Search - Cuba Feliz on DVD

NOT Buena Vista...

Fyah Mon | Washington Heights, NYC | 03/07/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"In reference to that reviewer who kept comparing "Cuba Feliz" to Buena Vista, I got important news for you...THIS IS NOT BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB! Buena Vista this and Buena Vista that, frankly I'm pretty sick of hearing about them AND Celia all respect due onto them. There is COUNTLESS Cuban music, such as "El Gallo" Miguel Del Morales, who are lesser known or not known at all! That is why I give this excellant documentay 4 stars. Yes it is "sleepy" at times and has a few less than stellar performers. But I think that is part of it, to display the downtrodden, unknown "musicos cubanos" and focus on them, not Celia or Buena Vista or Desi Arnaz or ANY Cuban musician who has a million and one things done about them. This is a TRUE representation of Cuban music and it may not be polished and professional, but it's true to Cuba! I also expected some type of Buena Vista esque documentary and was VERY HAPPY it wasn't cuz as I mentioned, isn't there enough about them at this point in time? It's like renting a hip hop documentary and saying "Oh snap there is no 50 Cent here so it can't be genuine!!" What are you kidding me? Open you minds and your ears and your eyes, this is the real deal brode!"

Honest attempt to portray the reality...

Cuban_Anarchy | Miami, FL | 03/23/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This documentary is for those in love with Cuban culture, since it brings a rush of nostalgia, that in a way is uncontrollable.

The film follows 76 year old Miguel Del Morales "El Gallo" a guitar playing troubadour across the the island, as he visits old friends, and meets new ones along the way. His journey starts out in Havana and makes his way east, meeting Candido Fabre(IMO one of the top 5 improvisers of all time) in Manzanillo, playing in a local baseball game. Fabre takes a break to pay tribute to El Gallo through his singing.

I feel the film shows how music is truly lived and felt in the island. Musicians playing old passed down instruments, yet making the sweetest melodies. A "bembe" happening at the corner, and the people gathering to dance. It also shows how the hardships are forgotten with every note played.

Other notable street musicians Morales plays with along the way are singer Mirta Gonzales, Anibal Avila trumpet player, Paisan Mallet also a trumpet player.

Lots of beatiful scenery, harmonious music, and interesting characters make this documentary very special."