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Havana Suite
User Score
9.8 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 4 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4

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  1. IreneM.
    Apr 6, 2008
    9
    It seems as though the "common viewer" appreciatest he sensibilities of a movie like "Habana Suite" better than the professional critics, who don't seem to understand what the director intended and achieved: a tone poem highlighting certain (positive) elements of a Day in the Life of Havana. The mood is certainly somewhat sentimental, with no crime or violence or even confrontations in sight, but it also lends a melancholic, realistic insight into how hard it is to labor with one's hands (many shots celebrating craftsmanship and expertise which few folks in the "West" would be able to emulate nowadays), to work with minimal tools, to cook with limited foodstuffs.... And yet, still, to yearn for a life that celebrates art and performance and family closeness. Extreme closeups of the wonderful network of lines on ancient faces ... not a cliche, we hardly ever see this on screen. And nobody mentions the lively song and dance intervals accompanying the evening sessions, as well as the mood music -- somewhat soporific, admittedly -- that pans over architecture and humans, joining them together as some of the many faces of La Habana. A lovely film, and most Cubans like it, too.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. BillM
    Aug 16, 2009
    10
    Quite possibly my favorite Cuban film of the many I've seen. Reminiscent of La Ciudad, a dialog-free tribute to humanity. Moving, real and poignant. Well-lit, scored, directed and acted by non-professionals. A movie for non-critics apparently.
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  3. JohnR.
    Apr 29, 2006
    10
    Uncompromising art house triumph. The best Cuban film in decades.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  4. JenniferB.
    May 11, 2006
    10
    Superb! I saw this movie in Habana in an old theater packed with Cubans when it first came out in 2003 . There was not a single dry eye--including those of the tough Cuban 20-something boy sitting next to us-- in the house when it was through. I don't care what the "critics" say; clearly they haven't been to Cuba and don't understand that what is on the screen is the way people *really* live (and it actually just barely touches the surface). It vivedly portrays the struggle to hang on both economically and spiritually. You don't go to see this movie to be entertained, you go to learn something and open your heart and mind to how Habaneros make it through each day.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
55 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 4 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Sura Wood
    50
    Aspires to the poetic but falls short because of a lack of dynamism.
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  2. Variety
    Reviewed by: Jonathan Holland
    70
    The surprisingly watchable delight strikes universal chords.
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  3. Village Voice
    Reviewed by: Joshua Land
    50
    It's all pleasant enough, but the pretty pictures, languid pacing, and endless stretches of mood music eventually combine to soporific effect.
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