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.