Insight For many, the mere mention of the dreaded word "homosexual" will bring forth an immediate reaction that "Before Night Falls" is just not worth seeing. That could not be farther from the truth. In fact "Before Night Falls" is just a marvellous joy to experience. Yes, Reinaldo Arenas was gay and yes he did enjoy his joyous lifestyle but thankfully there is more to the man than this and certainly more to the film "Before Night Falls". Arenas also had a wonderful ability to write but his passion for writing and his choice of sexual preference would in the end bring him more pain than pleasure. Under the Cuban government these were the two things they did not tolerate and so it was that his life first became one of persecution and then after fleeing his homeland, one of exile that saw him die of AIDS in New York. "Before Night Falls" is a powerful, visually stunning attempt to capture the spirit of Reinaldo Arenas's life on film. From his impoverished childhood, through the years of revolution and life in Cuba under Fidel Castro followed by his years in prison right up till his shamefull exile to the USA, this is indeed truly a fabulous journey. "Before Night Falls" is also a story of hope and inspiration for no matter what life threw up at him, the fire burnt bright within his spirit right up till the last moment of his tragic life. There are some images and truths that will offend and shock a few viewers, but that should be expected in a story that has its soul so openly exposed and its spirit splashed across the screen for all to witness. "Before Night Falls" is also a wonderful celebration of the spirit that enshrines us all and in particular the spirit that drove Reinaldo Arenas. Cubas loss was the worlds gain for Reinaldo Arenas lives on today, in not only his books and poetry, but now in film. Having had the opportunity to see this film, I now realize why such a fuss was made about Javier Bardems performance and why there was so much disappointment when he did not win an oscar for the brilliant acting ability he displays in the lead role of one spellbinding and compelling film that is really a celebration of life. The Verdict Wonderful imagery, an emotionally, masterful performance by Javier Bardem and a colorful cast ensures that "Before Night Falls" can be summed up in just one all encompassing word - "STUNNING" - RATED MA15+
The Critics "A prosaically inspirational and passionate work, a celebration of the artistic impulse as a surging force of nature." Geoff Pevere TORONTO STAR
"Having never read Arenas' work prior to seeing Before Night Falls, this viewer was inspired to rush out and buy all of his available works. That's some movie." Liz Braun JAM! MOVIES
"It's the emotional and spiritual arc of an exile, in all its terrible isolation, that gives Before Night Falls its power." Jay Carr BOSTON GLOBE
"A truly amazing performance by Javier Bardem."
David Ehrenstein NEW TIMES LOS ANGELES
"Bardem's performance is simply shattering."
Ken Fox TV GUIDE'S MOVIE GUIDE
"It's memorably etched in the viewer's mind through Bardem's complex portrait of a besieged but unbowed man." Jack Garner ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
"Always watchable and often engrossing."
John Hartl SEATTLE TIMES
"Bardem, with his bull's head and wondering eyes, gives an immensely sympathetic performance."
Dave Kehr CITYSEARCH
"A beautifully photographed movie."
Eric Lurio GREENWICH VILLAGE GAZETTE
"Beautifully shot and exceptionally well put together, with Schnabel using numerous cinematic techniques, usually to perfection." Jon Popick PLANET SICK-BOY
"Soulful, deeply moving."
Rene Rodriguez MIAMI HERALD The Cast

	Javier Bardem Oliver Martinez Andrea Di Stefano Olatz Lopez Garmendia Giovanni Florido Loló Navarro Sebastian Silva Carmen Beato Vito Maria Schnabel Pedro Armendáriz Jr Diego Luna Lia Chapman Sean Penn Johnny Depp Michael Wincott Hector Babenco Najwa Nimri Jerzy Skolimowski Aquiles Benites	... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...	Reinaldo Arenas La`zaro Go`mez Carriles Pepe Malas Reinaldo's Mother Young Reinaldo Reinaldo's Grandmother Reinaldo's Father Teacher Teenage Reinaldo Reinaldo's Grandfather Carlos Lolin Cuco Sanchez Bon Bon/Lieutenant Victor Herberto Zorilla Ochoa Virgilio Pinera Fina Correa Professor Translator

Directed by Julian Schnabel ©2001 - Dendy Films - All Rights Reserved