Embargo is a 2010 Cuban-American film that explores the ongoing conflict between the United States and Cuba. The movie tells the story of a young American woman named Claire who travels to Cuba to find out what happened to her missing friend. Along the way, she learns about the complex history and politics of the embargo and the impact it has had on the Cuban people.
The film begins with Claire arriving in Havana, where she quickly discovers that navigating the city and its people is not as easy as she thought. She befriends a young Cuban man named Lazaro, who helps her search for her friend and introduces her to the realities of daily life under the embargo. Through Lazaro, Claire meets a variety of characters, including a dissident blogger, a state security officer, and an American businessman operating in Cuba illegally.
As Claire delves deeper into her investigation, she uncovers a web of secrets and lies that ultimately lead her to confront her own assumptions about the embargo and her role in perpetuating it. Throughout her journey, she is forced to grapple with difficult questions about politics, morality, and the powerful forces that shape our lives.
One of the film's strengths is its ability to capture the complex reality of life in Cuba. Director Jeri Rice takes a nuanced approach to the subject matter, presenting a variety of perspectives and showing the ways in which people on both sides of the embargo suffer. The film also has a strong sense of place, with stunning shots of Havana and other parts of the island that provide a vivid backdrop for the story.
The performances in the film are generally strong, with special praise due to the actors playing Lazaro and the dissident blogger. While some of the dialogue can be a bit clunky at times, the emotional impact of the story is carried by the authenticity and depth of the characters.
One of the film's major themes is the idea of individual responsibility within a larger political context. Throughout the film, characters struggle with their own complicity in the embargo and their ability to effect change in a system that seems immovable. Claire, in particular, is forced to confront her own privilege as an American and the ways in which her own decisions have contributed to the suffering of the Cuban people.
Overall, Embargo is a thought-provoking and engaging film that tackles an important issue with sensitivity and complexity. While it may not be for everyone - some viewers may find the pacing slow or the subject matter too dense - it is a valuable addition to the canon of films about Cuba and the embargo. Whether you are interested in politics, history, or just great storytelling, Embargo is worth your time.
