The two names Wim Wenders and Ry Cooder caught my eyes. I remember the two German names since their initial collaboration on "Paris, Texas" 1984 -- it was truly impressive!
This BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB is a superlative documentary. Yet merely a documentary it is not. It captures the heart and soul of the lively Cuban Jazz sounds. It follows Ry Cooder and his son Joachim in search of the veteran Cuban musicians of the Buena Vista Social Club of the '50s -- now in their senior years, some 70's or 80's (Ruben Gonzalez, a terrific energetic pianist in spite of age), and one 92 year old (Compay Segundo, who does not look 90 at all and such a darn good guitarist he is). The subsequent reunion on musical recordings and concerts of this group of musicians after four decades emanates sheer joy nonpareil. It is sight and sound and a sense of humanity all rolled into one.
It is toe tapping all right -- you want to dance, sing, and sway with them to the rhythm! Such a heart-warming experience as each of the musicians talk about how they got started in their childhood and becoming passionate in their musical pursuit. The settings are easy, casual, touching, pulling our heartstrings. There are recounts of the times they had jammed with their bands and friends, of how they weathered and survived the years in between, revisits of the places they have been to, and impromptu throw out gems of their views on life! They are seemingly ordinary people. No Hollywood glamour yet lots of love and passion and exuberant joy in making music together -- again! Besides the revival of Cuban Jazz sounds, this film is also a celebration of life, affirming dreams can come true.
If you like music, if you love life, if you're a true movie fan, this is a MUST-SEE. A rewarding experience guaranteed!
This BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB is a superlative documentary. Yet merely a documentary it is not. It captures the heart and soul of the lively Cuban Jazz sounds. It follows Ry Cooder and his son Joachim in search of the veteran Cuban musicians of the Buena Vista Social Club of the '50s -- now in their senior years, some 70's or 80's (Ruben Gonzalez, a terrific energetic pianist in spite of age), and one 92 year old (Compay Segundo, who does not look 90 at all and such a darn good guitarist he is). The subsequent reunion on musical recordings and concerts of this group of musicians after four decades emanates sheer joy nonpareil. It is sight and sound and a sense of humanity all rolled into one.
It is toe tapping all right -- you want to dance, sing, and sway with them to the rhythm! Such a heart-warming experience as each of the musicians talk about how they got started in their childhood and becoming passionate in their musical pursuit. The settings are easy, casual, touching, pulling our heartstrings. There are recounts of the times they had jammed with their bands and friends, of how they weathered and survived the years in between, revisits of the places they have been to, and impromptu throw out gems of their views on life! They are seemingly ordinary people. No Hollywood glamour yet lots of love and passion and exuberant joy in making music together -- again! Besides the revival of Cuban Jazz sounds, this film is also a celebration of life, affirming dreams can come true.
If you like music, if you love life, if you're a true movie fan, this is a MUST-SEE. A rewarding experience guaranteed!