The Mambo Kings (1992)

In The Name Of The Mambo, The Rumba And The Cha-Cha-Cha

While the film THE MAMBO KINGS is not as detailed or insightful as Oscar Hijuelos's novel THE MAMBO KINGS PLAY SONGS OF LOVE which won the 1990 Pulitzer prize it is still an excellent entertaining film. The most striking feature of the movie is how well it makes 1950's Cuban American life in upper Manhattan live again complete with wonderful mambo and other Latin music of the period and even a visit from Desi Arnaz (played by his son with amazing accuracy).

The two Mambo kings are the Castillo brothers - Cesar and Nestor - musicians who fled Havana after a bloody dispute with a nightclub owner. Cesar is the ambitious older brother played perfectly by Armand Assante. Assante magically captures Cesar's sleazy good looks and coarse confident charisma. As one character in the film says of Cesar "He thinks he is the last Coca Cola in the desert." Nestor is played with surprising sensitivity by Antonio Banderos and he is the song writer and trumpet player for the Mambo Kings. Nestor longs for Cuba and the girl he left there, Maria, though he also rather touchingly constantly reads a book entitled FORWARD AMERICA apparently written by one of the Vanderbilts. Both men find significant others in the US with an American blond bombshell who sells cigarettes in one of the clubs becoming Cesar's best girl while Nestor eventually marries another Cuban immigrant, the shy but beautiful Delores, who aspires to be a teacher.

The boys have some early success in New York but mostly because of Cesar's temper and pride fall on hard times and are reduced to working as butchers by day and playing for Bar Mitzvahs, weddings and strippers by night. Eventually they get a break from Desi Arnaz who lets them play on his hit TV show I LOVE LUCY. In a fun bit Assante, Bandearas and Arnaz Jr. are inter-cut with footage with Lucille Ball from the original classic show. But lasting happiness and success are not in the cards for the brothers.

MAMBO KINGS is an important film as it preserves the dance, music and culture of the Latin communities in NYC in the 50's. Legendary Tito Puente appears as himself and salsa queen Celia Cruz plays an interesting character on the mambo scene and demonstrates her singing and dancing talents and both add to the authenticity of the film. This well made movie will be appreciated be most discriminating film fans.




June 10, 2008

The Mambo Kings

Story and acting both very good; action did not drag during the movie. Some of the story was a bit predictable but I didn't mind too much. February 8, 2008

OO LA LA, what a movie.

The book may be better, but you can't beat the MUSIC in this movie. The love story is satisfying, but the beat and soundtrack are what makes this flick go. A collection of latin music greats, and a feel for the era make this a collectors dream. January 7, 2008

Not quite what I expected ...

This is a much sadder story than I thought it would be. It is also more about lost love than it is about music. Worth seeing, but just not what I expected ! December 18, 2007

a great intro to some great mambo/latin music

This movie has a few "sappy" moments....but the music is FANTASTIC!! It is a great introduction to latin music. I also have the soundtrack and when I have it blaring in my car, people always stop me and ask me what I am listening to.....they want to get a copy. This movie is an enjoyable little gem that has been overlooked/ignored by many. It is entertaining and your foot will tap with the music. A movie worth adding to your collection when you need a "happy beat" in your life. November 9, 2007

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