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Review

One would assume that a Wim Wenders documentary about some old-time Cuban musicians would be an all-out celebration of the joy and swagger of the Afro-Caribbean beat -– and Buena Vista Social Club is that. But more to the core of this riveting peek into the world of old and new Havana is a fascination with the human spirit. What Wenders and guitarist Cooder uncover is a group of men (and one woman), mostly in their late-70s and early-80s (they were all world-class musicians of the '30s and '40s), who have survived decades of neglect and obscurity, and whose inextinguishable passion for their music is as palpable today as it was 40 years ago. Several of the musicians in the Buena Vista Social Club had not made music in over a decade and amazingly, it doesn’t show a bit! These guys jump into their adoration of music and take off as if a fire that had smoldered for 30 years just got doused by a barrel of gasoline. Singer Ferrer, who Cooder found shining shoes on the street, belts out tunes like a 20 year old with his 80-year-old pipes; Gonzalez had not touched a piano for over 10 years, and his playing is nothing less than mesmerizing. Wenders weaves back and forth from interviews with his principals, a recording session in Havana and a triumphant Carnegie Hall performance creating a tapestry that owes as much to the fortitude and joie-de-vivre of these remarkable troubadours as it does to the music. It will leave one wanting to own the album (worth every penny) and mindful that no matter how tough life can be, just sit down, shut up and enjoy the music -– life is beautiful!