Films can be more than just the latest sci-fi/superhero blockbuster or summer comedy. Some films aspire to teach audiences lessons and history. I Am Cuba (Soy Cuba), a 1964 political propaganda film, is one such story. Its historical richness and complexity, now available on Criterion 4K UHD Blu-ray Combo and Blu-ray, offer a unique opportunity for viewers to delve into the past and understand the complexities of Cuban history.
A scene from Mikhail Kalatozov’s I AM CUBA. Photo courtesy of The Criterion Collection.
I Am Cuba tells its story through four vignettes about the lives of Cuban people. Set during the pre-revolutionary era, the story follows the suffering of Cuban culture, including the terror that plagued the nation and how they bravely survived and overcame it. This is a poignant and often brutal watch designed to evoke a deep sense of empathy in the viewer. However, the director’s unique touch of a simultaneous mystical and dreamlike quality makes this a must-watch for any film enthusiast.
A scene from Mikhail Kalatozov’s I AM CUBA. Photo courtesy of The Criterion Collection.
Viewers on the ride can mine thought-provoking moments from the material, primarily the film’s idea of the “American Dream.” This thematic choice is told in a way that resonates with viewers. Mikhail Kalatozov (The Cranes Are Flying) paints Cuba as a place in which change is needed. The American-run casinos that help fund the country play as a frightening contrast to the country’s poverty. These larger-than-life facilities feel like a fluorescent nightmare. Their “beauty” is in equal parts a mirror of the nation’s horror. It’s a powerful duality of images, making a well-rounded viewing experience. It’s a sort of payoff that could feel like a heavy emotional rollercoaster for some viewers.
Putting audiences through that emotion could prove overwhelming for some. I am Cuba is by no means easy viewing. It’s a rare example of a film requiring audiences to work for its rewards. Those willing to go on that ride will be indeed swept away. It’s a daunting task and a tough-as-nails, unfiltered portrayal of this history. This includes dark moments and brutal imagery that could sometimes be hard to stomach. Fans of the material can gain quite a bit from this home Criterion release.
The 4K digital restoration creates a genuinely transcendent visual feast for the eyes. Shot in luscious black and white, it strikes a unique balance of joy and menace. This imagery creates a visceral and mesmerizing quality to behold. No matter what positive or dark event is happening, it’s hard to look away. Stories like this demand special features to flesh out the material. In this home release, the unique features do not come in abundance. Instead, the included features help flesh out the film’s substance. Those features may be different from the sort that some viewers might expect.
A scene from Mikhail Kalatozov’s I AM CUBA. Photo courtesy of The Criterion Collection.
Film fans will appreciate the interviews with filmmaker Martin Scorsese (Clockers; Killers of the Flower Moon) and cinematographer Bradford Young (Arrival; A Most Violent Year). Both men are at the top of their respective fields and hearing their perspectives can help entice some for a repeat viewing. A particular standout feature is the 90-minute documentary “I Am Cuba,” the Siberian Mammoth. The 2004 documentary follows the making of the film, including interviews with the non-professional actors and filmmakers involved. These features provide a different insight, offering a valuable educational experience. They give audiences a peek at the ambitions of those involved and the perspectives of newcomers in the film world. This includes hearing their hopes as to what the film will convey.
A scene from Mikhail Kalatozov’s I AM CUBA. Photo courtesy of The Criterion Collection.
I Am Cuba is more than just a narrative “feature film.” It is a visually immersive exercise in understanding history. Kalatozov throws viewers into the environment, delivering a sensory experience. Its story forces viewers to reflect on their country’s (no matter where you’re from) pasts and hopes for a better and more politically united future. That helps make the finished product an overall moving and emotionally impactful experience. Saying that does not mean I am Cuba is an easy or necessarily enjoyable watch. Instead, it’s the sort of film that provides insight into unknown history. As delivered in this Criterion home release, this is a perfect way to learn about turbulent time periods from a new perspective.
I Am Cuba 4K UHD and Blu-ray Special Features:
- One 4K UHD disc of the film and one Blu-ray with the film and special features
- 4K digital restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack
- I Am Cuba, the Siberian Mammoth, a 2004 documentary on the making of the film featuring key participants
- Interview from 2003 with filmmaker Martin Scorsese
- New appreciation of the film by cinematographer Bradford Young
- Trailer
- Alternate Russian-dubbed soundtrack
- New English subtitle translation
- PLUS: An essay by film critic Juan Antonio García Borrero
- New cover by Century
Available on 4K UHD and Blu-ray April 23rd, 2024.
For more information, head to the official Criterion Collection I Am Cuba webpage.
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Categories: Home Release, Home Video, Recommendation, Reviews
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