Watch Looking for Fidel

Looking for Fidel is a 2006 documentary film starring former Cuban leader, Fidel Castro. Directed by Italian filmmaker, Leonardo Corbucci, the film is essentially a one-on-one interview with the controversial historical figure, shot over the course of three days. At the heart of this documentary is a compelling dialogue between Castro and Corbucci. The filmmaker tries to unravel the enigmatic leader's thoughts about a range of subjects – from Cuban-American relations to the Iraq War, from U.S. trade sanctions to international politics.

The film starts with Corbucci and Castro driving around Havana and discussing Cuban history and culture. They dive deep into topics like the Cuban Revolution, the Bay of Pigs invasion, the missile crisis, and Cuba's struggle against American imperialism.

As the interview progresses, the two men touch on a variety of other topics, and Castro's personality slowly starts to unravel. He comes across as candid, passionate, and surprisingly warm for someone who has spent a lifetime as one of the world's most controversial political leaders.

One of the film's most interesting moments involves an unexpected question that Corbucci asks Castro about his own mortality. The question seems to shake the Cuban leader, who pauses to gather his thoughts before giving an answer.

Throughout the interview, Castro talks about his own worldview and philosophy, which is rooted in his own unique brand of socialism. He discusses Cuba's role on the world stage, and how a tiny island nation has managed to defy the odds and survive against all odds.

Looking for Fidel is a fascinating document of an important historical figure, and it offers an untarnished look at one of the most enigmatic and fascinating leaders of our time. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the Cuban Revolution or the politics of the Cold War.

The film interlaces footage of Fidel Castro's tenure as the president of Cuba, along with his speech to Bahamian high school students, old boxing matches, and classic Americana songs.

One of the most powerful moments of the film comes when Castro struggles to address the question of whether he has been a good leader to his people. "I don't know" he says, "it's not for me to say". This alludes to the imperfections of his leadership style and the sacrifices he made as a revolutionary leader.

Throughout the movie, Fidel Castro comes across as a charming, honest, and invigorating person. It is easy to see why he became such a lightning rod for controversy, and why his leadership helped to change the course of history.

The film is shot in a low-key style, with long takes and no flashy editing. This leaves ample space for Castro to speak his mind and engage with the director in a profound conversation about his life and career. The cinematography is beautiful, with plenty of shots of the vibrant Cuban streets and the island's natural beauty.

One of the things that sets Looking for Fidel apart from other documentaries is its disarming approach to its subject matter. Instead of trying to demonize or lionize Castro, the film simply presents him as a complex and multifaceted individual. We see both his strengths and his weaknesses, his triumphs and his failures.

Perhaps the most fascinating thing about Looking for Fidel is that it includes so many moments where Castro tries to tackle big philosophical questions. He is deeply concerned with the fate of civilization, and he speaks at length about issues like climate change, war, and inequality.

The film is a testament to the power of conversation, and the importance of engaging with those whose perspectives we may not necessarily agree with. It is a must-see for anyone interested in world politics, revolution, or the tangle of relations between the United States and Cuba.

Looking for Fidel is a 2006 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.