Lucía I: Era of Independence (1895-1898)
In the Era of Independence we see a clear divide between classes. You have the Aristocracy (Lucía and Rafael) and you have the Poor (Fernandina). The aristocracy of this era were know to be wealthy and white. Greatly influenced during the time of "Progress" those in the aristocracy wore elaborate European-style clothing as well as fine jewelry such as pearls. For a woman of this class, she wouldn't dare leave the house without being completely dolled up. After all there was an image to uphold. It must have been MISERABLE! These women live in Mexico for Christ sakes. During the Summer it is far too hot to have on a petty coat, a lavish dress, as well as a hat. I do believe I would be sweating my face off and I would be extremely skinny. Along with the lavish clothing women of this stature almost always carried a parasol with them. Heaven forbid they have to endure the heat waves of the sun. It was common for women to stay at home and have sewing parties, quilting and making hammocks. Church also played a large role in the lives towns people. Anytime the doors were open you could expect to see people there, especially the women. Due to the war and other military related issues men are almost always absent from society. Yet when they were present they too dressed their best, wearing suits with pocket watches, top hats and carrying canes. Most of these people and their families lived in large homes with imported European or other expensive furniture.
As we all know where there are wealthy individuals there too must be poor individuals. Changing the scenery from that of wealth to the lifestyle of Fernandina (mad woman in the streets) you see that she is extremely poor. Her clothing is made of old rag, she is filthy and in need of a bath. In contrast to the light atmosphere that was presented by the aristocracy, Fernandina's atmosphere is that of pure chaos. It is very violent and at times uncomfortable to watch. As she throws herself around the streets yelling and screaming "LONG LIVE SPAIN", it is quite disturbing. Strangely enough Fernandina tries to stop Lucía from going with Rafael. From her on history she knows it is going to end badly. Fernandina, once a nun, along with many other nuns went out into the battle fields to pray over the dying soldiers. The nuns were ambushed, taken advantage of, and raped by other soldiers. Some time later we see that soldiers coming into town also harass her. Theoretically speaking this may actually be why Fernandina is mad.
Where is a gun when I need one. As the film progresses we see that Lucía is very melodramatic. Moods are up and down and up and down again. Get it together lady! Lucía's mother tells her she is too easily carried away by her mind full of fantasy, and because she is a good Christian this is only a trial from God It is apparent that Lucía is motivated by her love for Rafael, a Cuban Spaniard who isn't interested in the politics of the world. He just wants to be happy. He too loves Lucía and wants to marry her but she is reserved, although she knows Rafael makes her happy. When acquainting themselves, Lucía lies to Rafael about her brother Felipe's involvement in the war. She plays it off as though he too is avoiding the independence wars like Rafael. This developing relationship between Lucía and Rafael gets a little messy. She finds out that Rafael is married and has children in Spain. Furious she ends everything, only to realize that she doesn't want to live without him. So like a typical woman she takes him back only to be hurt again and left.
Without knowing Lucía becomes a traitor to Cuba. She leads Rafael to her father's coffee plantation, which is the location of her brother and the other independence supporters. This lead to a massive out break of violence and unfortunately Felipe is killed. We notice that the independence supporters are not alone. They are aided by Mambises, black independence fighters. Causing a complete change in Lucía's motivation she becomes more like her brother and is a better representative of the Cuban aristocracy/bourgeoisie. I believe her motives went from being fueled by love to being fueled by hate, rage, and revenge. She is one pissed off woman. Not only did she lose her brother as a result of her actions she also lost her love, Rafael. No worries Lucía is able to get the revenge she deserves and is no longer considered a traitor of Cuba. Hunting Rafael down in the town square she stabs him multiple times. Resulting in his death.
Despite how melodramatic this film was I really enjoyed it. Of course living in the era that I do and having an education on how to support myself, I would never wish to live in this time. Yes, the clothing is beautiful, but who is to say that I would be a fortunate one and be part of the aristocracy. This film is also very supportive of Cuban nationalism. In the reading we see that Solas doesn't show how women were actually a much larger part of the way. He mainly focused on "love" and in the end avenging the death of Felipe. He avoids venturing into the territory oh how many women fled their homes to avoid being sent to concentration camps or how there were also in field "battle nurses" for soldiers.
Without knowing Lucía becomes a traitor to Cuba. She leads Rafael to her father's coffee plantation, which is the location of her brother and the other independence supporters. This lead to a massive out break of violence and unfortunately Felipe is killed. We notice that the independence supporters are not alone. They are aided by Mambises, black independence fighters. Causing a complete change in Lucía's motivation she becomes more like her brother and is a better representative of the Cuban aristocracy/bourgeoisie. I believe her motives went from being fueled by love to being fueled by hate, rage, and revenge. She is one pissed off woman. Not only did she lose her brother as a result of her actions she also lost her love, Rafael. No worries Lucía is able to get the revenge she deserves and is no longer considered a traitor of Cuba. Hunting Rafael down in the town square she stabs him multiple times. Resulting in his death.
Despite how melodramatic this film was I really enjoyed it. Of course living in the era that I do and having an education on how to support myself, I would never wish to live in this time. Yes, the clothing is beautiful, but who is to say that I would be a fortunate one and be part of the aristocracy. This film is also very supportive of Cuban nationalism. In the reading we see that Solas doesn't show how women were actually a much larger part of the way. He mainly focused on "love" and in the end avenging the death of Felipe. He avoids venturing into the territory oh how many women fled their homes to avoid being sent to concentration camps or how there were also in field "battle nurses" for soldiers.
Lucía III: Communist Construction Era (1966-1970)
As the film begins it is obvious this is not anything like the previous film. Women working? Who ever heard such a thing. We meet Lucía and see that she is a mix between and African American/Cuban, known as a "mulata". Lucía leaves her house and hops aboard a truck full of women. YAY!!! Women are far more independent and involved in the revolution. Working in the farms and helping their families as well. This idea still holds true for most women in the 21st Century. Catching my attention was the clothing. For hard working people there was no time or space for fancy European clothing. Grab your jeans and a t-shirt and off you go. The image of rural work is all over the place, which meant that this was a time of high agricultural development. Following right along with many traditions there were many parties with drinking and smoking cigars. I mean hello we are in Cuba! This is one of the first times that we are introduced to individuals who hold leadership roles that are of an African background. These individuals, Flavio and Angelina, happen to be the neighbors of Lucía lover Tomas. Pictured are homes of a very modest perspective, no sign of mansions here. During this era it was pressed upon that all peoples of Cuba have at least a basic education. For those needing assistance the government provided literacy teachers.
It was time for Lucía to show the world that you can be motivated by work. Tomas and Lucía are married and he no longer allows for her to work, becoming a captive in her own home. With all the love for Tomas she tells him: "I have to work." "I have to serve for something." Finally, a woman who isn't afraid to stand up to a man! Now this is my type of movie. A woman empowering film! Overcoming her fear of leaving Tomas, Lucía finally leaves, returns to the far to work. But wait, here comes Tomas chasing after her demanding that she return home simply because she is his wife.
The director of this film wanted us to see the importance of work in communist Cuba. Those natives of Cuba didn't want any outside influence, as depicted when the tourists in the street are dancing. It showed how a class, rural workers, could come together and have bond together to accomplish a task. Flashback to our first Lucía, Tomas is stuck in that era. His character is very contradictory to this era. At the end we see a child laughing. Perhaps this is a message that maybe one day men and women will have the same train of thought and be able to work together. Overall this was a good movie. It showed the beginning of the "Literacy Campaign", which started in the 1960s. This was also know for the depiction of women's emancipation.
"The three Lucías seem more illustrative of the relationship between class and nation than of the rol of women in Cuban history. Indeed, one way in which this film can be read is a allegory, which each Lucía representing, not Cuban women, or even a particular Cuban woman, but the evolution of the Cuban nation toward a socialist society through the progression of social classes."
The director of this film wanted us to see the importance of work in communist Cuba. Those natives of Cuba didn't want any outside influence, as depicted when the tourists in the street are dancing. It showed how a class, rural workers, could come together and have bond together to accomplish a task. Flashback to our first Lucía, Tomas is stuck in that era. His character is very contradictory to this era. At the end we see a child laughing. Perhaps this is a message that maybe one day men and women will have the same train of thought and be able to work together. Overall this was a good movie. It showed the beginning of the "Literacy Campaign", which started in the 1960s. This was also know for the depiction of women's emancipation.
"The three Lucías seem more illustrative of the relationship between class and nation than of the rol of women in Cuban history. Indeed, one way in which this film can be read is a allegory, which each Lucía representing, not Cuban women, or even a particular Cuban woman, but the evolution of the Cuban nation toward a socialist society through the progression of social classes."
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