"Strawberry and Chocolate" Blogs and Blabs

Strawberries and Chocolate is a film about the friendship between two men. David and Diego make an odd couple and are opposites in many ways. David is a college student full of ideals but lacks in maturity and is homophobic. David is also a communist studying political science but has a love for literature. He is educated and well-versed. Diego is a flamboyant homosexual that is sophisticated but also a bit cunning. Diego strikes up the friendship but David hesitantly accepts it because he is heterosexual and is aware of Diego's advances sexually towards him. We really do not know much of David other than from the opening sequence in which he promises to wait to have sex to his girlfriend until after marriage but she jilts him shortly later. The story unfolds as Diego puts aside his sexual urges and David becomes more comfortable being around Diego. They embark on a friendship that leads them both to accepting each other for who they are. Their common interests bring them together and both teach each other about life. The story does not have that many characters and is fairly simple yet the way the film explores unlikely friendship is amazing. Strawberries and Chocolate is a Cuban film so for those who are not familiar with Cuba may find this movie a bit exotic just because of this (there are a few parts with love spells and fortune telling).
I think the movie a great eye-opener for the communist controlled Cuban society as well as for all societies and countries in the world. The movie takes on the harsh reality of life without the restrictions of being able to freely express oneself in society through global art, literature, and their own sexuality. Culture matters, and it helps us to understand ourselves better as well as those around us. I think David and Diego build on that idea and find friendship. David also finds love with the crazy neighbor Nancy, who frequently tries to commit suicide. They both learn about love and sex from each other and become lovers and friends. David's maturity grows throughout, and it becomes apparent he is more tolerant as an individual and has become more mature from his friendships with Diego and Nancy.