Before Night Falls (2000) | How Woke Is It?

Our VerdictWoke

70%

Before Night Falls2000

In a free society the right to critique art is essential and protected speech. These reviews reflect personal opinions and not statements of fact.

What We Think

‘Before Night Falls’ is an identity-forward biopic that strongly sides with its subject’s struggle against oppressive systems, occasionally letting ideology overshadow the narrative. It mostly sidesteps traditional values in favor of a modern liberation message, resulting in a fairly high woke score compared to more neutral films.

Score Breakdown

Compromised:Narrative Integrity

Woke

What is this?

The film centers on Reinaldo Arenas, a Cuban poet persecuted for his sexuality and political dissent, with identity themes central to the plot. While it's biographical, there are moments where narrative weight is clearly placed on his oppression, which might come across as prioritizing ideology over storytelling in places.

Compromised:Cultural Foundations

Woke

What is this?

The movie depicts Cuban society and government as antagonistic towards both personal freedom and traditional family structures, while celebrating artistic and personal liberation. Traditional culture and religion aren’t villainized, but they’re largely absent or irrelevant, making space for more modern identity-driven values.

Compromised:Ideological Monoculture

Woke

What is this?

Alternative viewpoints, particularly the perspectives of Cuban authorities or traditionalists, are mostly portrayed unsympathetically. The film is ultimately a celebration of liberation from conservative norms, though it does attempt to give some complexity to Arenas’ circumstances.

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Disclaimer: In a free society the right to critique art is essential and protected as a form of free speech and freedom of expression. The reviews and commentary on this site represent personal opinions and interpretations. They are not statements of fact and should not be taken as factual claims about any individual, company, or creative work.