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The Mambo Kings

What’s the Story?

Reviewed by Renee Schonfeld

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?

3

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.

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