El Medico( Daniel Friedell, 2012): Cuba

Reviwed by Nathan Chinchilla at the Metro Theater, Santa Barbara

Many put the value of family very high and its importance to the highest regard but when it interferes with your personal life and your goals, it may not always be easy. The story of Raynier Casamayor Griñán in the film El Medico shows the struggle of what it is like to be one of the pioneers of music in a land where it oppresses many for going beyond what they are suppose to. He lives with the struggle of being an aspiring musician but also a man of family and character that many rely on. David Freidell captures the entire story from beginning to end of how he hard he struggles find the balance between being a family man and musician at the same time.

A short introduction of Cuba and its history up to now is shown at first for the audience to see how different Cuba is from the rest of the world. Next Raynier Casamayor Grinan is introduced who  is a doctor in Cuba that wants to follow his dream to be a music artist. He is already known around his town for being a doctor of the people and helping them with all their physiological needs and is loved by many. He is also known for being a talented reggaeton artist who goes around blaring music and getting people up off their feet to dance to his music. He is discovered by a talent agent Michael to start working on his music and most importantly making a album. Raynier is then presented with a album record deal with Warner Bros. and continue on to to tour the world with his music. He soon discovers that it is not as easy as it seems. He faces various challenges along the way to only reach his main goal of being a artist that will make his family and country proud of.

David Friedell captured the life of Raynier very well by showing the struggles of what is like to be an aspiring artist from start to end. He shows that there are a lot more struggles to be music artist than what many may think. The balance of being a person of country but at the same time some one who wants to follow their childhood dream and show the world that their native country of Cuba still is able to make beautiful art. The hardships he must overcome throughout his journey to reach his life long goal are what have made this film truly amazing from being unaccepted bu his family to his country, El Medico must face the true challenge of what is most important to him.