A King in Havana (2005)

Some comments to this forum are from people that relate to the story being connected to Cuba, in some way, or another. Their comments don't take into consideration how badly the material used for the film plays on the screen.The character of Don Arturo, the Spaniard that goes to Havana to get married to the young and luscious Yoli, rings false from the start. It is clear the heavy makeup used on this person shows the man is fake. We realize why right away as we are being put on. Later on, as Papito decides to impersonate the older man: one realizes they are the same person, which goes to ask viewers to stretch their imaginations in accepting this phony premise to begin with.Director/writer Alexis Valdes take on the material makes this a one joke story stretched to the max without any surprises. Not only that, the acting is amateur, at best. This was a film made and financed in Spain, and as Spanish films go, "Un Rey en La Habana" is a poor excuse of a movie.

Papito is a poor actor that lives in Cuba with Yoli, his girlfriend. Due to the need of money, Yoli must marry Arturo, a rich man from Spain, but he suddenly dies at the honeymoon so Papito must disguise himself in Arturo and travel to Spain in order to go back with as much money as possible. Unluckily for him Arturo results to be part of a Spanish kitsch mafia, so he will have to pass through dangerous ridicule situations to save his life. Well the plot is silly, as the movie, but it is entertaining (which is the only aim of the film). Itis clear that anyone is a good actor, but they are decent eno0ugh to make their part correctly. Valdés is by far the best (well, he is the director and the main character) and he is able to make two good gags during all the movie, the rest of it just passes by with little smiles. Entertaining and nothing more.

I Loved this movie, it was romantic and very funny. A unique film and a film close to my heart as I am Cuban American...don't know if it translates well into English, however, I can't imagine a Spanish-speaking person not enjoying this movie. It made me laugh over and over again and every time I watch it I find new hilarious comments I didn't catch the first time around. I have watched other films with Cuban themes and so far this is the one that has been the most enjoyable and light-hearted. It is just a movie that was made with one aim in mind, to make the audience laugh...The music is also very good and highlights key scenes...I highly recommend it, especially if you can relate...

This movie took me by surprise. It has a quite obvious script but the twists and turns and the very funny characters make it a must-see dark comedy. For those who like the Spanish "everything-goes" type of comedy. These are actually Cuban actors most of them and it looks like it was filmed in Cuba as well. My husband is Cuban and it's funny how they show they lifestyle without getting compromise with politics. Very well handled and fun to watch. The characters couldn't have been chosen better. Yoli's mother is perfect... I've met so many women like her in Miami! We don't have many chances to get into the Cuban world and this is a sarcastic way to do it, even though is not that funny in real life, but they manage to have a good time after all.