Comandante
Comandante

Comandante

2003Movie99 minEnglish

Oliver Stone spends three days filming with Fidel Castro in Cuba, discussing an array of subjects with the president such as his rise to power, fellow revolutionary Che Guevara, the Cuban Missile crisis, and the present state of the country.

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Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes68%
Metacritic53/100
Google Users70%
Director: Oliver StoneGenres: Documentary

Plot Summary

Directed by Oliver Stone, Comandante is a documentary that offers an intimate look at Cuban leader Fidel Castro. Stone engages in extended conversations with Castro over several days, exploring his life, political philosophy, and the history of Cuba. The film captures candid moments and discussions, aiming to present a more personal perspective of the controversial figure. It delves into Castro's views on the United States, the revolution, and his vision for the future of his nation.

Critical Reception

Comandante received a mixed to positive reception from critics, with many acknowledging Oliver Stone's access and the film's unique perspective. While some praised it for offering a rare, unvarnished look at Fidel Castro, others criticized it for being too sympathetic or lacking in critical examination. Audience reactions were similarly divided, reflecting the polarizing nature of the subject matter.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its unprecedented access to Fidel Castro.
  • Criticized by some for not being sufficiently critical of Castro's regime.
  • Offers a unique, albeit potentially biased, personal portrait of a historical figure.

Google audience: Google users generally found the documentary to be an interesting and insightful look into Fidel Castro's life and perspective, with many appreciating the opportunity to hear directly from him. Some viewers felt the film was too one-sided and lacked critical depth, while others commended Stone for his interviewing skills and for presenting a different side of the Cuban leader.

Fun Fact

Oliver Stone's documentary "Comandante" was one of several planned films by the director about Fidel Castro, with "Looking for Fidel" (2004) and "South of the Border" (2009) also being released later.

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