HashRouge 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.

amocine I recently watched this film at the theatre and I really enjoyed it. The story is about a band trying to make it big, and overcoming obstacles to follow their dreams. The reason why I liked this movie so much was because of the music. The soundtrack is amazing, with a nice diversity of musical styles, and many upbeat songs that made the movie really fun to watch. Throughout the film you see what inspires the songwriting, the lifestyle of the musicians and the moral dilemmas in entering an industry that turns an art form into business, and watching these situations made the the song lyrics more meaningful to me. When I went to watch the movie I was interested in getting a glimpse of the music culture in Cuba, and for that, Habana Blues exceeded my expectations. Go watch it, you'll have a good time.

pwteatros Better if shorter Cuban films are always poignant, well written and well acted. This film is all that. If it had been shorter, it would have been a much better film; it could have told the story in a more powerful fashion. Now, I have seen I don't know how many Cuban films dealing\with the same issue. The difference in here is the music: another important character of the story. But at times, the music was more important than the story. The best thing of the film is the lady who plays the wife planning to go to Miami. Her raw performance is riveting. When she speaks to her mom, her voice just crackles and tells a hundred stories in that one moment. Again, wonderful film, but I found myself wanting for it to faster...

bluetears I must say I wasn't really interested in this movie at first, and more or less was dragged to the theater to watch it. Which I am definitely grateful for, since it's one of the best movies I've seen this year by far.The bittersweet story, the uncommon picture of the less known 'real Habana' and the strong friendship between the main characters really got to me.The only annoying thing was the music during the first half of the movie. But the songs played during the second half (the ones the main characters play) are really pretty too.I really liked how the plot wasn't over-dramatic, how everyone, both good and bad ones, is flawed and there's nobody perfect in the story (especially the main character). And how they make the message of the movie (choose your own path and live up to your decisions) reach the audience.The only thing that ruined the movie for me was Marta's character (the Spanish woman). Or rather, the actress playing her role. She's bad to boot.