“This Soviet-Cuban hymn to the Castro revolution has more than its fair share of agitprop naivety – but for its sheer dazzling technique, and the glorious beauty of its monochrome cinematography, it deserves impregnable classic status. Director Kalatozov follows the progress of the revolution from the poolside decadence of Batista’s Havana, the pauperisation of the tenant farmers, through to the student agitation, and finally the arrival of Castro’s troops from their mountain stronghold in the east.” (5 Stars)
– Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian