Fidel (2002)

Fidel Poster

Fidel Castro rises to power in Cuba.

Film Overview
"Fidel" is an engaging documentary film launched in 2002, directed by Estela Bravo. Bravo paints an extensive and multifaceted portray of Fidel Castro, the polarizing political leader who ruled Cuba for near five decades. The documentary is built on a collection of historical video footage, exclusive interviews with Castro himself, interactions with his household, comrades and archival material, covering the Cuban leader's life from his childhood through his climb to power.

Background and Early Life
"Fidel" begins with a glimpse into Castro's early life, born in 1926 to a rich farming household, and educated in Havana's elite schools. He went on to be a leader in student politics and graduated to become an attorney promoting for the bad, laying bare Castro's preliminary motivation of dealing with poverty and social inequality in Cuba. The film briefly explores his personal life, including his several marriages and kids.

Political Journey
Turning to Castro's innovative journey, the film focuses on his management in Cuba's struggle for independence from the United States-backed Batista routine. It covers the unsuccessful attack on Moncada Barracks in 1953, his imprisonment, subsequent release, and the guerrilla warfare campaign that eventually led to the Z Fidel's Batista's routine in 1959.

Leadership and International Role
Once in power, Castro's rule saw sweeping reforms and social changes, from mass literacy drives to agricultural reform. Nevertheless, his authoritarian approach, including censorship and political crackdowns, produced internal and external conflicts which the movie does not shy away from detailing. The movie explores the worldwide substantial occasions under Castro's leadership, such as the Bay of Pigs Invasion, the Cuban Missile Crisis, his relationship with other socialist leaders, and Cuba's function in the Angolan Civil War.

Critical Reception
"Fidel" demonstrates both the affection and criticism for Castro's political leadership, showcasing the dichotomy of viewpoints from his fans and detractors. It clarifies Castro's charm and appeal, his talent for political survival against many assassination attempts by the CIA, and his contribution to making Cuba an independent player on the global phase. The film has been admired for providing a well balanced view of Castro's complicated character and the impact of his rule on Cuba and beyond.

The Life of Fidel in Retrospect
"Fidel" offers a special and thoughtful examination of a guy who was both revered and reviled in equivalent step. It's a well-crafted encapsulation of the life of among the 20th century's most iconic and enigmatic leaders. The documentary takes neither an outright condemnatory nor overtly sympathetic position, instead, it provides a candid expedition of Fidel Castro's life and the huge impact he wielded over Cuban history and the Cold War period. In spite of its running length, it's a comprehensive and accessible intro to Castro's life and political career.

Top Cast

  • Víctor Huggo Martin (small)
    Víctor Huggo Martin
    Fidel Castro
  • Gael García Bernal (small)
    Gael García Bernal
    Che Guevara
  • Patricia Velásquez (small)
    Patricia Velásquez
    Mirta
  • Cecilia Suárez (small)
    Cecilia Suárez
    Celia Sanchez
  • Maurice Compte (small)
    Maurice Compte
    Raul Castro
  • Diego Luna (small)
    Diego Luna
    Renato Guitart
  • Honorato Magaloni (small)
    Honorato Magaloni
    Aged Fidel Castro
  • Tony Plana (small)
    Tony Plana
    Gen. Fulgencio Battista
  • Ernesto Godoy
    Huber Matos
  • Guillermo Díaz (small)
    Guillermo Díaz
    Universo Sanchez
  • Mel Rodriguez (small)
    Mel Rodriguez
    Calixto Morales