Storyline:
Set in contemporary Havana, we are introduced to young David, a loyal communist and university student, in love with Vivian. But he'll soon learn about her opportunism when she dumps him and gets married to a much well-off man. One day, David is hit on by Diego, a slightly older, exuberant, and openly gay intellectual and activist. He cunningly convinces the heterosexual and suspicious David to accompany him to his flat with the pretext of handing over some photographs of him with another woman. When David mentions the incident to his party-worker friend, he's asked to get back in touch with Diego to gather information on any subversive activities he may be up to. He approaches Diego who has by now already fallen in love with him, and agrees to be his friend provided it is purely platonic and they never discuss sex, and Diego agrees. But before long, David will discover in Diego not only a true friend, but also a wider knowledge of the world, and more importantly, love...
One may call this an intellectual coming-of-age film - about growing up and learning to live by one's principles. It is also a film about friendship, unrequited love, and tolerance for people who have a different point of view, or sexual orientation - the title alludes to different tastes and preferences. The film's purpose is not to discover anything profound but merely hammer home the aforementioned message in the most straightforward way. In that, it succeeds emphatically. It is very approachable and should be seen by all as it is extremely genial, touching, and even quite funny at times, especially during the scenes in which Diego tries desperately to win David's heart. Diego is interestingly played by Jorge Perugorría - more widely known for his rather macho roles as in "Bámbola" and "Doña Bárbara", and David is played quite convincingly by Vladimr Cruz - he brings forth the right amount of naivety and bewilderment that his character goes through which makes him endearing. An ageing Tomás Gutiérrez Alea worked with his regular co-director Juan Carlos Tabío on this project again, and manages to prove that he could still deliver memorable films. Definitely also worthy of mention is the fabulous choice of music by José María Vitier that's positively enchanting. This may not be Alea's finest work even from whatever I've seen, but is nevertheless Highly Recommended Viewing..!
Amazon DVD Link
Compilation: Marilyn Solaya, Vladimir Cruz, and Mirta Ibarra
There is only brief nudity - the post is more of an excuse to write something about this Oscar-nominated film - Cuba's first, than showcase any impressive nude scenes.
Scene Guide:
- In this mildly amusing scene, David takes girlfriend Vivian to a seedy hotel for which he promptly gets ticked off. She complains that he only has sex in his mind, and David tries to assure her that he truly loves her, and in desperation swears that he'd henceforth have sex with her only after marriage, and that too at a luxury hotel (which unfortunately never happens). Vivian is played by a pretty Marilyn Solaya, and David by Vladimir Cruz. After hearing noises from the room next door, David couldn't resist peeking at the busy middle aged couple. Shame that the actress in this scene isn't included in the film credits.
- Diego, unable to bear looking at a forlorn David (after the married Vivian passes by to bid final farewell), asks his neighbour and friend Nancy to lift David's spirits. But the experienced Nancy has plans of her own and plays wisely to the extent that David ends up falling in love with her. Nancy is played by Mirta Ibarra.
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