Before Night Falls is based on the autobiography of the same name by Cuban poet and novelist Reinaldo Arenas. In the film, Arenas, who was openly gay, is born in Oriente in 1943 and raised by his single mother and her parents, who soon move the entire family to Holguín. After moving to Havana in the sixties to continue his studies, Reinaldo begins to explore his ambitions, as well as his sexuality. After receiving an honorary mention in a writing contest, Arenas is offered the chance to publish his first work. Through his work and friendships with other openly gay men (such as Pepe Malas and Tomas Diego), Arenas manages to find himself. The political climate in Cuba becomes increasingly dangerous, and in the early seventies Arenas is arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting minors, and for publishing abroad without official consent. In the next decade, Arenas is in and out of prison, attempting and failing to leave the country several times. In 1980, Arenas finally leaves Cuba for the US, starting a new life with his close friend and lover Lazaro Gomez Carriles. A few years later, Arenas is diagnosed with AIDS, and after spending several years suffering he dies in 1990 with the help of Lazaro.Read full review
This is the story of the life and times of a gay Cuban poet and author (Reinaldo Arenas) in both pre and post Castro Cuba. The biopic illustrates how free and easy life in Cuba for the "literati" was during Batista's reign and how restrictive and cruel it became under Castro for those same people. The acting is very good throughout the film. Javier Bardem's portrayal of Arenas in very engaging. Even Johnny Depp's cameo holds interest for the viewer. I learned a lot about Cuba from this film. It is well worth the effort to watch.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Javier Bardem is a great actor, the plot was was great and the movie was great. I originally bought this movie more for the reason that Johnny Depp had a role in this movie, albeit a small one, but the Bardem's role was good and I liked his character. I enjoyed the narration throughout the entire movie. I liked how Bardem's character would have sudden flashbacks of his childhood in several random points in the movie.
Interesting show, but very depressing, leaving one to want to change the ending.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Glad to have this title on DVD in my collection. Have the VHS version, but the DVD is much cleaner to watch plus the extras!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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