Yank Tanks

Running time: N/A

World Premiere San Francisco director David Schendel's Yank Tanks joins the Buena Vista Social Club as another effervescent commemoration of Cuban culture and life. In 1961, Castro declares Cuba a Communist nation. The U.S. reacts swiftly by cutting diplomatic relations and enforcing an embargo that inadvertently strands 150,000 American cars. Years later, the sleek shapes, vibrant colors, and polished chrome are still a major part of the city's landscape, and the Cuban love affair with old American cars has rendered Havana into a veritable classic car museum. Necessity truly is the mother of invention. With new parts no longer being made, and the embargo still in effect, the challenge of keeping the cars looking and running their best creates a new breed of mechanic-part electrician and part engineer. From the "king of chrome" to an ex-gypsy dancer turned glass specialist, many such artists are introduced-each as colorful and vibrant as the cars they maintain. Without a doubt, the cars are the true stars of the film. Shiny Cadillacs, Buicks, and DeSotos take center stage and soak up the thriving rhythm and beat of the city. Yet in a country where the price of gas is $4/gallon and the monthly salary is roughly $10, Yank Tanks is also a celebration of the ingenuity and creativity in us all. Reviewed by Meredith H. Sherter. Preceded by: Running Time (Warren Biro, 7 min., USA) The Hunter. The Hunted. It's the story of brotherly love in a fast-paced urban thriller. Starring Sam Rockwell (The Green Mile, Charlie's Angels.)