Viva (2016)

A brilliant film that helped define a genre

It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.

This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time. You have to go and see this on the big screen.

Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

I have traveled some of the world including places like Bangkok, Thailand and Manila, Philippines where I have seen people of all ages and walks of life struggling to understand their sexuality and how they fit into this turbulent judgmental world. Although I respectfully agree with the summary of the film and the interesting and good review by Mr. Torchia as he gives us a compare and contrast of times past to the present story presented in this film, (Thank you Mr. Torchia) I also feel that overall the film strives to cover a lot of territory and complexities of the various characters and their identities as best it can. I would have been grateful to have been able to know more about each of the characters and how they came to be where they are in life but in film making cost and time limit that possibility all to often. I will say this, I very much enjoyed this film (and had a good cry) and could not only relate to Jesus and his struggle but also that of Mamma whose character I feel brought much value to the film as a story as she/he tried to help Jesus navigate his identity development and is telling of the trials transgender and other alternate individuals must deal with daily in a often non accepting straight world. A great film overall and deserving I feel of a top score.

Jesus is a hairdresser in Cuba's capital and he works with the performers of a drag venue run by Mama – an effervescent and passionate man who can hold an audience – but needs the right wig. Jesus also does his wigs but longs to don the dresses, make up wigs and sparkle on stage like the drag acts he sees perform.Then one day his estranged father turns up. He is an ex boxer with a dark past, a smoking and drinking habit and attitudes that make him anything but receptive to his sons wishes – sparks are gonna fly. Now this is from Irish director Paddy Breathnatch ('Shrooms') and was co funded by The Irish Film Board – written by Mark O'Halloran, who also has a small part here and brought us 'Garage' as well as appearing in a number of films including 'The Guard'. As such the collaboration or Irish and Cuban talent works very well. One of the biggest criticisms has been the failure to put sub titles to the songs that are performed in the film. It is in Spanish so naturally is sub titled, but the songs are not. Paddy Breathnatch has said this was to ensure the audience concentrated on the performances and not just try to read the words etc. Well I could have managed both and I am sure a few others could too. That said I really enjoyed this film, it is a great script, a strong cast and enough drama to keep a drama queen happy. Plus you get some fabulous performances on stage too, so it is a film I can recommend.

Really nothing to recommend about this film. Another clichéd drag queen flick, this time set in Cuba, which implicates a particular flavor of overwrought shrieking and wailing by unappealingly masculine drag performers. Bleak settings, bleak lives, with a paint-by-the-numbers narrative, and unconvincing performances. This film even managed to make Hector Medina unattractive, which is something of an accomplishment. The longer the film went on, the worse it got. 1 star for a few good drag queen insults, 1 star for Hector Medina's potential. But this was almost unwatchable the first time, definitely not something I'd sit through twice.

While the film is Ireland's official Oscar submission due to director Paddy Breathnach's home country (and source of financing), 'Viva' is a film set entirely in Havana, Cuba, and serves as a window into the unique world of Cuban drag performers at a local nightclub.Our protagonist, Jesus (Héctor Medina), barely survives off meager wages and temporary work, but dreams of being a drag star like his mentor Mama (Luis Alberto García). His road to local stardom starts out extremely well as he has plenty of potential, but hits a major hurdle when his father, a convict, comes home unexpectedly from prison. As a former boxer, it isn't surprising to hear that his father does not care for his son's chosen career path (or his sexuality). The resulting drama is about being true to yourself and following your passions while keeping relationships in your life.Every character is so distinctly different from the others, and this colorful group gives 'Viva' the necessary stakes to be fully invested in, and truly sell, the movie. Jesus's father, Angel (Jorge Perugorría), starts out as a one-dimensional brute, but it quickly becomes clear he is much more than that. The machismo culture that is present in this world in direct contrast to its flamboyant opposition in drag queens is a compelling world to occupy.While the film meanders at times, it thankfully finds enough of a storyline to finish extremely strong and leave the audience emotionally moved. Each of the drag performances is spellbinding thanks to a fantastic soundtrack and outstanding emotional vulnerability from the various entertainers. These performances will be the film's calling card and what makes it so memorable. As a father-son drama, and as an introduction into a world foreign to many of us (especially here in the U.S., where Cuba just recently opened its doors to tourism), 'Viva' is a success all around. The title stems from the protagonist's stage name, which is a perfect message for a movie about living life the way you want to against all odds, and stepping out of your comfort zone in pursuit of success.For more, visit: www.cinemacy.com