Chico and Rita is the third Latin movie throughout the last two decades(after Buena Vista Social Club and Estudio 54), inspired on Latin music, but unlike the previous ones it's much more ambitious about its proposal.Fernando Trueba made an amazing journey through some unforgattable moments and first-rate figures of jazz to tell us a love story thatlooks like a tragic bolero sprayed with this bitter ending cadence ruptruras, troubles and nostalgia.
Both are from humble origin, but each of them bursts on stage and shine like a star for its own account. And despite the conflicts come and go the love never does.
A memorable tribute to Chano Pozo, Gillespie, Parker, Casablanca, Boggie, Tito Puente, Miguel Valdez and Tito Rodriguez, among other ones. Interesting artistic proposal and refreshing gaze to the Latin Universe.
Three for three on "Chico and Rita". Two Afro-Cuban musicians who meet in classic "cute" movie fashion and then have an on-again, off-again, love affair in various locales (Havana, NYC, Las Vegas, etc.), and always, there is wonderful music (mostly jazz and Latin jazz) in the forefront or the background.
Let me pull on your coat about something here the guy who plays the original piano pieces for this film is 93 years old. He's also playing the piano and conducting the Havana ballroom orchestra present in parts of the soundtrack, albeit when he was much, much younger as those recordings were made in the 40's and 50's. His name is Bebo Valdes, and he is as old-school as it gets at 93, but, man, that cat can still play.
I've ordered this film in advance as I know I will want to watch it at least a few times, and therefore I have no hesitation in recommending that you watch it at least once. Even if you don't particularly like jazz or animation, it stands on it's own as a great little movie.
Just a heads-up though there are some adult moments and some animated nudity in the film, so bear that in mind if you're considering watching it and you've got children around the place.
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Watching this nostalgic love letter to Cuba, jazz, and enduring passion unfold, I was struck by how little the medium of animation is used to tell serious adult stories. "Chico & Rita," therefore, benefits greatly from this straightforward and unorthodox approach. Had the exact same screenplay been filmed with live actors, I think the tale might have been equally compelling. But there is something about the simplicity and beauty of the hand drawn passages that really evokes an artistic vibe. And as the movie is an homage to an era, a culture, and an art form, it's fascinating to see this world come alive as if from thin air. "Chico & Rita" was Oscar nominated as Best Animated Feature in 2012, and it is truly a must-see for lovers of quality adult entertainment. A visual treat with its earthy pallette, the movie also boasts an impressively colorful soundtrack that recalls the jazz age in vibrant detail. Lushly romantic, I think those that adore "Chico & Rita" will be rapturous in their praise. But it isn't necessarily a movie for everyone as it unravels as much from mood as from the actual story.The actual plot spans many decades from the streets of Cuba, to the clubs of New York, to the movie sets of Hollywood, to the seedy motels of Las Vegas. Seriously, I had no idea that the movie would have such a grand scope or such a broad narrative. An elderly Chico, a former piano man, hears one of his songs on the radio and it causes him to reflect on a long and tumultuous relationship with his true love Rita. Rita, a sultry singer, worked with Chico before setting upon a life of fame and glamour--but their two paths were constantly intertwined. Although madly in love, the two never seem to connect in any meaningful way for an extended period. But despite all their mistakes and the physical obstacles in their path, there is always an underlying hope for a happy ending. The two seem fated to be together, but fate may not be enough to overcome tragedy. Melancholy, sweet, and unrelentingly romantic, the film still maintains a refreshingly hard edge throughout.
Spanish director Fernando Trueba (Belle Epoque) has a sure handle on the tone and cadence of the movie. As I mentioned, the mood of the piece is just as important as its narrative. And the music really helps to capture the spirit of the story telling. From genuine jazz riffs to English language ballads, everything fits perfectly. Although I did love the movie, it does tend to get a bit rushed as the years spiral by in quick fashion. So after a detailed beginning, certain sequences can seem a bit choppy. The pace is so luxuriant and leisurely, I thought some of the time shifts were a bit jarring. But it's a small point in the grand scheme of things.
Limited Edition Collector's set: This 3 disc compilation has the DVD, the Blu-ray, and the soundtrack. If you love jazz, I suspect you'll be interested in purchasing the soundtrack so this might be a convenient way to get both the movie and the CD at a combined price point. Also included (and quite fascinating) is a sixteen page excerpt from the source material, which happens to be a graphic novel. It's a cute, if not particularly substantial, addition. I'd have loved a bit more, but I guess they didn't ask me. Overall, though, an easy recommendation. About 4 1/2 stars, an impressively adult endeavor. KGHarris, 9/12.Chico & Rita is a beautifully animated film, with an excellent storyline. It creates an ambiance the viewer wants to be part of, and expressive characters we can almost touch. It is a love story that follows a young pianist and a young singer starting from the late 1940s Havana. The film takes us many places geographically and emotionally. The situations and dialogs are very real and sharp. The film is happy and tragic, just like life itself. One needs to be a certain age to understand the motivations and emotions within, therefore I would recommend it for viewers 18 years of age or older.
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I rarely watch animations and almost never review movies. This one is so exceptional that I feel compelled to gush a little so forgive me in advance.First, this movie weaves in factual events with a great storyline. For example, the circumstances leading to Chano Pozzo's actual death are portrayed, as is the overall allure to many Cuban musicians of what musicians like Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker and their New York peers were creating. In real life Dizzy did as much as any major jazz musician in NY to include the Afro-Cuban rhythms into bebop and beyond.
The music itself is a character in this movie. What a feast! It inspired me to start listening to pure Cuban music by some of the pioneers cited in the movie. Consequently, I have fallen in love with musicians to whom I would have never paid attention like Machito (a good starting point is Ritmo Caliente), Cachao (start with Master Session 1) and a plethora of others who pioneered this music.
Of course the animation simply beautiful and the storyline that is gritty, musical and touching are reasons enough to watch this movie. Like the music, both Havana and New York City are also characters in this movie. The scenes are period-correct and the colors are also consistent with the era. It's uncanny how well the essences of both cities are captured and personified.
Do be aware that some scenes are explicit, making this an adult movie in every sense of the word. It's also a love story. And a musical.
If you love music, and especially Afro-Cuban influenced jazz that came out of the late 1940s/early 1950s, you will love this movie. Heck, if you are a sucker for a great love story you'll also love it.
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