The Mambo Kings

I really loved the book, The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love, by Oscar Hijuelos, which won the Pulitzer Prize back in the late 1980s. Really, one of the best books I have ever read. And even though the book is even better than the movie (books usually are and the film only covers part of the book), this movie is pretty great. I finally purchased it on Prime and I've watched it a few times in the last couple of weeks since making the purchase.Every time I watch this film, I am overwhelmed by the performances – especially Armand Assante – who killed it in this film and perhaps this is even his defining role. Hmm, where has he been lately?The story centers around two very talented musician brothers, Cesar and Nestor Castillo, who come to New York in 1952 after some trouble in Cuba (love triangle, murder threats, Cuban mob – get it?).Anyway, though they get a fresh start in America, Nestor's (Antonio Banderas) heart remains in Cuba with "Beautiful Maria" and Cesar (Assante) has not learned to temper his, um, temper, which leads to similar problems faced by the brothers in Cuba.But I'll admit that my favorite character in this film is Desi Arnaz played by Desi Arnaz Jr. It's a small role but a meaningful one and the I Love Lucy segment is really just hilarious, in an otherwise not really humorous film.Of course, Nestor's love for Maria destroys his life, which now includes a wife as well as a child. Never able to let go of his undying love for Maria, the only conclusion is tragedy for everyone. I will say no more about the story.The music in this film really brings the viewer back to a time and place with appearances by greats like Tito Puente and Celia Cruz and many others.I think it's a good idea to read the book, either before or after, as the book continues forward with Cesar's life, which I won't reveal details of here. Maybe see the film and then continue the story by reading the book.I think this film is my top ten.Recommend.

Updated: 5/23/15 - Be careful because this blu-ray version cannot be watched in the US only in Europe. I bought this blu-ray for my daughter. I had seen this movie years ago and wanted to add it to my collection. She tried playing this video and it could not play because we are out of the region. DaaVeeDee refuses to give me a refund or exchange it for a copy that can be viewed in the US. They said it's my problem. DaaVeeDee had no problem sending this copy to my address in NYC knowing that I could not play the movie!! Clearly I did not see that this blu-ray is out of region otherwise I would have never purchased it. Horrible customer service. Why didn't they just send me an email when I placed the order and asked if I had seen that it was for European viewers only and offered to send me the HD movie instead?! Clearly they didn't care and hoped I wouldn't notice. Now I have no choice but to throw it in the garbage. I deal with suppliers on this website all the time and have been treated wonderful even if it was my mistake or the item was past the refund date. They figure out how to remedy the issue. They should be replacing this with the regular HD version and I would ship back the blu-ray. I will NEVER again order through DaaVeeDee again.I love this movie! I bought this movie to add to my blu-ray collection. I was already a huge fan of Armand but this was the movie that made Antonio a household name in America. Armand Assante and Antonio Banderas are amazing together. They were 100% believable as brothers. This movie is filled with so much passion. Passion for family, love and music. This movie is a tearjerker so have the tissues ready.Side note: I just recently saw Armand in an episode of L&Order SVU and he was fantastic! Check it out.

This movie works because of the chemistry between the two male leads: Armand Assante as Cesar Castillo and Antonio Banderas as Nestor Castillo. The two Cuban brothers flee for Nestor's life and in pursuit of Cesar's dream of success and fame. Their road is uneven, strewn with unrequited love and broken hearts. At the heart of this film is the music and the cost of fame. This is a dramatic tale well acted. Also included in the cast are Cathy Moriarty, Roscoe Lee Brown, Vandie Hall, Celia Cruz, and Desi Arnaz, Jr.

This movie teaches it's audience about how true love and life sometimes don't mix very well. Its all about making decisions at a young age while trying to live your life's dreams, ambitions and obtain financial independence. Most people in the western side of the planet want to have money so you can do the things you have always wanted to do but could not do to financial woes (whatever they may be). Mambo!!!!

Somehow found that I had lost my copy but able to replace it with this. Have a played which will pal and record in vhs or dvd and convert. This film bring back the influx of latin/cuban music and the lifestyle that went with it. Both Amand Assante and Banderas, so young and handsome, are first class. Worth buying for the music alone if you are a lover of latin.

Great film. Wanted DVD as vhs machine died

I had this on video and realize it was cut as watching this Blu Ray the movie makes more sense. Still enjoy this underrated movie. arrived in good time

WOW I dont remember this film being so awful. Its depressing and not much music.

Liked it then, like it even better on blu ray. Hidden gem.