X
  • 2016
  • R
  • Magnolia Pictures
  • 1 h 40 m
  • 2016
  • R
  • Magnolia Pictures
  • 1 h 40 m

Summary Jesus (Héctor Medina) is a hairdresser for a troupe of drag performers in Havana, but dreams of being a performer. When he finally gets his chance to be on stage, a stranger emerges from the crowd and punches him in the face. The stranger is his father Angel, a former boxer, who has been absent from his life for 15 years. As father and s...

Directed By: Paddy Breathnach

Written By: Mark O'Halloran

  • 2016
  • R
  • Magnolia Pictures
  • 1 h 40 m
  • 2016
  • R
  • Magnolia Pictures
  • 1 h 40 m

Viva

Metascore Generally Favorable Based on 19 Critic Reviews
69
User Score Generally Favorable Based on 8 User Ratings
7.6
My Score
Hover and click to give a rating Saved

Where to Watch

Summary Jesus (Héctor Medina) is a hairdresser for a troupe of drag performers in Havana, but dreams of being a performer. When he finally gets his chance to be on stage, a stranger emerges from the crowd and punches him in the face. The stranger is his father Angel, a former boxer, who has been absent from his life for 15 years. As father and s...

Directed By: Paddy Breathnach

Written By: Mark O'Halloran

Where to Watch

Top Cast

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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 19 Critic Reviews
69
79% Positive
15 Reviews
21% Mixed
4 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

 View All
Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 19 Critic Reviews
69
79% Positive
15 Reviews
21% Mixed
4 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
91
Apr 28, 2016
Havana’s crumbling trapped-in-time beauty also plays a starring role, but it’s Medina who provides the movie’s raw, tender heart.
By Leah Greenblatt FULL REVIEW
75
May 12, 2016
Slick and raunchy when it might have been grindingly realistic, Viva is finally all heart.
By John Hartl FULL REVIEW
75
Apr 25, 2016
The drag in the film rejects the U.S.-centric obsession with "realness" and the acrobatics that come with it.
By Diego Semerene FULL REVIEW
70
Apr 28, 2016
Nothing happens you won't see coming, but it's all so deftly done you're more than happy to wait for the inevitable to arrive.
By Kenneth Turan FULL REVIEW
67
Apr 28, 2016
Perugorría is such a terrific, soulful actor that he makes Viva’s predictable dramatic trajectory — disapproving dad slowly grows to accept his child’s differences, while the kid gradually learns to forgive his father’s lifelong absence — seem a bit less moldy.
By Mike D'Angelo FULL REVIEW
60
Apr 27, 2016
Despite its gorgeous views and a pair of strong turns from veteran Cuban actors Perugorría and García, the film doesn't connect to the heart of its central character.
By Monica Castillo FULL REVIEW
40
May 12, 2016
A movie that never quite comes to life, despite its title.
By Randy Cordova FULL REVIEW

User Reviews

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User Score
Generally Favorable Based on 8 User Ratings
7.6
100% Positive
8 Ratings
0% Mixed
0 Ratings
0% Negative
0 Ratings

User Reviews

 View All
User Score
Generally Favorable Based on 8 User Ratings
7.6
100% Positive
8 Ratings
0% Mixed
0 Ratings
0% Negative
0 Ratings

There are no user reviews yet. Be the first to add a review.

Details

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Production Company Treasure Entertainment, Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTÉ), Windmill Lane Pictures, Island Film, Bord Scannán na hÉireann / The Irish Film Board
Release Date Apr 29, 2016
Duration 1 h 40 m
Rating R
Genres
Tagline Find your voice
View All Details

Awards

Irish Film and Television Awards
• 1 Win & 6 Nominations
Santa Barbara International Film Festival
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
Dublin International Film Festival
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination

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