Strawberry and Chocolate

            Strawberry and Chocolate is about a gay man, Diego, who does not agree with the rules of Cuba; he believes in free expression of one’s self. He attempts to befriend and develop a relationship with David, a homophobic communist who, at first believes in what communists believe. He studies political science because he believes that people should get jobs in what is important and what is needed. At first, David only befriends Diego to see what he is doing with all of the art and literature in his apartment, which could be illegal to the communists. David does not feel comfortable around Diego, however, because he keeps trying to flirt with him. David is secretly only there because his roommate thinks it is a good idea to get information on Diego and report him. David makes it clear to Diego that he is not interested in him in that way and if the relationship should continue, he must stop, in which Diego agrees. David also befriends Nancy, one of Diego’s neighbors. Diego is Nancy’s only friend and is a danger to herself. She gets upset and cuts herself and is rushed to the hospital with Diego and David in the ambulance. Diego’s friendship with David ends up breaking up his partnership with his artistic friend. Diego decides he has to move so that he can accept a job that was offered to him. David’s relationship with Nancy grows and they end up dating.

            The theme of this movie is friendship. At first, David is just interacting with Diego to see what he is up to, but Diego wants to be more than friends with David. Slowly, they get used to each other and become friends, which David’s roommate does not like. Diego is also friends with a Nancy and it is like his friendship helps keep her alive. Nancy tries to take care of David and protect him from whatever Diego has up his sleeve like a friend would. David and Nancy become more than friends as Diego is leaving so that they can be there for each other. Diego is like the glue in the relationships.

            This movie was interesting. I am not one for politics, but I respect the pride in Diego’s beliefs. I like that this movie is about being comfortable in your own skin and being comfortable around people that are different than you are.