Sons Of Cuba

“Victory is a duty. Defeat cannot be justified”, chant the students of the Havana Boxing Academy, one of many such schools across Cuba, a nation famed for its prowess in the sport. This is a sport that Castro himself declared important to the revolution, where success is a matter of national pride rather than personal achievement and a boxing career is more a calling than a vocation. Sons of Cuba follows the trials of three of the school’s students as they train for the upcoming national under 12s championships.

Wise byond his years Christian has a lot to live up to. Not only was his father a national boxing champion, but a celebrated Olympic medallist. Santos on the other hand seems to have less invested in the sport. Struggling with the strict dietary regimes and weigh-ins, things inevitably take their emotional toll on the youngster. Junior meanwhile admits to his supposed failings. Citing his compassionate nature as being at odds with the sport, the former ballet student seems misplaced in this competitive world. Regardless, each of the boys continues on in their training, dreaming of success and bringing pride to their fatherland.

In another documentary, a location like Cuba might inspire a more objective approach. But rather than hunt it out, the filmmakers take a more observant position and often the most startling moments in the film arise unexpectedly and unprovoked. It doesn’t hurt matters that the film was shot during a relatively turbulent time in Cuba.

Partway into the film, an aging Fidel Castro fell ill and named a successor. Not long after, three Cuban Olympic champions turned their back on their homeland and defected to the USA for professional careers. The aftermath of these events makes for some of the film’s most interesting moments and grants things a much wider context. It reminds us that we’re dealing with a nation that still feels at threat from imperialist invasion, where America remains a despised enemy and turning your back on your country is the ultimate betrayal. Yet it also serves to reignite the boys’ dedication to their sport and arguably suggests that however much a product of propaganda they are, their raw passion is undeniable.

Sons of Cuba is a truly thought provoking film. It alarms on occasion, but mostly surprises with insight. Behind all the politics, regime, blood, sweat and tears; there’s a real heart to the sport. The academy’s coaches aren’t just drill sergeants, but compassionate father figures too. The boys’ families aren’t just pushy parents dreaming of wealth and fortune, but simply want their children to make something of their lives instead of, as one mother puts it “live for the sake of it”. You’ll likely still hold your doubts with the culture, certainly sympathise with the youngsters but as affecting as Sons of Cuba is; you’ll have your preconceptions challenged.

Overall Verdict: Entertaining, insightful and emotional; Sons of Cuba shines a spotlight on an unexplored, but incredibly engaging part of Cuban culture.

Reviewer: David Steele