Papa: Hemingway in Cuba

Name: Papa: Hemingway in Cuba
Genre: Biography, Drama
Released: April 29, 2016
Duration: 110 min
Rating: 37
Cast: Adrian Sparks, Giovanni Ribisi, Joely Richardson, Minka Kelly

2016

METASCORE

Generally unfavorable reviews based on 17 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Mixed or average reviews based on 9 Ratings

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4.6

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4.6	User Score Mixed or average reviews based on 9 Ratings

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Papa: Hemingway In Cuba

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Movie Details & Credits

Yari Film Group (YFG) | Release Date: April 29, 2016 | R

Starring: Adrian Sparks, Giovanni Ribisi, Joely Richardson, Minka Kelly

Summary: Miami journalist Denne Bart Petitclerc (Giovanni Ribisi) is befriended by Ernest Hemingway (Adrian Sparks) and witnesses Hemingway's decline into depression and alcoholism during the Cuban revolution.

Director: Bob Yari

Genre(s): Biography, Drama

Rating: R

Runtime: 110 min

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Critic Reviews

Mick LaSalle

Apr 28, 2016

A remarkable treat. It contains information about the writer heretofore unknown, and though it’s a dramatic feature and not a documentary, it claims to tell the truth, without embellishment. Even better, it was written by someone who saw the events depicted firsthand. Read full review

Steven Rea

Apr 28, 2016

Maybe the best reason to see Papa: Hemingway in Cuba is to catch a glimpse of the real Finca Vigia, the property, with its house and pool, gardens, and tree-lined drive, where Ernest Hemingway lived and wrote - and famously drank - from 1939 until 1960. Pages of For Whom the Bell Tolls were banged out here; so, too, The Old Man and the Sea. Read full review

Peter Travers

Apr 29, 2016

As a movie, Papa improves every time it shuts up and allows action to define character. Read full review

Peter Keough

Apr 28, 2016

Marilyn Monroe’s death in 1962 was ruled a suicide, as was Hemingway’s in 1961. Both spawned conspiracy theories. Maybe someone should make a movie about that. Or a decent one about Hemingway himself. Read full review

RogerEbert.com Matt Fagerholm

Apr 29, 2016

These behind-the-scenes factoids are the most interesting aspects of the film — and, regrettably, the only interesting aspects, as well. Read full review

Stephanie Merry

Apr 28, 2016

On paper, this is an extraordinary story. But the careless production values blunt its impact. The score is obtrusive and generic; the sound editing makes a shootout sound reminiscent of an old Western; continuity errors abound. Read full review

Rene Rodriguez

Apr 28, 2016

Played by Adrian Sparks in a style better suited for dinner theater or a Key West tourist attraction, Hemingway comes across as a complete cypher. Everyone in the film keeps talking about his genius, but other than a scene in which he writes a short story on the back of a napkin, the movie doesn’t try to humanize or explore his talent. Read full review

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User Reviews

SMRamsey

May 2, 2016

Disappointed in the reviews this film is getting. Having an extensive library of Hemingway bios and memoirs, I found this film to be an accurate depiction of this late segment of Hemingway's life and I am grateful that it didn't embellish or rewrite history in order to make a "betterDisappointed in the reviews this film is getting. Having an extensive library of Hemingway bios and memoirs, I found this film to be an accurate depiction of this late segment of Hemingway's life and I am grateful that it didn't embellish or rewrite history in order to make a "better movie." Filmed on location at Hemingway's Finca Vigia in Cuba is a rare treat in itself that could have easily not happened in our lifetime. Adrian Sparks does a respectable job of portraying Hemingway and his personal struggles. I don't see many movies for a second time, but this one I would.… Expand

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Beecee

May 4, 2016

I'm also disappointed in the reviews that this film is getting. I felt that the roles of Ernest and Mary Hemingway were well portrayed by Adrian Sparks and Joely Richardson, although Giovanni Ribisi didn't have much charisma. The plot was interesting enough, particularly regarding theI'm also disappointed in the reviews that this film is getting. I felt that the roles of Ernest and Mary Hemingway were well portrayed by Adrian Sparks and Joely Richardson, although Giovanni Ribisi didn't have much charisma. The plot was interesting enough, particularly regarding the conflicts that the characters had with the FBI and the scene with the Coast Guard. The authentic locales in the Havana area are also a big plus.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

TVJerry

May 12, 2016

This film is based on the author's real experiences and shot in Cuba, including the Hemingway estate. It starts promisingly as the young journalist (Giovanni Ribisi) befriends to the author (Adrian Sparks), who's already famous and living on the island. The enthusiasm of their earlyThis film is based on the author's real experiences and shot in Cuba, including the Hemingway estate. It starts promisingly as the young journalist (Giovanni Ribisi) befriends to the author (Adrian Sparks), who's already famous and living on the island. The enthusiasm of their early camaraderie turns into a dreary drama, as Ernest stays drunk, depressed and suicidal. The backdrop of the country's revolution promises a political layer, but it never presents much of a threat. The performances are fine, but when the darkness sets in, the film's energy loses momentum. It may be of interest to hardcore Hemingway fans, but as a film experience, it's a disappointment. NOTE: Look for Mariel Hemingway in a cameo as a dinner guest with bad bangs.… Expand

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