This powerful biopic portrays the extraordinary life and literary talent of Reinaldo Arenas. The film follows his journey from a carefree childhood through challenging experiences as a writer and marginalized figure in Castro's Cuba. Facing persecution and exile, Arenas ultimately finds a path to freedom in America, revealing a profound story of artistic expression, resilience, and the complexities of the human spirit.
Does Before Night Falls have end credit scenes?
No!
Before Night Falls does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.
Explore the complete cast of Before Night Falls, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.
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85
Metascore
6.9
User Score
74%
TOMATOMETER
83%
User Score
7.1 /10
IMDb Rating
67
%
User Score
Challenge your knowledge of Before Night Falls with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.
What year was Reinaldo Arenas arrested for ideological deviation?
1970
1973
1976
1980
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Discover all the awards and nominations received by Before Night Falls, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how Before Night Falls and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.
73rd Academy Awards 2001
58th Golden Globe Awards 2001
16th Film Independent Spirit Awards 2001
Best Feature
Best Cinematography
Read the complete plot summary of Before Night Falls, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.
Before Night Falls narrates the poignant journey of Reinaldo Arenas, a talented writer, poet, and novelist hailing from a humble rural background in Eastern Cuba. Initially, he was an enthusiastic supporter of the Cuban Revolution that elevated Fidel Castro to power in 1959. In 1963, Arenas transitioned to La Habana, where he cultivated his passion for writing. His literary debut, El mundo alucinante (Hallucinations), published in 1966, garnered significant acclaim, earning an honorable mention from the Union of Cuban Writers and Artists.
However, as an openly gay man, Arenas faced severe repercussions. In 1973, he was charged with ideological deviation, leading to his arrest. Despite his imprisonment in the infamous El Morro, he managed to escape, only to be rearrested and subsequently incarcerated again. In 1976, he regained his freedom and, four years later, was part of the Mariel Boatlift, which transported Cuban exiles to the United States.
Settling in New York City, Arenas continued his literary pursuits, releasing works such as Cantando en el pozo (Singing From the Well) in 1982, followed by El palacio de la blanquísimas mofetas (Palace of White Skunks) the same year and El portero (The Doorman) in 1987. Tragically, he took his own life by overdose on December 7, 1990, at the age of 47. His memoir, Antes que anochezca (Before Night Falls), was published three years posthumously and served as a significant inspiration for this film, produced in 2000. Arenas is compellingly portrayed by the Spanish actor Javier Bardem, whose performance includes remarkable command over a Cuban accent, bringing an authentic touch to this deeply emotional narrative.
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