Habana Blues (2005)

It is neither dumb nor smart enough to be fun, and spends way too much time with its boring human characters.

Each character in this movie — down to the smallest one — is an individual rather than a type, prone to spontaneous changes of mood and sometimes amusing outbursts of pettiness or ill humor.

The biggest problem with this movie is it’s a little better than you think it might be, which somehow makes it worse. As in, it takes itself a bit too seriously, which makes most of the movie feel kind of dull.

The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

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 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.

Sensible and real.I recommend this movie to all lovers of music and life... A full experience of color in spite of being located in a sad context. The feelings and dramas have exit by means of the expression of music.Great history, great actors and great director. Benito makes few films and that is perceived in the final result. He demonstrates his talent once again.Don't miss it!

Although "Solas" (Alone) was an incredibly wonderful movie, "Habana Blues" takes our breath away AGAIN.I saw this movie in Seville, last March 15th, in the Lope de Vega Theatre, because it was a Premiere. First of all, the movie looks interesting, but in the first 30 minutes, you are tired of listen songs (all them with the same rhythm) and watch people dancing.This is a good movie about relationships between friends, but, as the movie's tagline says, "Vivir es elegir" (To Live is To Choose), this is the lead topic of the movie.Two music men dream with to rec a CD and become famous. But the things aren't like they thought... they must have some conditions for to become famous, like to be stranger, haven't never done a gig...This movie is also dramatic but sometimes funny. The director washes the story with small pieces of humor (Luz Maria's character is simply there for to make funny the sad moments).The end... oh what a sad end. The family breaking all the rules in the middle of a river, and the friends saying goodbye. Never a movie wasn't as dramatic as boring.