 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
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The Mambo Kings
- Review Date: February 25, 2009
- R
- Genre: Drama
- 1992
Common Sense Media says
Cuban brothers bring dazzling music to NYC.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that there are several scenes of explicit sexuality with total nudity, and other incidents with partial nudity. Characters smoke and drink throughout, with one character drinking to excess on a number of occasions. One volatile brother is the victim of a knife-wielding villain who, in a close shot, cuts his throat and leaves him for dead. Other violent moments include a nightclub shooting and a fatal car accident.
What's the story?
The talented, passionate Castillo brothers, known as The Mambo Kings, leave their native Cuba to find fame and fortune in New York City. Nestor (Antonio Banderas) is the quiet one still yearning for Maria, the woman he left behind. Cesar (Armand Assante), the tightly-wound ladies' man, is the center of attention wherever he goes. Fighting the demons of their souls, as well as the gangsters who run the Latin nightclubs of the city, the Castillos work hard, perform their dynamic music, and find love and sorrow in their new country.
Is it any good?
The music is soulful and vibrant. The throbbing heart of the Latin culture in 1950s New York permeates every scene in this uniquely colorful, beautifully photographed and designed movie. The tale, however, is familiar. Gifted, but self-destructive artists with dreams of greatness let their fragile spirits defeat them. And there's nothing subtle about this film, even when the story calls for it. While Banderas makes a dazzling American debut, Assante's performance, along with a number of other actors, is obvious and over the top.
Still, the movie is worth seeing for the music, the dancing, and the heartfelt attempt to recreate an authentic picture of this transplanted Cuban culture.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how the Castillo brothers' lack of communication and/or miscommunication hurt their relationship. How did the movie's music reflect the character of the brothers?
The filmmakers carefully created a certain look for this movie. How did the use of bright colors, vivid lighting, and authentic 1950s sets help them evoke a sense of time, place, and character?
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| Studio: | Warner Bros. |
| Director: | Arne Glimcher |
| Cast: | Antonio Banderas, Armand Assante, Cathy Moriarty |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 104 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | February 28, 1992 |
| DVD release date: | August 16, 2005 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
| MPAA explanation: | for sensuality |
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