VividSimon Simply Perfect

Matialth Good concept, poorly executed.

Sexyloutak Absolutely the worst movie.

Zlatica One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

jotix100 This biopic about the great Cuban trumpet player Arturo Sandoval was probably made because of its star, Andy Garcia's interest in music from his homeland. Otherwise, this HBO film probably wouldn't have made it into a commercial vehicle. As directed by Joseph Sargent, the film is mildly pleasant to watch.Not having been an Andy Garcia fan, one must say, that he gives a convincing performance as Arturo, the man at the center of the action. His love for the gorgeous Marianela, played also with gusto by the gorgeous Mia Maestro, seems to have been what propelled him into seeking a new life in the United States.At times, the film doesn't make much political sense. Arturo Sandoval was able to tour the world under the Castro regime without taking the stand he makes at the end. Of course, everything is conveniently explained about how if he wouldn't have toed the line, he wouldn't have even played, let alone go abroad, for fear he would defect. The fear of not being able to be reunited with his wife and son is what keeps him from making a clean break, or so it seems. Of course, one realizes this is a fictionalized account of Mr. Sandoval's life made to please a wide audience.Mr. Sandoval's friendship with Dizzy Gillespie gets a lot of attention, yet, one wonders if that was the case. The incident where Mr. Sandoval takes Mr. Gillespie in his jalopy to meet the great Chano Pozo, is a figment of the film makers imagination. At the same time, no one seemed to know who Chano Pozo, perhaps one of the best Cuban musicians of all time, was! Also questionable is the fact that Mr. Sandoval's relationship with Paquito D'Rivera was what it's made to be in the film. Mr. D'Rivera shows a lot more courage by defecting at the first opportunity even though his own family would be penalized and stayed behind for many years, punished by the totalitarian regime in that unhappy island.As biopics go, this film is somewhat enjoyable, but it remains a work of fiction.

Josh Grossnicklaus Arturo Sandoval is one of the most phenomenal trumpet players the world has in existence today. The story of his love, his passion, and his music are all colorfully depicted in the film. As a musician and jazz connoisseur myself, I feel that Garcia's portrayal of the anguish Sandoval experienced under Castro's regime is excellent. As he reveals his motives for defection to the American ambassador, there is a sense of unspoken understanding as to the reasons that Sandoval decides to defect.If you walk away from this movie without any emotion, you just didn't get it. Go out and listen to as much jazz as possible!

esteban1747 Who gave the information of this biography? this looked to be very doubtful, and the Cubans may easily argue that this is what they simply call a 'folleton'. The Artemisa man Sandoval is a person that, within the time living in a Cuban system, understood that it was not good for his future and life of his family, but to put him as a 'contra' when he was a young man is doubtful. I saw the first half of the film then gave up because this looked to me DOUBTFUL. If you read the book of another Cuban musician Paquito D' Rivera, 'Mi vida Saxual', you will note that Sandoval was friendly with Paquito but not to share the same political ideas during the 70s as it is shown in the film. It is also a non sense to show the people from the Ministry of Culture in Cuba not knowing the musician Chano Pozo at all, and letting Arturo take away Gillespie (without official authorization)in his 'car' once he arrived in Cuba. The only part, which looked to me real was the the talk between Arturo and the American officer at the USA Embassy in London when Arturo wanted to leave Cuba because the officer raised the right questions.

khsigrist This artistic drama unfolds a touching love story presented against a colorful visual backdrop set to vibrant music, featuring strong acting. Andy Garcia soulfully portrays the main character, Cuban jazz trumpet player Arturo Sandoval, and is executive producer as well. Garcia's (and Sandoval's) love for Cuba and passion for music (jazz) are evident throughout the story, which is predictible and told in flashbacks. The viewer senses the growing frustration of Sandoval at the conflict created by his need to freely express his love (music) which is increasingly blocked by the repressive political regime, without losing his wife and son. Sadly, he concludes that he must defect from Cuba. Mia Maestro beautifully and tenderly plays Mrs. Sandoval, whose emotional journey eventually leads her to realize she must follow her husband (and her heart) by agreeing to leave Cuba with him. Charles Dutton plays Dizzy Gillespie; Gloria Estefan also appears. The story is poignantly told, made more so because it is a biography (Sandoval was an advisor).