Strawberry & Chocolate (1993)

Its subject now reveals itself as political and social freedom in Castro’s Cuba and this is what makes it an intelligent companion piece to Memories of Underdevelopment, Alea’s earlier film.

While the central story may lack edge, ‘Strawberry and Chocolate’ remains an entertaining, thoughtful take on the absurdity of confusing sexuality and politics.

A clear call for tolerance, deftly executed by a director for whom the personal and the political were indivisible.

It’s a clear-eyed critique of the revolution’s treatment of gay Cubans and, as such, it’s a brave and important piece of film-making.

Watching his funny and likeable Havana-set comedy is like chancing upon some undiscovered early gem by Godard or Woody Allen, and yet it has a worldliness and drollery that is all its own.

A superb Cuban film from 1993, a little classic about gay freedom and its aspirations versus Fidel Castro and his Marxist straitjacketing.

It verges on the preachy, but it's a generous and intriguing film.

Strawberry & Chocolate (Fresa y Chocolate) has a special place in cinema history.