Buena Vista Social Club (1998) Reviews

What a glorious project! For decades, Ry Cooder had been tantalized by an old tape of Cuban "son" that had fallen into his collection. When he finally had an opportunity to look around Havana for the musicians who made that feisty and rich style of music, he assembled a band of gifted artists who had been justly famous in pre-revolutionary Cuba and beyond. The charming artists describe briefly in this film how they had drifted away from music, but the film's emphasis is on their joyful, rejuvenating, miraculous reunion with their music, with each other, and with an adoring international audience.
Close this Review

I saw the Buena Vista Social Club when it first came out nearly ten years ago and absolutely loved it. Over the years, I have watched this musical/historical portrayal of Cuba several times and each time I go away with such a hopeful and grateful feeling that despite all the hardships the Cuban people have suffered for over forty years, they still have great resilience, creativity, humor, and joy in their lives. It comes out in their music, natural beauty of their island country, the smiles on their faces, the beautifully restored cars of the fifties, and a sense that with these ideals, their lives will truly be enriched and blessed. Ry Cooder was in the right place at the right time and created a masterpiece in capturing the music and spirit of these beautiful neighbors to the south of us. I know that I will watch this movie again and again and be just as inspired each time.
Close this Review

This documentary introduced us to the still vibrant personalities of the Cuban provincial musical masters of the 50's-60's. Long forgotten they were rediscovered and this is about the making of a collaborative album called the Buena Vista Social Club and their culmination playing at Carnegie Hall. Most had never stepped foot in the US before. Great sound and wonderful personalities!!
Close this Review

Love the concept. Love the albumn. The movie never really went to deep into the lives of the artists and I was left wanting more. If you have a ton of time to kill it would be worth watching but the movie doesn't live up to the CD
Close this Review