Habana Blues (2005)

Habana Blues is a film that starts off in Cuba with Ruy and Tito, two friends who also happen to be musicians together. Their music is a mix of Cuban music and more modern musical sounds like rap. They eventually get a chance at a big break with a Spanish record company, but the company wants them to change their lyrics in order to appeal to an international audience. While Ruy thinks doing so wouldn't be true to their country, Tito thinks they should so that they can be more successful. This is a good representation of how artists, not just musicians, struggle with the idea of money over heart. Do they want to produce something that means a lot to who they are and where they came from, or do they want to produce something that will be commercially successful? The film also explores other themes, like poverty in Cuba. We also see immigration issues as Ruy's children are being taken to the United States with their mother.The movie was very well made, as well as having a strong message. The characters were well developed and the plot had cultural significance. Some viewers may not feel much of an emotional impact from this movie as compared to others, but those who know the arduous process of creating art will understand many of the personal struggles these characters deal with. If you are a fan of movies about music, art or just foreign culture in general, this is a must see.

I don't'know... maybe it's because I'm Brazilian but all that stuff was too much. Too much love for the music, too much parties, too much contrast between the nice lives of the main characters (come on, it's not so sad) and the aspect of the city shown by the director. Everything looks too fake to me: the families, the relationships, the music, the "happiness". It simply sells a little taste of fake latinamerican culture. I must be honest: it did seduce me a little, but who would not be seduced by that fake lives made of nice music, sex and parties? I'm not that stupid: what kind of world is this one in which people do not suffer of diarrhea, profound sadness and STDs? I liked the scene with Caridad's mother phone call and the discussion about the contract with all the musicians and the Spanish people.

I saw this film as part of the 'Viva! Spanish and Latin American film festival', and can only grade it as superb. In fact, it is certainly one of the greatest films I have ever seen; for the music as well as the acting. The story focuses on two young, Cuban musicians, Ruy and Tito, and their struggle for success. When a famous Spanish music producer arrives in Cuba, searching for young talent, it seems like the two friends will finally have a chance to make their dreams come true. However, they soon learn of the terrible price they will have to pay for this chance, and are faced with a decision that will test their friendship to its limits. 'Habana Blues', though, is more than just a story of friendship. It is also a film that explores the importance of family and the loyalty of many Cubans to their birthplace. Set against a fantastic backdrop of Cuban music, it is a heart-wrenching film of loss, love and the price of choices. It moved me beyond tears. Simply exquisite.

I've just seen this film at the Los Angeles Latino Film Festival and this is truly an Oscar worthy piece of art. The music was great, the story, sad to say, timeless. This film shows the hardships one goes thru in Cuba to make it big and leave the island. The sacrifices and tough choices one must make in order to live the life they feel is best for themselves.This film has great dialog, and a great cast. After traveling to Cuba for the past four years, it shows the way Cubans live and struggle with certain topics such as honest, cheating, and what friendships are all about.Not a dry eye in the house after the screening. Honestly, the best film I've seen all year. A must see!