Buena Vista Social Club Review
by Frankie Paiva (pkesnap AT aol DOT com)September 10th, 1999
The Buena Vista Social Club (G) ***
Starring Ibrahim Ferrer, Ry Cooder
Directed by Wim Wenders
A Review by Frankie Paiva
Recently, there have been a couple of films that bring us into a world of music that we have never heard before. Genghis Blues followed the story of a blind man who's visit to Tuva, for the throat-singing championships was funny and heartfelt. The Buena Vista Social Club is a touching look into the world of aging Cuban musicians, and the poor country that they live in.
The Buena Vista Social Club is a large group of Cuban music makers. Each of them have very special lives that the film documents. The main singer (Ferrer) lives in a small rundown apartment and is best friend's with the woman he sings with. He's hesitant when someone asks him to record an album, but he eventually does it. The piano player had arthritis and hadn't even owned a piano in over ten years before he joined the club. The guitar player has always wanted to do a record on Cuban musicians.
The film documents the different, touching lives that these people live, and focuses mainly on their talent. A great deal of performances of different songs are included in the film, whose Grammy winning soundtrack is making a comeback for Cuban music. But another thing the film shows is how nice of a place Cuba really could be. The desolate streets and hot climates could easily be made into a huge tourist vacation. I know that this review is very short, but there isn't much that I can say about the film, because there really aren't any basic plotlines. If your looking for an interesting little documentary, I suggest you go see The Buena Vista Social Club, which gets *** stars.
The Young-Uns: The film is rated G, but some younger kids won't understand what's going on. Good Age 10 & Up
A Review by Frankie Paiva
The 12 Year-Old Movie Reviewer
E-Mail me at SwpStke@aol.com
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