• Summary: Cuba, 1948. Chico is a young piano player with big dreams. Rita is a beautiful singer with an extraordinary voice. Music and romantic desire unites them, but their journey - in the tradition of the Latin ballad, the bolero - brings heartache and torment. From Havana to New York, Paris, Hollywood and Las Vegas, two passionate individuals battle impossible odds to unite in music and love.(Magic Light Pictures) Expand
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 27
  2. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. Reviewed by: Shawn Levy
    Mar 29, 2012
    91
    It's hot and sweet and made with inspiration and cheek. And it is not your children's animated fare -- which, in this case, is a recommendation.
  2. Reviewed by: Tasha Robinson
    Feb 8, 2012
    91
    The characters are simply rendered, but when it comes to capturing cities and scenes, the cinematography takes on the color and detail of a Mexican street mural.
  3. Reviewed by: Elizabeth Weitzman
    Feb 10, 2012
    60
    The real romance here is between the filmmakers and the cultural moment they hope to document. From that perspective, it's a welcome - if not quite award-worthy - valentine.

See all 27 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. A proof that animated films are not just for kids but for adults as well. This is the film that should have won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature. I like Rango but it wasn't anything spectacular compared to this. Pretty much one of the best romantic films I have ever seen. It's portrayal of the early 50's is breathtaking, its design is unique, the animation, though simple, is full of life and energy and allows the simplest facial expression become a legit emotional feeling, the two leads are realistic, charming, complex and have an unrivalled chemistry and the music is authentic and timeless. I honestly couldn't see this as a live action film as it wouldn't capture the emotion and expression that the animation allows into the love story. I am in love with this film. Great story, great characters, great animation, great music. If you love romance films, don't ever pass this up on DVD. Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. I may not be very stunned by this movie as i was from a foreign animated movie with "The Illusionist" but this still was extremely dazzling, amazing and quite charming movie. An adult animated movie with a classic romantic story over the span of life time and places with deep cultural roots and lovely jazz dazzle to it, this is a good movie to watch. Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

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