As a previous poster alluded to, I don't believe the subtitles accurately conveyed what was being said on screen. The plot is initially hard to follow and know where the film is going. But, after some of the characters get fleshed out, you can understand what the film is trying to convey.
Some of the minor characters seem to be over the top in their character's portrayal. However, I have had the opportunity to live in and be around the Hispanic community enough to know people who are like those in the film.
This film is a gritty look at the conditions in Cuba, especially for those in the lower economic strata. Two of the main characters are people of the streets who must make personal sacrifices to survive. My opinion is the director shot the film like he did, to give viewers a sense of what the conditions are really like in Cuba. The film is not some slick Hollywood production, which might put a lot of viewers off. If you, like me, want to watch films that are not mainstream and make you think, then give this film a chance.
Eruadye Muniz steals the film and I would like to see her in some films with higher production values.