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Calle 54

Universal acclaim
Based on 23 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 4 votes
Read user comments
Rate this movie >
Movie Info
Genre(s): Documentary
Written by: Fernando Trueba
Directed by: Fernando Trueba
Release Date:
Theatrical: October 20, 2000
DVD: November 13, 2001
Running Time: 105 minutes, Color
Origin: Spain / France / Italy
Language(s): Spanish
Summary
RATING: G for General Audiences
Starring Gato Barbieri, Cachao, Michel Camilo, and Paquito D'Rivera
This documentary features a behind-the-scenes look into the music of many of the premier contemporary Latin musicians.
Also On The Web: Internet Movie Database
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
Variety David Stratton
Looks and sounds wonderful, and while more information about these giants of African-Latin music might have been welcome, the music's the thing.
Read Full Review >Washington Post Fernando Gonzalez
This is one fan's valentine to the music he loves. It just happens that the fan is a terrific filmmaker and the music loves him back -- and we get to see it and hear it all. What a treat.
Read Full Review >Mr. Showbiz Kevin Maynard
A must-see for avid fans and a welcome primer for nascent hip-shakers everywhere.
Washington Post Richard Harrington
A brilliantly conceived and elegantly realized documentary tribute to Latin jazz.
Read Full Review >Wall Street Journal Joe Morgenstern
A magnificent concert film of Latino jazz.
The New York Times A.O. Scott
Even better on a second viewing because the film is such a pure expression of the director's love for the music, a love so infectious it should leave you elated.
Read Full Review >LA Weekly Hazel-Dawn Dumpert
Trueba reveals his subject organically, letting the music speak for itself.
Read Full Review >Austin Chronicle Marrit Ingman
The result is total immersion in the moment of the music, sure to send jazz fans over the moon.
Read Full Review >Chicago Tribune Michael Wilmington
Scene after scene in Calle 54 just knocks you out.
Miami Herald Rene Rodriguez
The rapturous power of music has rarely been captured as purely and joyously as it is in Calle 54.
New York Daily News Elizabeth Weitzman
Some of the artists appear ecstatically transported as they play. Others are just having one hell of a good time. Believe me, it's contagious.
Read Full Review >Seattle Post-Intelligencer Sean Axmaker
It lacks history, background and cultural roots, but it's undeniably infectious.
Read Full Review >TV Guide Steve Simels
This is one of the most infectiously joyous celebrations of musicmaking ever committed to film. See it and be ennobled.
Read Full Review >San Francisco Chronicle Bob Graham
It is a spellbinding hour and 45 minutes of pure music, Latin jazz to be specific.
Read Full Review >Boston Globe Jay Carr
Filled with affection and verve and will do very nicely until the next shipment of Latin jazz comes along.
New York Post Lou Lumenick
A film that fans of Latin jazz won't want to miss.
Village Voice Ed Morales
A dazzling, long-overdue tribute to the true stars of Latin music.
Read Full Review >Portland Oregonian Mark Mohan
For those unschooled in Latin jazz, though, it might be best to just pick up the CD.
Philadelphia Inquirer Carrie Rickey
Trueba's movie is nearly undone by its shapelessness. Because the filmmaker imposes little in the way of form (or drama) on his subject, his film is a good listen without being a particularly good watch.
Salon.com Charles Taylor
Calle 54 doesn't have that coherence or vision of the "Buena Vista Social Club."
Read Full Review >What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this movie is 10.0 (out of 10) based on 4 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Corrado G. gave it a 10:
I love this music.
Jim T. gave it a 10:
Fantastic movie!! The colors rich, the cinematography flawless, the sound makes you dance in your seat and clap with joy at the conclusion of each set.
Cliff A. gave it a 10:
Great music!
Sandra C. gave it a 10:
It's an extraordinary film!
