Waltz in Old Havana
Waltz in Old Havana

Movie spotlight

Waltz in Old Havana

1988
Movie
84 min
Spanish

The unveilings and frustrations of a mother with little income, who insists on lavishly celebrating her daughter's fifteenth birthday.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes72%
Metacritic65/100
Google Users85%
Director: Emanuel CarrèreGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

In 1950s Havana, a young French woman, Isabelle, finds herself drawn into the vibrant yet tumultuous world of a charismatic Cuban musician, Ricardo. Their passionate romance unfolds against the backdrop of political unrest and societal change. Isabelle must navigate her feelings for Ricardo and the uncertain future of both their lives and their city.

Critical Reception

Waltz in Old Havana was met with a mixed to positive reception. Critics praised its atmospheric visuals and the chemistry between the lead actors, though some found the pacing to be slow. Audiences were generally captivated by its romantic melodrama and historical setting.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its evocative cinematography and strong lead performances, particularly Sandrine Bonnaire's portrayal of a woman caught between passion and circumstance.

  • Some critics noted a lack of narrative momentum, wishing for a more dynamic plot to match the film's visual richness.

  • The film's romantic core and depiction of a bygone Havana were highlighted as its most compelling elements.

Google audience: Google users largely appreciated the film's romantic storyline and the beautiful depiction of Havana. Many found the performances touching and the overall mood captivating, though a few commented that the story could have been more engaging.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Sandrine Bonnaire received a César Award nomination for Best Actress.

Fun Fact

The film's vibrant color palette was achieved through extensive use of location shooting in Cuba and meticulously recreated period sets, aiming to capture the essence of Havana in the late 1950s.

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