The Cuban

The Cuban, a movie that was released in 2019 encompasses the vibrancy of life amidst the monotony of a dementia ward. It takes us into the life of Mina, a young Afghan immigrant played by the talented Ana Golja, living in Canada who becomes an attendant at a seniors' home.

The life in the nursing home exposes Mina to the harsh realities and perils of aging. Her work mostly involves attending to senior patients, and she deals with life and death daily. However, life takes an exciting turn for Mina when Luis Garcia (Louis Gossett Jr.), a new Cuban patient, comes under her care.

Luis, a once enchanting musician during his heyday as part of the vibrant and swirling Havana music scene of the past, has now regressed into his old age and is losing his memory bit by bit due to the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Now bound to a wheelchair and lost in his own world, he barely registers his surroundings. He appears to have given up on life, preferring to idly stare out the window, virtually lifeless and non-responsive to the world around him.

Displaying a strong-spirited nature, Mina doesn't let Luis’ standoffish demeanor deter her. Born in Afghanistan, she understands the value of connecting with one's cultural roots, especially when she finds a collection of old records of Luis’ favorite Cuban musicians in his room. His music collection is vast, but a long-dead relic of a past life.

The movie sets a unifying narrative as Mina tries to reconnect Luis with his past by playing him his favorite music. This sets upon an emotional journey that explores the intimate bond that develops between Mina and Luis. The improbability of their connection and their strong bond unfolds the transformative power of music and its ability to reawaken the soul.

Music becomes a potent tool in Mina's hand to bridge the gap between the present and the past in Luis's fading memory. Engaging him with the music of his prime years - the rhythmic beats, the thumping bass, the soulful lyrics - Luis slowly starts to respond, as his foot taps to the beat, his eyes gleam, and at times even curving into a faint smile. Mina's determination transforms Luis from a passive occupant of a nursing home into someone who experiences flashes of elation and connectivity.

Screen veteran Louis Gossett Jr. gives an outstanding performance as his character Luis oscillates between fleeting moments of lucidity, where he vividly remembers his past and the somber reality of his present state. An Oscar-winning Gossett, Jr. brings an inimitable presence to the screen, proving once again why he is such a celebrated actor.

Ana Golja, on the other hand, brings warmth and sincerity to her character Mina. She deftly portrays a multicultural immigrant trying to balance her professional life while dealing with personal challenges in an ethnically diversified society. Her strong-willed character that puts her patient’s interests at heart makes one admire and empathise with her.

The film also boasts a strong supporting performance from the critically acclaimed Iranian actress Shohreh Aghdashloo, who plays Mina's sympathetic aunt Bano. Bano is a significant figure in Mina's life and serves as a guiding presence who encourages her not only in her professional life but also in confronting her personal relationship with her traditional Afghan roots.

Director Sergio Navarretta’s filmmaker lens beautifully captures the unnoted realities of dementia wards while infusing it with vibrant color grades and heartwarming music that plays an integral role in this narrative. The movie is not only about celebrating life and human connections, but it is also a study of the power of music and how it can connect and inspire generations.

The Cuban is a heartwarming drama that blends the melancholy of aging with the joy of music, creating a stunning and unforgettable cinematic experience. In its beautiful storytelling and phenomenal performances, the movie becomes a poignant, thought-provoking tale that strikes a deep personal chord while leaving a lasting imprint on its viewers.