lavatch For those who admire the writing of Ernest Hemingway, this film offers a wonderful perspective into the time that he lived in Cuba late in his life. This period also coincides with the overthrow of Batista in Cuba by the rebel forces of Fidel Castro. The film is successful in blending biography and history in a well-photographed motion picture--the first American film since the height of Cold War with location filming in Cuba.The film is based on the true life story of writer Denne Petitclerc, a young journalist who formed a bond with his idol Hemingway while writing for the Miami Herald in the late 1950s. Peticlerc sent a letter to Hemingway, who responded warmly. A virtual father-son relationship ensued in their meetings in Cuba.Some of the most interesting portions of the film are those that bring to the forefront such political developments as the Cuban revolution led by Castro and the troubling harassment of Hemingway by FBI director J. Edgar Hoover. There is even a scene where the journalist meets with American mafia boss Santos Trafficante.The personal side of the film comes across in a fine performance by Adrian Sparks as the aging Hemingway, losing his powers as a writer and fighting personal demons. Giovanni Ribisi is good as the journalist, who provides support to Hemingway during the crisis that eventually ends in Idaho when Hemingway took his life. There are good supporting performances from Minka Kelly as Deb, the journalist's girlfriend, Joely Richardson as the feisty Mary Hemingway, and James Remar as Trafficante.The film might have probed deeper into the artistry of Hemingway and how his life story figured so prominently in his works of fiction. Occasionally, the famous books, "A Farewell to Arms," "For Whom the Bell Tolls," and "The Old Man and the Sea" were referenced. But the backdrop of Hemingway's creative process in bringing those literary works to life could have been explored more completely. In that way, we would know why Hemingway was such a great inspiration to so many writers.

avenson1 I loved this movie and it is a bonus that it is based on true history with a surprising action scene near the end. Good movies need: Good scenery and filming, good acting, good story, action, suspense, surprises, and gut-level emotion and this has it all. I was brought to tears of joy 6 times during the movie which does not happen to me often. The first occurrence of tears was early in the move, near the end of the first scene. What a delight to have that happen to me so early in a movie. This is a good date movie because of pulling on emotional strings. This movie is all about the intense love of friends and family in the life for Ernest Hemingway. I totally can't understand those who are rating this movie low. Strangely the movie is in limited release around the USA. Tell everyone about it! This movie is quality film making and deserves a better chance by way of being general release to all theaters.

ccorral419 This true story about the relationship between journalist Denne Bart Petitclerc (Giovanni Ribisi) and legendary writer Ernest Hemingway (Adrian Sparks) takes place during the 1959 Cuban Revolution. While Hemingway's granddaughter, Mariel Hemingway gets a brief cameo, co-stars Minka Kelly (Friday Night Lights), Joely Richardson (Nip/Tuck) and Ribisi are left to fight to establish their place in the film. To blame here is Director Bob Yari ("Crash" 2004) and Editor Glen Scantlebury. With a beach scene between Hemingway, Mary and Denne incorrectly shot/edited (the beach shore can't be behind all of them) and scenes that stop and start, the already lackluster chemistry between the characters struggle. Even Writer Denne Bart Petitclerc's dialogue is choppy and weak, and this is his story. At least, Sparks does a nice job as Hemingway, providing something interesting to hang on to. I don't care if this is the first Hollywood film to be shot in Cuba since 1959, I need more here and didn't get it.

lenlevitt7-1 Went into this anticipating intriguing true story providing some insights into the revered author. Was initially put off by the embarrassing performances of Papa and especially Mary Hemingway characters, but eventually realized they were provided with a dreadful trite script and were just battling their way through it under vacuous direction. Not being drawn into the story, I had plenty of time to notice the comically inept directing and editing. Amateurish disconnects, visual glitches, motivational and logical inconsistencies, silly scoring, etc. etc. My companion said it had the feel of a Lifetime movie, but I think that is generous because this was a greater waste of talent and potentially interesting material.