Before Night Falls (2000)

Before Night Falls (2000)

A richly imagined journey into the life of Cuban poet and novelist Reinaldo Arenas

7.2

Movie

Mexico, United States of America
English, Spanish
Drama
2000
JULIAN SCHNABEL
Alfredo Villa, Andrea Di Stefano, Diahnne Abbott
134 min

What it's about

Spanning several decades, this powerful biopic offers a glimpse into the life of famed Cuban poet and novelist Reinaldo Arenas, an artist who was vilified for his homosexuality in Fidel Castro's Cuba.

The take

This emotionally rich biopic spans Reinaldo Arena’s lifetime, from his childhood and early embrace of the Cuban Revolution to his deportation via the notorious 1980 Mariel boatlift, and subsequent death in the United States. The story of Arenas’ life is told through using his own words, over director Julian Schabel's beautifully crafted images. In his first-ever English-speaking role, Javier Bardem renders a strong dramatic performance for which he deservedly received wide acclaim. Before Night Falls is a finely crafted portrait of a creative yet self-destructive poet who has to face the clash between his identity and the political environment surrounding him.

Active Streaming Deals

$50 Off DirecTV Stream

$74.99

$64.99

Active Streaming Deals

69% Off NordVPN + 3 months Free

$14.99

$4.99

Active Streaming Deals

50% Off Sling

$40

$20

Active Streaming Deals

49% Off ExpressVPN

$12.95

$6.67

Comments

Add a comment

What did you think? Who should watch it?

UP NEXT 

UP NEXT 

UP NEXT 

Mutt (2023)

A Sundance-awarded film that actually stands the test of time, a brave new addition to the trans cinema canon

8.3

Fruitvale Station (2013)

Compassionate filmmaking reconstructing a 24-hour police brutality story – with a stunning lead by Michael B. Jordan

9.7

Viva (2015)

An emotional and complex coming of age and coming out drama set in Havana's drag scene

7.7

Frost/Nixon (2008)

8.8

Blanquita (2023)

A disorienting and difficult Chilean drama that reimagines the infamous Spiniak scandal

7.7

In the Mood for Love (2000)

A timeless, melancholic classic of modern Hong Kong cinema about loneliness and love

9.2

The Beasts (2022)

A slow-burn Spanish thriller hissing with menacing energy and brilliant performances

8.0

The Kings of the World (2022)

A knife-sharp account of five kids' journey to land restitution and self-determination

8.4

Hustle (2022)

A winning drama about what it takes to succeed in basketball and in life

7.2

A Million Miles Away (2023)

A biopic designed to be as inoffensive and feel-good as possible, helped along by strong lead performances

6.3

Curated by humans, not algorithms.

agmtw logo

© 2023 agoodmovietowatch, all rights reserved.