Habana Blues is a film that starts off in Cuba with Ruy and Tito, two friends who also happen to be musicians together. Their music is a mix of Cuban music and more modern musical sounds like rap. They eventually get a chance at a big break with a Spanish record company, but the company wants them to change their lyrics in order to appeal to an international audience. While Ruy thinks doing so wouldn't be true to their country, Tito thinks they should so that they can be more successful. This is a good representation of how artists, not just musicians, struggle with the idea of money over heart. Do they want to produce something that means a lot to who they are and where they came from, or do they want to produce something that will be commercially successful? The film also explores other themes, like poverty in Cuba. We also see immigration issues as Ruy's children are being taken to the United States with their mother.
The movie was very well made, as well as having a strong message. The characters were well developed and the plot had cultural significance. Some viewers may not feel much of an emotional impact from this movie as compared to others, but those who know the arduous process of creating art will understand many of the personal struggles these characters deal with. If you are a fan of movies about music, art or just foreign culture in general, this is a must see.
The movie was very well made, as well as having a strong message. The characters were well developed and the plot had cultural significance. Some viewers may not feel much of an emotional impact from this movie as compared to others, but those who know the arduous process of creating art will understand many of the personal struggles these characters deal with. If you are a fan of movies about music, art or just foreign culture in general, this is a must see.