Although I watched Cigars: The Heart & Soul of Cuba with the intention of reviewing, I would have felt compelled to do so anyway. The film is a study of Cuban cigars, the creation process, and why they are the best cigars in the world. The film features James Suckling, an internationally acclaimed wine critic and journalist, and former European editor of Cigar Aficionado magazine. His passion for cigars shows through in his new movie, Cigars: The Heart & Soul of Cuba. Acclaimed director James Orr wrote and directed the film. Check out the official trailer below.

While immensely informative on the subject, the movie is not simply about the cigar making process. It is also about the people behind the scenes. The individuals who grow and create those works of art we know as the Cuban cigar. The making of a fine cigar is, indeed, an art and this is shown clearly throughout the film. The back-breaking, painstaking, loving attention to a cigar’s evolution and creation is illustrated in stunning detail by the film. We get to know the people and process, feel the heat and humidity, and smell the heavenly aroma of fresh tobacco and cigar smoke. Yes, it makes you want a cigar, but it also makes you appreciate and think about them more while they are enjoyed. This movie has increased my cigar-smoking pleasure and I think it will yours, as well. That alone should be worth the price.

The soundtrack for the movie is excellent. You can get a taste of it at the film’s website by clicking the “Play” button at the top of the page or by watching the trailer. You truly get the feeling that you are there with the crew, immersed in the culture. It isn’t often I get this feeling from a documentary, but it was truly superb.

Cigars: The Heart & Soul of Cuba is available both via DVD and digital download through the website. If you are at all interested in cigars or even just curious, I strongly encourage you to give this movie a try. I actually hit replay the instant the fifty-three minute show was over, because I wanted to watch it again and I’m sure I’ll revisit this film again after more time passes. It is true that I am a cigar enthusiast and view the film from that perspective, but I think more that just cigar nuts will appreciate the work.