Film review of Catch a Fire

1. In general, what did you like and dislike about the film?

Of all the movies we've seen this has been the one I liked the most. It tells a story less known, but no less influential in the fight for racial equality and human rights. I think it was fundamental that the director of the film personally interviewed Patrick Chamusso, because it gives him authenticity and creates a special intimacy with the viewer.

The story and how it develops is very involving, always kept me attentive and aroused many emotions throughout the film. The change of mentality of Patrick was surprising, the music was very well selected. I loved that Bob Marley was present, especially his song Exodus which talks about dreams of freedom.

In general, I could say that I liked everything about the movie, I just had the feeling that it was a bit short, but it is a product of the same tension that it provokes. And no doubt the end leaves great lessons, the fact that Chamusso decides not to kill you, despite all the suffering that this gave him, is a sign of greatness, as it seeks to break the circle of hate.

2. Who was the character you like the most and the character you liked the least in the film? Why?

Definitely the character that I liked the most was Patrick Chamusso. His change of mentality is impressive, the passage of a common man who had stability, considering the context in which they found themselves, a distinguished figure in the struggle for the fundamental rights of a people that is denigrated in their own land, I think incredible and inspiring. He left everything aside for a good that I can not even imagine, fight and be willing to give my life for the slogan of equality and justice speaks of a greatness that only few have.

On the other hand is Nic Vos, the worst character in the film. He embodies a retrograde, racist and imperialist philosophy of thought. It's a latent sign of the abuse of power, racial superiority and the use of violence as a mechanism to solve problems. It's a character that serves as an example to teach that this type of thought exists, is still present and that above all things we must work collectively to change it.

3. What was the role of Samora Machel, the FRELIMO, and revolutionary Mozambique in the struggle against the South African apartheid? Use examples from the film and the biography of Samora Machel

The importance of Samora Machel and the Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO), is that they are a symbol of resistance, solidarity and community, not to give up in spite of everything and fight. I think Samora was very influential in the kind of thinking of Patrick Chamusso and helped him to reaffirm his position. 

First they fought their own battle, they won it and they continued to help other African nations in order to liberate them and get fairer rights. In the case of the ANC, they offered their help, they sheltered them, trained them and planned strategies to overthrow apartheid. I find that his way of acting and that deep camaraderie by the other African nations is very respectable, an example worthy of imitation.

Film Review of Kangamba

1. How does the film, Kangamba, show Cuban internationalism in Angola?

The film shows a very heroic image of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR). It shows the Cuban soldiers as men willing to give their lives in very distant lands, capable of fighting without retreating and fighting side by side with the soldiers of The People's Armed Forces of Liberation of Angola (FAPLA) in order to liberate and protect the land of kangamba. The film leaves the impression that the Cuban volunteers are able to feel the pain that afflicts the community of Kangamba, who are besieged by the forces of the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA).

2. What was the most impactful scene for you? Why?

In my opinion, the most remarkable scene of the film is when the FAR and FAPLA soldiers read the letter sent by the Cuban commanders to give them strength at a time when almost everything was lost. They were exhausted, many of their comrades had died, there wasn't water or food and UNITA forces seemed implacable. It's the key moment of the film where you can appreciate the horror and pain of war.

3. What was something you like and something you disliked about the film? Why?

What I didn't like about the movie is the patriotism it has. I thought that because it's a film that isn't from the American film industry, it would have another focus on war. For example, the music that it has doesn't feel that it has nuances with Cuban culture and less that of Angola, on the contrary, it's very similar to American productions. The same thing happened to me with the special effects and with that idealism of "here we come the saviors".

What I did like about the movie was the ending, I never expected Mario to die. That broke the ending that seemed to be happy, it surprised me and I think it was a very creative idea.