Honey for Oshun

Starring:Perugorria, Santos, Limonta
Studio: Maverick
Product Type: DVD

Average customer rating:

unforced sentimentality
Good film despite flair for the melodramatic
Well done!
Worst Cuban Film Ever (I'd give it zero stars)
A Tender and Moving Cuban Road Movie

Honey for Oshun
Starring: Isabel Santos , Jorge Perugorria , Saturnino Garcia , and Mario Limonta
Director: Humberto Solas
Manufacturer: Maverick
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Art House & International | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Foreign & International | Stores | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( H ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Waiting List
Nada+ (Nada Mas)
A Paradise Under the Stars
Life is to Whistle
Strawberry & Chocolate

ASIN: B0001BKAJE
Release Date: 2004-03-02

Customer Reviews:

unforced sentimentality.......2007-01-21

I love this movie for what is, a sentimental journey, a coming to terms with one's longing. The movie itself was film sparingly, straight forward no fancy effects. Jorge Perugorria is right on in portraying the 41 yr old, Latin Literature teacher from Maimi in search of the mother who he's always thought abandoned him. When he first finds out that he was literary ripped out of his mother's arms in contrary to what his now deceased father has always told him, that his mother didn't care about going with him to America, he started to loath the lies his dead father has told him. But like everything else, he discovers that everyone has also suffered, that his own suffering equals everyone else's. And this dicovery had brought a certain measure of peace within him. I love looking at the movie physically because you get to see a little bit of Cuba. The old classic buildings are dilapidated but beautiful, the people are colourful and you can see how everyone is trying to get by with so little. I also like Isabel Santos, who plays the tour guide cousin. She's quite intense and reminds one of Ingrid Bergman. I enjoyed this movie a lot and I cried at the end. Life can be so sad sometimes and this movie conveys it well.

Good film despite flair for the melodramatic.......2006-07-23

I enjoyed this film about a son who returns to Cuba in search of his mother, whom he's been separated from for over thirty years. Although the film is at times overly dramatic and plays like a soap opera, you still find yourself absorbed in the search. This is a road film and, as such, takes us on a journey. The shots of the Cuban villages and countryside are reason enough to watch.

The ending is predictable, but that's okay because we like this kind of predictability. My only criticism is that the director could have handled it better. Basically, it was abrupt and lacked the required intimacy. Otherwise, a warm, heart-felt film with an incredible performance by Isabel Santos. Her performance is evocative of Lena Olin's in "The Unbearable Lightness of Being."

Well done!.......2004-12-12

Being a Cuban American who left Cuba at 15 years of age and having gone back with my husband and children 30+ years later, this was a VERY emotional movie for me! I found the movie to be very realistic in depicting the pain and sorrow which every Cuban-American feels in being away from our homeland, as well as the bitter-sweet experience of going back.
Marina
Pembroke Pines, Florida

Worst Cuban Film Ever (I'd give it zero stars).......2004-12-08

Poor directing, terrible acting, dismal filming (hand-held camera resulting in jittery scenes) unconvincing characters and a disguised political agenda make this the worst Cuban film I've had the agony of sitting through. Jorge Perugorría was great in "Strawberry and Chocolate" but his performance is dismal in this film. His character is simply not believable as a Cuban American returning to his country of birth as a man looking for his mother after being "abducted" by his father as a child, and raised in Miami.

Jorge Perugorría's character Roberto, with the aid of his cousin Pilar (played by Isabel Santos) and taxi driver Antonio (Mario Limonta) undertake a road trip across Cuba to find his long lost mother. With little to go on, except some old photographs and the revelations of a "santera" who tells him that his mother can be found where Ochún, (correct spelling) orisha of rivers whose offerings include honey, meets Yemayá, orisha of the ocean, Roberto's determination to find his mother is put to the test.

Although very few pro-government billboards with pictures of Castro and Ché are shown, (they are ubiquitous in Cuba) this movie is just another pro-Castro political statement aimed at Cubans inside the island desperate to leave the country. The film makes a poor attempt to sell the idea that no matter how bad the internal situation is, and no matter how hopeless life may seem, it is better to stay and live under these hardships rather than break up the family by emigrating.

Don't waste your time or money on this movie. In my opinion it's not worth the celluloid it was printed on.

A Tender and Moving Cuban Road Movie.......2004-03-13

MIEL PARA OSHUN (Honey for Oshun) is an absorbingly rich and rewarding story about the search for familial roots. As a child, Roberto was sent to Miami with his father when the Revolution took over. Though he longed to return to Cuba for a visit, his father denied that request. Now, after his father's death, Roberto flies to Cuba, looks up his cousin Pilar, learns that his mother did NOT desert him by sending him on the boat to Miami, but indeed loved him and is still alive somewhere in Cuba. With Pilar's support and the good graces of a friendly cab driver (Antonio) the three set off on a seemingly fruitless journey to find Carmen, Roberto's long lost mother. The road trip is far from easy, emotionally and physically, with many barricades along the way, both comic and sad. Eventually, through the help of a Spiritual Woman the three discover the truth about Carmen, about each other, and about life in a country that makes existence a fragile entity. The three actors who dominate the film are excellent and the story line is always driven with forward momentum, never drowning in self-pity or condemning either the Cubans who live on the island or the Cuban Americans who come to visit. The picture is truly three-dimensional. The only problems with the movie (and which keep it from 5 stars) are technical ones: the background noise is so loud that it covers the dialogue (where is the sound editor and his Dolby filter?) and the quality of color is washed out to almost white. In some ways these flaws enhance this beautiful film, as it seems it is made with the scant resources afforded the arts in Cuba. MIEL PARA OSHUN is very worthwhile, gives insights into an Island that remains a mystery to most of us, and celebrates the importance of family - both biological and extended. Highly recommended.

Honey for Oshun (Original Spanish with English Subtitles)

Average customer rating:

A Tender and Moving Cuban Road Movie
Una historia de la diáspora cubana

Honey for Oshun (Original Spanish with English Subtitles)

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Art House & International | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Foreign & International | Stores | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Waiting List
Guantanamera
Strawberry & Chocolate
Hormigas en la Boca (Ants in the Mouth)
Life is to Whistle

ASIN: B00027148I

Product Description

When his father dies, a Cuban man who was raised in the United States, learns that he was not abandoned by his mother but illegally taken out of Cuba. He goes back to the island and is helped in his search by a cousin and a taxi driver.

Customer Reviews:

A Tender and Moving Cuban Road Movie.......2006-06-02

MIEL PARA OSHUN (Honey for Oshun) is an absorbingly rich and rewarding story about the search for familial roots. As a child, Roberto was sent to Miami with his father when the Revolution took over. Though he longed to return to Cuba for a visit, his father denied that request. Now, after his father's death, Roberto flies to Cuba, looks up his cousin Pilar, learns that his mother did NOT desert him by sending him on the boat to Miami, but indeed loved him and is still alive somewhere in Cuba. With Pilar's support and the good graces of a friendly cab driver (Antonio) the three set off on a seemingly fruitless journey to find Carmen, Roberto's long lost mother. The road trip is far from easy, emotionally and physically, with many barricades along the way, both comic and sad. Eventually, through the help of a Spiritual Woman the three discover the truth about Carmen, about each other, and about life in a country that makes existence a fragile entity.

The three actors who dominate the film are excellent and the story line is always driven with forward momentum, never drowning in self-pity or condemning either the Cubans who live on the island or the Cuban Americans who come to visit. The picture is truly three-dimensional. The only problems with the movie (and which keep it from 5 stars) are technical ones: the background noise is so loud that it covers the dialogue (where is the sound editor and his Dolby filter?) and the quality of color is washed out to almost white. In some ways these flaws enhance this beautiful film, as it seems it is made with the scant resources afforded the arts in Cuba.

MIEL PARA OSHUN is very worthwhile, gives insights into an Island that remains a mystery to most of us, and celebrates the importance of family - both biological and extended. Recommended. Grady Harp, June 06

Una historia de la diáspora cubana.......2006-02-18

Miel para Ochún es una película entretenida (y a veces cómica) de la búsqueda de raíces familiares y las angustias causadas por la separación. Es una película que se centra en las aflicciones del (otro) cubano; es decir, el cubano que por no haber crecido en su país de origen, no lo conoce. El protagonista de esta historia es Roberto Delgado (Jorge Perugorría), un cubano criado en los Estados Unidos. Cuando triunfó la revolución castrista, su padre decidió fugarse del país llevándose a su único hijo, apenas siendo un niño. Como muchos cubanos americanos, Roberto creció con una doble identidad, sintiéndose cubano por su herencia étnica, pero a la vez americano por haberse criado en su nuevo país adoptivo. Éste conflicto que Roberto lleva por dentro no lo deja descansar y después de la muerte de su padre, quien siempre le prohibía regresar a su país natal, Roberto decide volver al país que anhela y buscar la madre que presumiblemente lo abandonó. Con la ayuda de su prima Pilar (Isabel Santos) quien no ve en muchos años y un taxista interesado solamente en ganar dinero, Roberto se embarca en un viaje que lo llevaría a cruzar la isla entera, desde La Habana hasta Baracoa. Desvíos, acontecimientos desdichados y personajes extraños son algunos de los acontecimientos que adelantan la historia de esta película y le dan cierta cualidad encantadora.
El director Humberto Solás también incluye en muchas de las escenas taxistas particulares en carros americanos antiguos, la mezcla racial de la gente que constituye la población cubana, apagones eléctricos y hasta una ceremonia santera. Todas siendo cosas muy ubicuas en la sociedad cubana y cosas que un cubano regresando a su país encontraría.
El problema que le da caso a los que critican la película como obra propagandista, es que, aunque la película se basa en la experiencia de un cubano regresando a su país de origen y las cosas que encuentra, curiosamente en ningún momento se puede ver carteles con la imagen del Che o Castro. Gente de vigilancia, tiendas sin mercancía o las inmensas colas de repartos alimentarios, tampoco se encuentran en ningún instante. El padre que decidió emigrar es secuestrador y mentiroso y los cubanos que se quedaron en la isla, son moralmente más ilustrados. Quizás era la meta de Solás representar el sufrimiento que acompaña la inmigración, sin el elemento político. Pero, allí mismo es donde erró, porque la política es fundamental en lo que se refiere al problema cubano. Hoy en día no hay problema, con respecto a los cubanos, que no tenga algo que ver con la política. La razón por las separaciones familiares, el continuo sufrimiento de la población cubana y la fuente del odio cubano, todos están enraizados en la política. También, el hecho de que muchos cubanos prefieran tirarse a la merced del mar, aunque les pueda costar la vida.
Pero para juzgar esta película justamente, hay que tomar en cuenta las limitaciones económicas y de libertad que existen en Cuba. A causa de semejantes limitaciones, las películas cubanas suelen centrarse más en diálogos que son favorables para el gobierno. Y esta película sigue esa misma tradición. Aparte del protagonista narrando sus reflexiones sentimentales durante gran parte de la película, hay varios diálogos que suceden en lenguaje simple pero a la vez atrayente. También hay más discusiones francas sobre la situación en la isla sin la crítica al gobierno que suelen ocurrir en películas de otros países.
En fin, para el aficionado del cine latino en general y los que están interesados en saber más de la experiencia cubano americana en particular, vale la pena ver esta película. El tema de la situación política cubana y el no conocer nuestras raíces es algo que agita y desespera a mucha gente. Ojalá un día se pueda tener una discusión libre y civilizada sobre la cuestión cubana; pero mientras llega ese día, tal vez películas como ésta ayuden llevarle un poco más de comprensión a los que no la tienen.

Average customer rating:

un buen cine cubano recomendado
Great Movie
Una historia de la diáspora cubana
Not a good movie.
Balanced and touching film

Honey for Oshun (Miel Para Oshun)

Manufacturer: DEJ Productions
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Art House & International | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

General | Foreign & International | Stores | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Waiting List
Life is to Whistle
Things I Left in Havana
Nada+ (Nada Mas)
Bitter Sugar

ASIN: B00025XDY8

Product Description

Jorge Perugorria (Strawberry and Chocolate) stars as Roberto, who with the help of an eccentric cab driver, embarks on a wild road trip through Cuba to search for the mother he thought had abandoned him as a child. From Award-winning filmmaker Humberto Solas, Honey For Oshun is a compelling and funny story filled with unexpected detours, wrong turns, near deadends, and plenty of broken-down cars.

Customer Reviews:

un buen cine cubano recomendado.......2007-01-11

Te gusta el cine cubano, tienes que ver esta pelicula. recomendada.

Great Movie.......2006-12-26

As you read the reviews below you will learn the story of this great film, you will also read the pessimistic views of certain individuals. However, if you want to see a movie that is full of warmth then you should see it. Be advised however, this is not a movie produced with world class camera equipment. This is just a wonderful story that will bring tears to your eyes.

Una historia de la diáspora cubana.......2006-02-18

Not a good movie........2005-10-24

I am not from cuba. But this is a bad movie anyway you look at it. The movie starts off beautifully and I think the director completely lost control after the first few scenes. In these scenes, the director promises a lot and the rest of the movie fails miserably to deliver on those promises......which ends up making the film look pretentious. I don't think there are any hidden political agendas in the movie. I like watching foreign movies and this is my first cuban movie. The theme of the movie is quite universal in the sense that it talks about people who leave their home country in the pursuit of whatever...and later go back looking for whatever. Its not really worth watching. Its dull and boring and I honestly did not see any humour in the movie (maybe the subtitles did not do a good job).

Balanced and touching film.......2005-01-29

I disagree with the post that this movie is sending a political statement. Growing up in Miami and later venturing to different parts of the US, I feel I present a fairly balanced political view with regards to Cuba. While it can be argued that the film is pro-Castro, I think it the opposite could be argued as well.
Also note that the characters clearly state that neither side is to blame and that this family was simply victims of the political climate of the times.

As a Cuban-American, I can honestly say this is the most objective film I've seen on the subject (and that is HARD TO FIND!). It's true focus is on a beautiful yet painful story of a torn family and incidentally the heartfelt kindness and warmth that I honestly feel is plentiful in Cuba.

You can accuse me of being political (as I'm sure some fellow C-A will) but this is DEFINITELY a film that should be seen by anyone interested in learning about Cubans and Cuban-Americans. I went through a very similar experience when I made my first trip to Cuba in 2000.....

Enjoy this film...

DVD:

DVD

DVD

DVD

In Cold Blood

The Crow - Stairway To Heaven

Dementia 13 [1963]

DVD: Midnight Kiss

Das MI-8 Projekt