One Way or Another (1975)
★★½ — One Way or Another (1975)
One Way or Another (De cierta manera, 1975) is a bold hybrid of fiction and documentary that captures post-revolutionary Cuba through both intimate drama and sociopolitical observation. Directed by Sara Gómez (Cuba’s first female feature filmmaker) it weaves together the story of a schoolteacher navigating love and class tensions with real-life footage of Havana neighbourhoods, community meetings, and everyday citizens grappling with lingering machismo and systemic inequality. The blend is ambitious and often insightful, offering a rare, ground-level view of revolutionary ideals clashing with human complexity. The direction is assured and quietly radical: Gómez avoids propaganda in favour of nuance, letting contradictions breathe. Some of the non-professional actors deliver remarkably natural performances, particularly in unscripted moments that feel lived-in and authentic. Yet the narrative unfolds slowly (sometimes too slowly) relying on repetition and didactic dialogue that can test patience. The pacing reflects its educational intent, but it rarely achieves the emotional momentum of more conventional cinema. Visually, the film shows its age and budget: grainy 16mm footage, uneven sound, and limited lighting give it a rough-hewn quality that adds to its documentary realism but detracts from cinematic polish. Still, there’s poetry in its imperfections, the sun-drenched streets, cramped tenements, and earnest faces tell their own story. One Way or Another is historically significant and socially perceptive, but not always engaging as entertainment. It’s a landmark work that deserves respect for its vision and context, even if its storytelling feels dated or diffuse by modern standards. Worth watching for its pioneering voice, but don’t expect a smooth ride.
Rating: ★★½ | Year: 1975 | Watched: 2026-04-29
