timcurryisgod

Extremely interesting at first, covers the centuries of colonialism in Cuba. I really appreciated the historical perspective to understand how long-lasting the Spanish colonial rule was, and how devastating and oppressive it was for the Cuban peasants and enslaved Africans. And how the U. S. simply took over managing the colonial rule of Cuba instead of actually "liberating" the people.

The episodes regarding Castro's childhood and upbringing were extremely insightful. Also interesting information on the Cuban Revolution and the years leading up to and after 1959. Fascinating.

But a couple of things were troubling. One is, the documentary completely skips over the Tricontinental Conference of 1966, an important anti-colonial world event in politics hosted by Cuba, which took place in Havana. Revolutionary leaders from Africa, Asia, and Latin America were in attendance, including Amilcar Cabral, and Salvador Allende.

And also seems to paint Castro as wrongly "always" blaming the U. S. for Cuba's problems. Well. The U. S. is responsible for the embargo which has lasted decades. So, the U. S. is culpable and it is correct to say so.

Also, the documentary seems to blame Cuba for Guantanamo's existence, that was absolutely bizarre. It's the U. S. that is responsible for the massive human rights violations and war crimes that have occurred on their own military base, which should not exist, period, in Cuba. And it is a provocation that it should be there at all. This is not accurately portrayed in the documentary.

The fact that Cuba still exists and has free healthcare and education, and exports doctors and medical assistance throughout the world, also during the Pandemic, should tell the viewer much. Especially when the documentary strangely tries to say "socialism failed in Cuba," um, free healthcare and education is a success, not a "failure." So it's kind of pro-U. S. imperialism especially towards the end. Also, left out Che's dying words: "Shoot, coward. You will only kill a man." Because the Cuban Revolution lives on, and will eternally. Viva Cuba!

Sutherland plays the patriarch of the Getty family during the tumultuous early 1970's when his grandson was kidnapped.

So much context is provided to tell the story, it's really enjoyable. Hillary Swank gives a memorable performance as the mother of the kidnapped Paul Getty III.

The production is lavish. Set mostly against the backdrop of beautiful southern Italy, where the economic turmoil is ever present in the lives of the peasants and townspeople who live there. This also helps the viewer understand why the locals would go to such extremes to acquire money.

This series exposes the greed and ruthlessness of the Getty empire. And by the way, Brendan Fraser delivers an unforgettable performance throughout. Just perfect. What an amazing actor.

The viewer expects a fantastic and entertaining series with amazing stars like John Leguizamo, Sam Shepard, Sissy Spacek, Kyle Chandler, and Beau Bridges, and these actors truly deliver amazing performances. I'd never heard of Ben Mendelsohn, but as "Danny Rayburn," he is a masterful villain.

Two other actors who stand out for deeply emotional performances are Norbert Leo Butz as "Kevin Rayburn," and Jamie McShane as "Eric O'Bannon."

This series is completely binge-worthy, a compelling family and crime saga set in the Florida Keys. While the entire series is exemplary viewing, the first two episodes of season 3 contain some of the most riveting television I've ever seen.