Oscar-nominated Javier Bardem gives a majestic performance as real-life Cuban-born writer Reinaldo Arenas. This gruelling but scalding movie charts his life of struggle in the 1970s when he was judged a 'counter-revolutionary' by Castro's regime because of his writing and his homosexuality, finally fleeing to the States for refuge. Julian Schnabel, the director of Basquiat, delivers an important, compelling, brilliantly crafted film, making a powerful plea for freedom of speech and basic human rights in a heart-rending portrait of the suffering inflicted by Castro on so many people. Adding twin support performances, Johnny Depp is effective as the transvestite Bon Bon whom Arenas meets in jail, and also as the bad lieutenant who oversees the prison. Sean Penn, Michael Wincott, Olivier Martinez all offer their acting support to a noble project, a must-see for anyone interested in serious cinema.