El Super

El Super is a compelling drama released in 1979, which follows the life of Roberto, played by Raimundo Hidalgo-Gato, an individual wrestling with feelings of displacement, nostalgia, and a longing for his homeland. The movie navigates the difficult terrain of diaspora, cultural identity, and the struggle of immigrants to adapt to new environments while clinging to their original roots.

The title, El Super, comes from Roberto's job as a superintendent of an apartment building in New York City. He's a Cuban immigrant, plunged into the hustle and bustle of one of the world's busiest cities from his former life in Cuba. Roberto misses his vibrant and colorful Cuban life and struggles to reconcile his nostalgia with the stark realities of his new life in the United States. The film fleshes out the classic immigrant tale but with a distinctly Cuban sensibility.

His wife Aurelia, earnestly portrayed by Zully Montero, and their teenage daughter Aurelita, played by Elizabeth Peña, also figure prominently in the film. They present their perspectives and dilemmas, confronting the challenges that come with immigration, identity, community, and familial relationships.

Roberto is a character audiences can easily sympathize with. He's the quintessential immigrant who finds himself torn between the allure of the American dream and deep, residing feelings of displacement and pining for his homeland. Roberto's character is a poignant embodiment of the immigrant experience, bringing a genuine human factor to the narrative.

The film draws upon Roberto's longing for Cuba, making profound use of flashbacks that give viewers glimpses of his previous life. These scenes structured through memories draw us into a compelling story about the struggle of humankind to adjust to new environments while hooked to their past. It addresses the vast cultural identity gap between the United States and Cuba during a time when political tensions were at a peak.

Zully Montero, as Roberto's wife, Aurelia, grows increasingly frustrated with her husband's inability to adapt to their current situation. She often finds herself caught in the crossfire between Roberto and their daughter, Aurelita. Aurelia's struggle to keep the family united and adapt to their new surroundings adds another layer to the story, making it a familial drama as much as it is an immigrant tale.

Aurelita, the couple's daughter, played by Elizabeth Peña, embodies the opposite struggle of her father. She's a typical teenager working her way through the complexities of growing up, juggling school, friends, and first love while also trying to comprehend her parents' unyielding connection to a homeland she barely remembers.

Reynaldo Medina portrays Nestor, a close family friend who symbolizes the successful small fraction of immigrants. Nestor's character serves an opposing representation of Roberto's state of mind, having integrated well within the American culture while respecting his Cuban origins.

Technically, the film takes an authentic approach. Using a naturalistic aesthetic, the filmmakers manage to convincingly portray the gritty realities of life in the 1970s New York City, complete with its charm and challenges. Ambient New York City sounds are used strategically to add to the immersive experience of the film. The cinematography expertly captures the essence of the city, creating a striking contrast between Roberto's dank basement apartment and the lively streets outside.

Created by the renowned Orlando Jiménez-Leal and Leon Ichaso, the film accurately captures the alienation and estrangement often experienced by immigrants. Aided by passionate performances of the leads, they present a raw and realistic examination of the immigrant experience. El Super stands out as one of the first movies to highlight the Hispanic diaspora in America, providing a unique perspective on a vital topic that continues to resonate today.

In the end, El Super is a compelling tale of enduring human courage and resilience in the face of adversity. It's a deep exploration of the immigrant experience, a pertinent subject matter that continues to reverberate across the world. It's a must-watch for viewers interested in relatable human stories and the theme of immigration.