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Before Night Falls Customer Reviews (1 - 3 of 25 Reviews)

A Masterpiece of Art and Truth
This is truly one of the finest films ever made exposing the tyranny of the Cuban communist state over one of its weakest subjects. The irony of the film, is that the effeminate homosexual poet, is actually the bravest, the strongest and the most heroic man in the film. The only "real man" is Reinaldo Arenas. While the Latin 'macho' heterosexual males are actually cowardly accomplices with no honor, guts or bravery. Reinaldo is a patriot, a real man who does not lack the courage of his conviction. This film will make you rethink the concept of manhood, as our homosexual hero stood firm against the Castro dictatorship, continued his conviction in the world of literature which is dominated by a pro Castro Left ... thus guaranteeing that his works would never be published. Unashamed of his sexuality, he faced death with the same conviction he faced injustice while living in Castro's communist Cuba. See this film. One caveat, I suggest you buy the DVD and see the film with the English subtitles. The poetry and the dialogue will make the experience something you'll never forget. The imagery of the film, is outstanding, the musical score is perfect. The scene with Johnny Depp both as a transvestite and as a Gestapo like communist interrogator are in my opinion one of his finest performances. Especially memorable, is Lezama Lima explaining to our hero that since the tyrant cannot govern beauty, he wants to destroy it, allowing 400 years of Cuban culture go down the drain while everyone applauds. There are so many universal truths in this film that one simple review cannot possibly elaborate 1/10 of them. However I guarantee that you will never forget this film. Just remember to use the English subtitles and it will stay with you for the rest of your life.

Life is its' own reward
I read the book many years before seeing the movie. Both are testimonies of the mystery of the human spirit, the wonder and love of life, and the ugliness of human hatred.

Befire Night Falls
This story is so fascinating that I couldn't stop feeling that the drive to create and to be true to one's identity and sexual preference had to be overwhelming to cause the writer, Arenas, to survive and escape the homophobic surroundings in Cuba under Castro. Johnny Depp is unbelievably wonderful as both the sadistic lieutenant and the transporting Drag Queen.

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