care & education systems, the Revolution's role in struggles for Colonial Liberation (most notably South Africa, as acknowledged in this film by Nelson Mandela), and much, much more.

Some will dimiss this film as nothing more than a pro-Revolution propaganda piece. That is unfortunate. While this film is unabashedly sympathetic to Fidel and the Revolution, to criticize it on those grounds alone is childish. If you expect a two hour movie to tell you what Cuba is REALLY all about, you are being naive. It is impossible. To truly understand Cuba, you have to get your information from a variety of sources. Too often, people expect everything they need to know to come from one source. That is just not how it works, especially when it comes to Cuba, and even more so when it comes to films about Cuba.

I see this movie as being one piece of a puzzle that you must put together on your own if you want to understand Cuba. And the understanding at which you arrive will not be the same as everybody else; There will always be differences of opinion regarding Cuba, even among the most learned.

Watch this movie for what it is, a two-hour exposition on the positive acts of the Revolution, and you will not be disappointed. You will only be disapppointed if you expect this to be a "balanced" or a "critical" look at the life of Fidel Castro and the Cuban Revolution. Like I've said, you just won't find objectivity in materials on Cuba (Jon Lee Anderson' biography of Che Guevara being perhaps a notable exception.)"