Overview
A poignant exploration of friendship and acceptance amidst societal prejudice.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- None
- witty
- humanistic
- politically charged
- international cinema night
- arthouse movie night
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the film as a humane, politically perceptive comedy-drama whose emotional power comes from its dialogue, performances, and exploration of sexuality and intolerance.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Diego and David move from rejection and suspicion toward a friendship that crosses their opposing beliefs and prejudices.
Diego’s homosexuality carries political significance within the Cuban context, linking private identity with resistance to institutional intolerance.
The central bond develops through conversation, fascination, and the gradual transformation of David’s understanding rather than primarily through sexual pursuit.
The Havana ice cream parlor and the strawberry-versus-chocolate choice establish a memorable metaphor for difference and expose Diego’s identity to David.
Films like Strawberry and Chocolate, and why
The Lives of Others
shared lgbtq themes, political repression, intimate character-driven drama, and gradual emotional connection
Aimee & Jaguar
shared queer identity, social prejudice, restrained romance, and politically charged historical setting
The Intouchables
shared friendship across ideological and social divisions, warm dramatic comedy, and political conversation
The Way He Looks
shared lgbtq coming-of-age perspective, cultural intolerance, and bittersweet humanism
Movie Details
- Directors
- Tomás Gutiérrez Alea, Juan Carlos Tabío
- Release Date
- 1993-12-01
- Runtime
- 108 min
- Rating
- 7.0 / 10 (86)
Cast
- Jorge Perugorría
- Vladimir Cruz
- Mirta Ibarra
- Francisco Gattorno
- Joel Angelino
- Marilyn Solaya
- Andrés Cortina
- Antonio Carmona
- Ricardo Ávila
- María Elena del Toro
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video
- Buy
- Amazon Video
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Strawberry and Chocolate about?
- In politically charged Havana, an openly gay artist and a prejudiced young communist discover that friendship can dismantle the doctrines separating them.
- What is Strawberry and Chocolate like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Strawberry and Chocolate as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Strawberry and Chocolate violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Strawberry and Chocolate.
- What did critics think of Strawberry and Chocolate?
- Critics broadly praised the film as a humane, politically perceptive comedy-drama whose emotional power comes from its dialogue, performances, and exploration of sexuality and intolerance.
- Which films are like Strawberry and Chocolate?
- Films with a similar feel include The Lives of Others, Aimee & Jaguar, The Intouchables, and The Way He Looks.
- How long is Strawberry and Chocolate?
- Strawberry and Chocolate runs 108 minutes.
- Where can I watch Strawberry and Chocolate?
- In United States, Strawberry and Chocolate is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video.
