The only film that addresses Spain's debacle in 1898 (its loss of the last major colonies, this film deals specifically with Cuba), MAMBI is unique and in many ways unusually realistic, and looks like it was shot on a much larger budget. Unique, since it features talent from the conflicting parties in this war drama, the Spanish and the Cuban MAMBI s, or rebels, and gorgeous cinematography from the story's actual locales, the Canary Islands and Cuba. Also unique and realistic because the film was written and directed by Cuban raised Canary Islanders, and features some of Cuba's and Spain's (notably rising star Carlos Fuentes, the lead character) best talent, artistically and technically. A must for history buffs.
2 Reviews
Great movie (possible spoilers)
o_lopez11 January 2003
Warning: Spoilers
This is a great movie. It shows the war from both sides of the conflict: One is the Spanish side who are fighting the war with many young soldiers coming from farms and small villages who are forced to fight the Cubans' rebellion. Another side is the Mambí, the Cuban rebels who take arms and fight for Cuban independence form Spain.
It's lead character Goyo is a small country boy himself who like other Spanish soldiers asks himself what is he fighting for? and why is he so far away from home? He witnesses the cruelties of war as his comrades die in each battle and his Captain is very ruthless. (spoilers) He deserts and is captured by the Cuban revolutionaries. There he meets again with the Cuban woman he'd seen earlier. He ends up falling in love with her and also ends up fighting for the Cuban side (end sp.)
It amazed me how historically accurate this movie was. The uniforms of the Spanish and American Armies are really what they used at the turn of the 19th Century, along with historical dates pivotal in the movie. We also get to see the USS Maine during the movie. This movie is very attractive to people who like history too because there aren't many movies about the Cuban independence of 1898. Also many Spaniards decided to stay in Cuba rather than returning back to Spain at the end of the war. Those decided to live in the island and have families with native Cubans. 8.5/10
It's lead character Goyo is a small country boy himself who like other Spanish soldiers asks himself what is he fighting for? and why is he so far away from home? He witnesses the cruelties of war as his comrades die in each battle and his Captain is very ruthless. (spoilers) He deserts and is captured by the Cuban revolutionaries. There he meets again with the Cuban woman he'd seen earlier. He ends up falling in love with her and also ends up fighting for the Cuban side (end sp.)
It amazed me how historically accurate this movie was. The uniforms of the Spanish and American Armies are really what they used at the turn of the 19th Century, along with historical dates pivotal in the movie. We also get to see the USS Maine during the movie. This movie is very attractive to people who like history too because there aren't many movies about the Cuban independence of 1898. Also many Spaniards decided to stay in Cuba rather than returning back to Spain at the end of the war. Those decided to live in the island and have families with native Cubans. 8.5/10
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