Life Is to Whistle

REVIEW
Director Perez has weaved a tribute to life in Havana admirably blending humor, music, sex and a touch of magical realism. Our tour guide of Cuba is the (literally) underwater narrator, Bebe, who tells the tale of three orphans: Elpidio, a musician lamenting his absent mother (not too subtly named "Cuba"); Julia, a woman who faints whenever she hears the word "sex"; and Marianna, a man-loving dancer who vows celibacy to God in exchange for the lead role in an upcoming ballet. Perez shows the vitality, color and beauty of life in Havana without omitting the poverty, political and social strife of its people. The sentimental film is both funny and touching, but at times is marred by obvious symbolism and an overly fairy tale-esque ending that neatly ties the three tales together. (Spanish with English subtitles)