Wim Wenders' documentary seems to have been made as a companion to the best selling CD. Ry Cooder was responsible for resurrecting these old Cuban musicians from oblivion. We saw this film in its debut day at the Angelika and remember the emotional response by many people in the audience as the documentary unfolded. Having seen the DVD recently, it brought back memories about that June day.
Actually, all praise has been directed at Mr. Cooder, who is the man who had the clout to bring this group into the attention of the world, first with the recording, and then with this film. However, no one gives credit to Juan de Marcos Gonzalez, the man responsible for getting all these forgotten musicians together. It's because this man's love for that type of music that one is able to appreciate the men one sees in the film.
The tremendously talented Cuban musicians are finally given the tribute they were due because their contribution to the kind of music that will always be heard because the way it resonates with the listener. As far as the document go, the Cooders, both Ry and Joaquin, are given a special treatment, but then again, without them, who would have even heard of the Buena Vista Social Club?: No one!
Ibrahim Ferrer, Eliades Ochoa, Ruben Gonzalez, Pio Leiva, Guajiro Mirabal, Compay Segundo, Cachaito Lopez, Omara Portuondo, and the rest of the players are shown with great respect by Mr. Wenders, who seems to be enjoying directing these all timers doing what they do best.
One can only cry for what the regime in that unhappy island did to this great musicians for such a long time until the powers that be in Cuba found out how much money they could make by exporting the same people they had chosen to forget.
Actually, all praise has been directed at Mr. Cooder, who is the man who had the clout to bring this group into the attention of the world, first with the recording, and then with this film. However, no one gives credit to Juan de Marcos Gonzalez, the man responsible for getting all these forgotten musicians together. It's because this man's love for that type of music that one is able to appreciate the men one sees in the film.
The tremendously talented Cuban musicians are finally given the tribute they were due because their contribution to the kind of music that will always be heard because the way it resonates with the listener. As far as the document go, the Cooders, both Ry and Joaquin, are given a special treatment, but then again, without them, who would have even heard of the Buena Vista Social Club?: No one!
Ibrahim Ferrer, Eliades Ochoa, Ruben Gonzalez, Pio Leiva, Guajiro Mirabal, Compay Segundo, Cachaito Lopez, Omara Portuondo, and the rest of the players are shown with great respect by Mr. Wenders, who seems to be enjoying directing these all timers doing what they do best.
One can only cry for what the regime in that unhappy island did to this great musicians for such a long time until the powers that be in Cuba found out how much money they could make by exporting the same people they had chosen to forget.