Strawberry and Chocolate

R

Released Jan 20, 1994

1h 48m

Comedy

Drama

List

80%

20 Reviews

Tomatometer

84%

2,500+ Ratings

Audience Score

In 1979 Cuba, flamboyant gay artist Diego (Jorge Perugorría) attempts to seduce the straight and strait-laced David (Vladimir Cruz), an idealistic young communist, and fails dismally. But David conspires to be "friends" with Diego so he can monitor the artist's subversive life for the state. As Diego and David discuss politics, individuality and personal expression in Castro's Cuba, a genuine friendship develops between the two. Can it last in such an oppressive environment?

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Critics Consensus

Strawberry and Chocolate movingly depicts the budding relationship between two men against the backdrop of a pivotal moment in Cuban history.

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Robert Horton

Film Comment Magazine

Truth be told, I sat there and chuckled warmly in all the right spots, and felt delight in the stubbornly stylish central character.

Apr 10, 2018

Full Review

Owen Gleiberman

Entertainment Weekly

Rated: B

Sep 7, 2011

Full Review

Derek Malcolm

London Evening Standard

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.

Rated: 4/5

Jul 3, 2009

Full Review

Jon Fortgang

Film4

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

Rated: 3.5/5

Jul 3, 2009

Full Review

Sky Staff

Sky Cinema

It's rather long-winded and the politics are pretty boring to an outsider.

Rated: 2/5

Jul 3, 2009

Full Review

Allan Hunter

Daily Express (UK)

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

Jul 3, 2009

Full Review

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PridePosterStudios

The Simpsons scene where Bart picks a pink cake instead of chocolate.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

05/09/24

Full Review

Audience Member

Me gusta esta película porque empujó los límites del cine. Mientras estaba mirando pensé que era una película controvertida porque tenía temas de la política y la sexualidad. La película fue interesante y no me aburre. Sin embargo es posible que muchas personas no vayan a entender el mensaje. Me gustó la película porque fue interesante. Durante la película, hay temas que implicaban las políticas de Cuba. Aunque Diego era homosexual, David de todos modos lo quería. Sin embargo, David también quería a Nancy aunque David estaba enamorado de Diego. Nancy y Diego estaban enamorados de David.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/29/23

Full Review

Audience Member

It is the best Cuban film, or at least, one of the beast.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/30/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This Oscar nominee for Best Foreign Language Film tells a lovely friendship that blooms between an orthodox Marxist university student and a free-spirited homosexual artist when a seduction of the flesh alchemizes into an education on acceptance and understanding in a homophobic regime of Fidel Castro.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/22/23

Full Review

david l

With excellent dialogue, a strongly emotive turn from Vladimir Cruz, superb cinematography and an emotionally rewarding ending, Strawberry and Chocolate is an all around amazing Cuban drama that is especially powerful in its nuanced characterization, subtle emotion and an original storyline which for once takes unexpected turns and scenarios, leading to a highly memorable, authentic watch.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Tim G

Some of the political subtext I'm sure I missed but still a well-done examination of the development of a friendship under unusual circumstances.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/13/18

Full Review

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Tomás Gutiérrez Alea

Director

Juan Carlos Tabío

Director

Jorge Perugorría

Diego

Vladimir Cruz

David

Mirta Ibarra

Nancy

Francisco Gattorno

Miguel

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46%

47%

Holy Smoke

43%

35%

Committed

53%

84%

Malena

93%

78%

Bob Roberts

60%

58%

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Synopsis

In 1979 Cuba, flamboyant gay artist Diego (Jorge Perugorría) attempts to seduce the straight and strait-laced David (Vladimir Cruz), an idealistic young communist, and fails dismally. But David conspires to be "friends" with Diego so he can monitor the artist's subversive life for the state. As Diego and David discuss politics, individuality and personal expression in Castro's Cuba, a genuine friendship develops between the two. Can it last in such an oppressive environment?

Director: Tomás Gutiérrez Alea, Juan Carlos Tabío
Producer: Georgina Balzaretti, Frank Cabrera, Camilo Vives
Screenwriter: Senel Paz
Distributor: Miramax Films
Production Co: Miramax Films
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: Spanish
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 20, 1994, Original
Box Office (Gross USA): $268.8K
Runtime: 1h 48m
Sound Mix: Stereo