- Format: PAL
- Language French
- Region: Region 2 (This DVD may not be viewable outside Europe. Read more about DVD formats.)
- Number of discs: 1
- Classification: Exempt
- Studio: Quantum Leap
- DVD Release Date: 21 Jan 2008
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
- ASIN: B000VJN0SO
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 73,313 in Film & TV (See Top 100 in Film & TV)
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
This is a gripping documentary of a now forgotten but very 'hot' part of the Cold War. It details Fidel Castro's involvement in supporting left-wing revolutionary movements in Africa, especially Angola, culminating in the momentous Battle of Cuito Cuanavale where the Cubans faced the South Africans and both sides claimed vistory. The documentary is clearly biased in favour of the leftist 'internationalist' viewpoint (Che Guevara is, as usual, presented as a saint; Che was many things, including incredibly brave, but he was no saint!). And behind all this are the USA and the USSR fighting a proxy war.
But I have to say that this is balanced by the fact that all sides are interviewed and have their say and it is this aspect that elevates this film from being propaganda to an extraordinarily honest and genuine historical record. For example the CIA chief in the Congo, Larry Devlin, talks with amazing (& perhaps appalling) candour about arranging the assassination of Lumumba & other operations. All sides speak factually and truthfully to an extent that is highly unusual in such documentaries.
Although I am no fan of their politics or ruthless methods, I am bound to say that although used by USSR for it's own ends, Castro & Che Guevara seem to be have been genuinely motivated by a desire to help African countries free themselves from the shackles of colonial rule. The problem is that too often Castro was impressed by men like Mengistu of Ethopia who proved even more murderous than their colonial predecessors, and form a large reason for Africa's continuing tragedy. For further reading, I strongly recommend purchasing Cuba: A New History.
But I have to say that this is balanced by the fact that all sides are interviewed and have their say and it is this aspect that elevates this film from being propaganda to an extraordinarily honest and genuine historical record. For example the CIA chief in the Congo, Larry Devlin, talks with amazing (& perhaps appalling) candour about arranging the assassination of Lumumba & other operations. All sides speak factually and truthfully to an extent that is highly unusual in such documentaries.
Although I am no fan of their politics or ruthless methods, I am bound to say that although used by USSR for it's own ends, Castro & Che Guevara seem to be have been genuinely motivated by a desire to help African countries free themselves from the shackles of colonial rule. The problem is that too often Castro was impressed by men like Mengistu of Ethopia who proved even more murderous than their colonial predecessors, and form a large reason for Africa's continuing tragedy. For further reading, I strongly recommend purchasing Cuba: A New History.
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