Epicentro (2020): Cast, Ratings & Box Office
Epicentro is a 2020 documentary directed by Hubert Sauper, starring Oona Castillo Chaplin. It runs 1 hour 48 minutes and earned $119,413 worldwide. Critics gave it 89% on Rotten Tomatoes and 70 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.8/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 48m (108 min)
- Director
- Hubert Sauper
- Genre
- Documentary
- Original language
-
Spanish
- Studio
- Kino Lorber
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Epicentro About?
The premise of Epicentro without spoilers.
Acclaimed director Hubert Sauper explores Cuba's intricate past in this insightful documentary. Examining the 1898 sinking of the USS Maine, the film reveals how this event shaped colonial influence and the early use of cinema as a tool for propaganda. Through interviews with young Cubans, Sauper investigates the relationship between time, imperialism, and film, uncovering a century of searching for truth and a national identity.
Epicentro Themes & Keywords
· 23 tags- one word title
- cuba
- voice over
- children
- cinema
- dance class
- year 1898
- imperialism
- american imperialism
- u.s. imperialism
- man on the moon
- american flag
+11 more Show fewer
- reference to donald trump
- train
- cow
- photographer
- pen
- havana cuba
- hotel
- swimming pool
- sea
- earth viewed from the moon
- title spoken by character
Epicentro Cast
Oona Castillo Chaplin stars in Epicentro. Directed by Hubert Sauper.
- Director Hubert Sauper
Epicentro Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Epicentro 89% on Rotten Tomatoes and 70 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 80/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in story & flow (65).
Epicentro Echo Score Breakdown
Epicentro stands out for its striking visual style and thematic depth, though its narrative structure can feel loosely organized at times. Critics consistently praise the film’s evocative imagery and experimental framing of Cuban street life, noting its blend of intimate observation and historical reflection. While some found early segments less impactful, most agree that the work rewards sustained attention. In net, Epicentro delivers a compelling sensory experience anchored by vivid artistry and layered thematic resonance.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 90
In terms of art and craft, Epicentro excels with vivid cinematography and inventive framing that capture Havana’s textures. The film’s use of natural light and handheld compositions conveys a sense of immediacy, while measured editing choices reinforce its experimental tone. Production design feels authentic and understated, supporting a cohesive visual identity. Overall, direction and visual craft stand as the film’s primary strengths, creating a distinctive aesthetic presence.
- Character & Emotion 80
When it comes to character and emotion, Epicentro relies on candid interviews and street encounters to evoke a sense of personal testimony. The featured subjects offer spontaneous reflections that lend authenticity, even if individual arcs remain undeveloped. Emotional resonance emerges through glimpses of daily life and collective memory rather than traditional dramatic structure. As a result, the film conveys genuine warmth and insight, though it forgoes deeper character-driven narratives in favor of broader cultural portraiture.
- Story & Flow 65
Regarding story and flow, Epicentro presents a loosely strung thematic exploration of Cuban history that can feel episodic. The pacing is deliberate, unfolding in varied street scenes that underscore colonial legacies but occasionally lack clear narrative momentum. Some viewers may find the early sections less impactful, though later sequences on mythology and globalization add coherence. Ultimately, the documentary’s unconventional structure supports its experimental aims, even as it challenges expectations of linear storytelling.
- Sensory Experience 85
In terms of sensory experience, Epicentro offers an immersive soundscape and visual palette that echo its thematic concerns. Waves crashing against the Malecón and ambient street noise heighten the film’s atmospheric pull, while an understated score reinforces moments of reflection. The color palette is both vivid and nuanced, underscoring textural details in architecture and everyday life. Together, these elements combine to create an evocative audiovisual environment with strong emotional and aesthetic appeal.
- Rewatch Factor 70
Concerning rewatch factor, Epicentro invites repeated viewings to unpack its layered visual metaphors and historical allusions. Viewers interested in cinematic experimentation and cultural analysis may find new insights on subsequent watches. However, the film’s episodic pacing and self-reflexive style could feel less engaging to those seeking traditional narrative drive. Overall, Epicentro has lasting appeal for niche audiences, though its unconventional format may limit broad replay value.
-
IMDb 6.8 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 89% Tomatometer
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 70 Metascore
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 58% User score
See on TMDB
Epicentro Box Office
Epicentro grossed $119,413 worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$119.4K
- International
- $119.4K
Epicentro Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Epicentro.
Seen Epicentro?
Movies Like Epicentro
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Cuba, Cuba: Battle of the 10,000,000 and Cuba and the Cameraman.
Epicentro FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of Epicentro, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Epicentro?
Epicentro runs 1 hour 48 minutes (108 minutes).
When was Epicentro released?
Epicentro was released on August 28, 2020.
Who directed Epicentro?
Epicentro was directed by Hubert Sauper.
More films by Hubert Sauper Who is in the cast of Epicentro?
Epicentro stars Oona Castillo Chaplin.
How much did Epicentro make at the box office?
Epicentro grossed $119,413 worldwide.
How is Epicentro rated?
Epicentro has 6.8/10 on IMDb, 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, 70 on Metacritic and 58% on TMDB.
Does Epicentro have a post-credit scene?
No. Epicentro has no extra scene during or after the credits.
What language is Epicentro in?
The original language of Epicentro is Spanish.
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