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The Mambo Kings (1992)

Director: Arne Glimcher

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From Time Out Film Guide

A spirited evocation of the mambo craze which swept post-war America, adapted from Oscar Hijuelos' Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Cuban musicians César and Nestor Castillo (Assante and Banderas) arrive in New York to find love, greed and, ultimately, fame. César thrives on the success of their band, and relentlessly pursues sex and the Yankee dollar, while his mournful brother laments his lost love and homeland. First-time director Glimcher establishes a restless pace, from the opening violence through to the energetic, swirling musical sequences, while screenwriter Cynthia Cidre tones down some of the book's flamboyance and machismo, emphasising the eroticism of sudden passion and repressed desire; and there's a sure feel for period in both tone and technique.

Author: CM 0000-00-00 00:00:00

Time Out Film Guide

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Cast & crew

Director: Arne Glimcher

Producer: Arnon Milchan, Arne Glimcher

Cast: Armand Assante, Antonio Banderas, Cathy Moriarty, Maruschka Detmers, Roscoe Lee Browne, Desi Arnaz Jr, Celia Cruz full cast

Genre(s): Musicals

Duration: 104 mins


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