Master Rank #652

One Way or Another

1977

GCML Total7.5240% Greatness · 40% Engagement · 20% Ease

Directed by Tomás Gutiérrez Alea, Sara Gómez, Julio García Espinosa, Thomas González Pérez

CastYolanda Cuéllar · Mario Balmaseda

CubaSpanishDrama / Documentary78 minNot Rated
Sight & SoundDocufictionDeliberate pace
Original poster artwork · Great Cinema Master List

Spoiler-free premise

A Cuban bus worker and teacher confront gender roles and inherited behavior while a new Havana housing development reshapes their community.

Read expanded premiseLonger, still spoiler-free

In Havana's Miraflores development, bus worker Mario begins a relationship with schoolteacher Yolanda while both confront sexism, class habits, and expectations inherited from the neighborhood demolished before construction. Documentary interviews and dramatic scenes share the inquiry.

Why it belongs

Docufiction connects housing, labor, race, gender, and one couple's daily behavior as One Way or Another makes revolutionary change self-critical.

Read expanded why it belongsThe fuller editorial case

Construction sites, buses, classrooms, neighborhood meetings, interviews, street music, and direct social analysis make private conflict historically situated—the hybrid form tests socialist aspiration against conduct that outlives new buildings.

Major award wins

No verified wins in this six-institution crosswalk.

Awards are reference metadata only · zero points in 40/40/20

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