Sara Gómez examines the intricacies of gender, class, and social change in post-revolutionary Cuba in One Way or Another (De cierta manera). One particularly memorable moment is when Yolanda and her lover, Mario, go out late at night and her friend follows them, appearing distressed and disengaged. The two women’s disparate social and emotional experiences are graphically depicted at this moment. While her friend seems lonely and possibly even resentful, Yolanda, who seems at ease in her relationship with Mario, enjoys the evening carefree. Relationships can change social dynamics, particularly in an environment when traditional gender norms are being questioned, as the friend’s body language and facial expressions convey that she feels excluded.
Yolanda and her friend’s difference draws attention to the disparities in treatment of women based on their romantic and social ties. Yolanda receives a degree of respect and attention that her buddy does not since she interacts with Mario on an equal basis. She stands out for her openness to question established conventions. In this way, via her daily deeds and relationships, Yolanda exemplifies traits of a revolutionary, not in a big political sense. She stands for the modern Cuban woman, one who is self-reliant, critical, and prepared to face the difficulties of a changing society. These exchanges are used in the movie to make statements on women’s roles in both the public and private domains. The conflict between the revolutionary principles of equality and traditional machismo is depicted. Yolanda and other women must navigate their identities in these settings, frequently encountering opposition when they try to be independent. This representation strikes a deep chord with modern culture, as many women still fight for equality in public life, the job, and relationships. The sense of exclusion that Yolanda’s friend experiences is representative of the experience of women who are excluded or left behind by societal advancement.
One Way or Another remains significant today because it addresses the intersections of gender, class, and social change with remarkable clarity and empathy. The film reminds us that revolutions are not only political but also deeply personal, unfolding within relationships and everyday encounters. Its depiction of women navigating these changes invites modern viewers to reflect on how far society has come and how much further it has to go in achieving true equality.
