Classics: A Review of Havana By Lauren Ennis

 Havana; a city at war with itself  caught between its bloody past and its oppressed present. 1990's Havana explores the brutal final days of the Batista regime and the violent rise of the nation's still reigning communist regime. In its depiction of the Cuban Revolution the film relates a sweeping historical epic while drawing parallels to the counter revolution that Cuban patriots are engaged in today. At once an homage to such classic war-time romances as Casablanca and a portrait of a city on the brink Havana is nearly as intoxicating as its title city.

I am shocked, shocked, to find that there's gambling going on in here!

The story begins with American gambler Jack Weil traveling from Miami to Cuba in the days leading up to the 1958 revolution. His carefree lifestyle is interrupted when Cuba's secret police search the ferry he's traveling on and find a gun. When the authorities demand to know who the gun belongs to Jack claims that it is his in order to protect its true owner, alluring fellow passenger Roberta 'Bobbie' Duran. He then reluctantly agrees to help her transport US Army Signal Corps radios to Castro's revolutionaries. The two then part ways only to cross paths again in Havana when Jack is on the town with a journalist and communist sympathizer who introduces him to Bobbie and her husband, notorious revolutionary Arturo. After the couple fail to persuade Jack to join their cause the police raid their resistance network and both are arrested. Upon learning of Bobbie's arrest and Arturo's death in police custody Jack leverages his connections to secure her release. The pair then retreat to his apartment outside of the city and begin a passionate affair. When Bobbie learns that Arturo may still be alive she and Jack are forced to reevaluate their personal and political passions as they find themselves caught in the turmoil of the Cuban Revolution.

Havana is often remembered not for the film that it is, but for the film that it could have been. At its most compelling the film recalls the timeless blend of politics and romance that made Casablanca a cinema classic, and for good reason. The relationships between cynical, apolitical, American Jack, revolutionary Arturo and Arturo's devoted Swedish wife, Bobbie form almost a carbon copy of the famous love triangle between Rick, Ilsa, and Victor. Similarly the corrupt, dangerous, but still romantic exoticism of occupied French Morroco bears an uncanny resemblance to the film's depiction of Batista's Cuba. What Havana's makers failed to understand, however, is that Casablanca is more than just a "fight for love and glory" and is instead a story of patriotism, sacrifice, and freedom. While Jack is motivated by his love for Bobbie, Rick's call to action is the plight of not just Ilsa, but also Victor, the refugees at Rick's cafe and the free world at large. As a result, Jack's stint as a revolutionary pales in comparison to Rick's life-altering decision to join the Allied resistance. Similarly, Bobbie and Jack's immediate attraction and brief affair lacks the gravitas of Rick and Ilsa's bittersweet reunion and inevitable separation in pursuit of a cause greater than themselves. Havana's greatest disappointment, however, its its inability to come to terms with the history that it is portraying. While both Casablanca and Havana portray efforts to end fascist tyranny Havana's heroes are also fighting to usher in what would ultimately be an era of communist oppression. As a result, the film's call for liberty is completely undermined by an even  cursory glance at  the devastating reality of modern Cuba that people like Bobbie and Arturo helped create. While watching the characters fighting to bring Castro to power viewers cannot help but unfavorably compare their actions to those of the real life freedom fighters attempting to throw off the very regime that the film glorifies. The Cuban Revolution was one of the many human tragedies that defined the twentieth century and a story ripe for cinematic exploration. Perhaps now, as Cuban patriots answer freedom's call in the twenty first century, Hollywood will finally tell the story of the Cuban people and their struggle against oppression. In the meantime, we'll always have Havana.

Round up the usual suspects!

The film transports viewers to 1950's Havana thanks to the work of its star studded cast. Alan Arkin nearly steals the film in his charismatic turn as Jack's cynical CIA operative friend, Joe. Raul Julia lends an engaging performance, but his lack of both screen time and meaningful dialogue prevents him from making Arturo the resistance hero that Paul Henreid's Victor Lazlo was. Lena Olin makes for a compelling leading lady in a performance that blends steely resilience, vulnerability, intelligence, and naive idealism with equal skill. Robert Redford showcases his signature brand of cool and convincingly portrays the political awakening of  gambler with a heart of gold Jack. Together the two convey a crackling chemistry that nearly compensates for the film's questionable politics.

Havana remains a fascinating viewing experience for the film that it could have been as much as for the film that it is. The script brings the brutality of Batista's regime to visceral life and offers an engaging romance, but misses its mark by ignoring the tragic irony of the characters' supposed fight for freedom. The performances create compelling characters and nearly elevate the film beyond the missteps of its script. For a glimpse of a film and a nation that might have been book your ticket to Havana.

Half of my heart is in Havana oo-na-na...

Classics: A Review of Mistress of War By Lauren Ennis

 "When I was in prison I repeated to myself that everything I'd done since abandoning my son was for him to live in a freer world" explains international spy Amelia Garayoa. Peacock's Mistress of War (Dime Quien Soy in its original Spanish) follows Amelia as she experiences some of the most harrowing events of the twentieth century in pursuit of a freer world. At once startlingly original and unflinchingly authentic the series is easily one of the most engrossing and informative entries in the espionage genre. Through its depiction of one woman's journey through history the series aptly portrays the cost of freedom and the toll of war. For an espionage tale that is at once emotionally resonant, educational, and nothing short of explosive join the mission with Amelia in Mistress of War.

From Russia, Spain, Germany, and Poland with love

The story begins with Spanish publisher Javier receiving a file from MI6 detailing the turbulent life of one of its most unusual agents, Amelia Garayoa. The series then flashes back to 1934 as Amelia enjoys a life of luxury amidst the backdrop of political tensions in pre-civil war Madrid. When Hitler's rise forces her father to close several of his German factories her family finds itself on the brink of financial ruin. In order to rescue the family business she agrees to marry her wealthy friend and admirer, Santiago, despite her lack of romantic feelings for him. Following her marriage she remains restless, however, and becomes active in the city's communist political circles. When she meets French revolutionary Pierre she is immediately smitten and soon agrees to follow him to Argentina, even at the cost of abandoning her parents, husband, and infant son. Upon arriving in Buenos Aires she soon learns that all is not that it appears to be and that the man and cause she dedicated herself to may not be as worthy as she first thought. The series then follows her across two continents, nine countries, and sixty four years as she witnesses history unfold and fights for for a freer tomorrow every step of the way.

Mistress of War explores the familiar themes of the spy genre and then subverts them to relate an entirely original tale that pays apt tribute to the real life freedom fighters who have shaped history. Rather than focusing upon the narrow perspective of one side of a single event the series depicts an array of international conflicts from varying points of view. For example, while Amelia acts as an agent for the British during World War II, she works with underground resistance networks in France, Poland, Italy, and Greece, highlighting the unique struggles that each nation faced under German occupation. Similarly, her relationship with German doctor turned Wehrmacht officer Max ensures that both sides of the war are portrayed with humanity and nuance. In this way the series brings a variety of historical events to vivid life while keeping the impact upon those who lived through them firmly in focus. The series also sets itself apart through its unflinching, view of history. For instance, while several episodes focus upon the horrors of Nazi Germany equal attention is afforded to the devastation of communism through the series' portrayal of the Soviet Union's gulags and the surveillance state of East Germany. The script particularly shines in its balanced depiction of the Spanish Civil War as it highlights both the Red Terror unleashed by the Spanish Republic and the fascist oppression imposed by Franco's Nationalists. Even in the midst of sweeping historical drama the series' greatest lure is its heroine, Amelia. The series chronicles her growth from passionate idealist to hardened, but still determined, agent with subtlety, authenticity, and emotional honesty. The script's willingness to embrace her weaknesses and mistakes as well as her strengths and triumphs ensures that Amelia transcends stock spy characters to become one of the most complex and memorable heroines to grace modern television. Through its nuanced approach to history and compelling leading lady Mistress of War rises above Bond-style spyjinks to relate an intelligent, thrilling, emotionally resonant and startlingly relevant journey through one of history's most tumultuous centuries.

The series transports viewers across countries, cultures, and eras thanks to the brilliant work of its ensemble cast.  Oriol Pla deftly conveys the roguish charm and casual callousness of Amelia's French communist lover, Pierre. Maria Pia Calzone infuses Amelia's friend and mentor, Italian opera singer Carla with warmth, humor, and magnetism. Will Keen personifies decency as he exudes humility, quiet strength, and empathy in his performance as British journalist Albert. Stefan Weinert is chilling in his sinister turn as SS officer Ulrich Jurgens. Pierre Kiwitt perfectly captures the inner conflict of loyal German Max while still infusing his performance with leading man charisma. Even in the midst of the massive and talented ensemble cast the series belongs to Irene Escolar as Amelia. Escolar's performance is nothing short of electrifying as she portrays Amelia's journey from naive idealist to steely spy with intelligence, vulnerability and grit. In Escolar's hands Amelia is neither sinner nor saint as she alternates between confounding, sympathetic, frustrating, and inspiring all while remaining entirely relateable. 

Mistress of War is far more than the average espionage story. In place of  seductive spies, explosive action sequences, and gadgets galore the series offers a sweeping journey through history that viewers will be hard pressed to forget. Through its expertly written script the series showcases the devastation of war and serves as an apt reminder that freedom is never free. The uniformly superb performances bring the diverse cast of characters to vibrant life and transport viewers across an array of political ideologies, cultures, and decades with ease. For an espionage tale that is guaranteed to stir the mind and heart fight the good fight with Amelia in Mistress of War.

Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!

Classics: A Review of Mare of Easttown By Lauren Ennis

 One murder, two missing women, a town full of suspects, and one indomitable detective all add up to seven of the most gripping hours on television. Part murder mystery and part character study Mare of Easttown paints a stark portrait of a town at its breaking point and a community struggling to pick up the pieces. At once a study of its world weary heroine and the fractured community around her the series explores such universal themes as grief, trauma, and redemption with an emotional honesty that viewers across the spectrum will be able to relate to. The series' offers twists that are as devastating as they are shocking and characterizations that will resonate long after the final credits fade. By the end of episode one you'll be hard pressed not to want to spend more time with Mare and the rest of Easttown.

The story begins with detective Mare Sheehan attempting to balance her fraught home life and draining professional life. At home she is forced to confront the presence of her ex-husband (who has just moved in next door) and his impending marriage while struggling to raise her teenage daughter and young grandson. Further complicating matters, she enters into a custody battle with her grandson's mentally ill addict mother even as she continues to reel from the recent suicide of her son (the boy's father). She fares little better at work as she struggles to solve the disappearance of a friend's daughter who went missing a year earlier. When a local teenage mother is found murdered Mare's personal and professional lives collide as she confronts the ghosts of her past and the demons of her present.

Television has been inundated with crime dramas in recent years, but Mare of Easttown sets itself apart from its contemporaries by exploring not only 'who done it', but also how did it happen and what happens next. The series begins by painting an unflinching portrait of Easttown, a working class community ravaged by poverty, crime, and addiction. In this way the series establishes a firm sense of place while highlighting issues that plague communities across America. With the murder of teen mom Erin the script shifts its focus to its central mystery, but is careful to offer insight into the ways in which the town's decline led not only to Erin's downfall, but also that of the people around her. One of the script's particular successes is the way in which it showcases the devastation that one violent act can wreak upon an entire community. While Erin's family and friends are left reeling from her death the fallout from her murder also leaves a mark upon the town at large, which is left grappling with the failings that led to the premature loss of one of its own. Similarly, the series' exploration of Mare's personal struggles sheds light upon the ways in which loss and trauma carry down through generations and communities, leaving innumerable consequences in their wake. Even as it offers harrowing insight into such difficult topics as grief, abuse, addiction, and mental illness the series still offers humor, humanity, and even a message of redemption. Through its depiction of the community's hardscrabble efforts to band together in the aftermath of Erin's murder  the series reminds us of the ways in which communities can come together even in the darkest of times. Similarly, Mare's efforts to solve the case and regain control of her personal life demonstrates the ways in which with time, work, and humility we can all strive toward a better tomorrow. See for yourself what the critics are raving about and book a ticket to Easttown.

The series transports viewers into the heart of the by turns close-knit and clashing community of Easttown thanks to the stunning work of its cast. Cailee Spainey leaves a lasting impression in her heartbreaking turn as struggling teen mom turned murder victim Erin. Jack Mulhern strikes an ideal balance between overwhelmed and cruel as Erin's former boyfriend, Dylan. Angourie Rice aptly portrays the trauma of Mare's daughter, Siobhan while still exuding youthful charm. David Denman lends depth and humanity to his portrayal of Mare's ex-husband, Frank. Jean Smart steals each scene in which she appears as Mare's smart mouthed mother, Helen. Sosie Bacon's depiction of Mare's grandson's mother, Carrie's, struggles with addiction and mental illness are nothing short of harrowing. Julianne Nicholson lends an aching turn as Mare's best friend, Lori. Joe Tippett turns in a multi-faceted and complex performance as Lori's husband and Erin's uncle, John. Guy Pearce infuses Mare's love interest, visiting writer Richard, with warmth, humor, and charm. Evan Peters is both believable and endearing in his role as Mare's earnest new partner, Detective Collin Zabel. Even in the midst of a talented ensemble cast Kate Winslet dominates every frame as the steel-spined Mare. From her unmistakable Delaware County accent, to her slumping gait, to every drag from her trusty vape pen Winslet more than merely portrays Mare, she fully embodies her. From the series' first scene the English rose of Titanic and The Holiday fame is unrecognizable beneath the salt of the earth Pennsylvania detective. Come awards season statues are certain to be coming to Easttown, with Winslet's tour de force performance leading the way.

Mare of Easttown is thrilling, thought-provoking, and emotionally satisfying; in short its everything that a well made crime drama should be. Through its intricately developed plot and nuanced characterizations the script relates a mystery that will leave you guessing until its final reveal. The expert performances bring each of the series' complex characters to vivid life. The series' depiction of grief, trauma, and redemption will resonate with viewers long after the television has been turned off. For what is sure to be the defining viewing experience of 2021 pay a visit to Mare of Easttown.