Review:
In this imported film, two young men love soccer, and maybe each other. However, their life in Havana offers little hope for their relationship.
Close friends Reinier (Reinier Diaz) and Yosvani (Milton Garcia) live in the heat of Havana, often content just to afford the basic necessities. They enjoy soccer, the beach, and night life. Their lives start to change when they unexpectedly kiss.
Neither man identifies as gay, and both make a point of denying any homosexual leanings, even while embracing each other. However, Reinier works as a male prostitute. He finds comfort in the arms of men and obviously wants an ongoing gay relationship. Reineir has a child with his wife, but his mother-in-law encourages his prostitution, as a way to support the family. Yosvani is engaged, and his future father-in-law (Luis Alberto Garcia) pulls him into the black market.
Soccer provides an escape and becomes increasingly important to Reinier, but the rest of his life collides with his ambitions. The growing connection between the two young men lacks any support from their environment or their situations. Though the film might sound bleak, a strong script and an equally strong cast make it appealing. It also includes some light moments and some surprisingly tender ones.
The Last Match is in Spanish, with English subtitles.
