The Mambo Kings

I was 14 when i watched the movie "Mambo Kings". A tragic story of the Castillo brothers Cesar (Arman d Assante) and Nestor (Antonio Banderas) who flee Cuba after a love triangle takes a potentially deadly twist. The love sick Nestor leaves behind the love of his life, the beautiful Maria Rivera (Talisa Soto), now married to his romantic rival.

The brothers arrive in New York, where Cesar meets the lushly sensuous, blonde bombshell, Lana Lake (Cathy Moriarty). They eventually marry, while Nestor, still carrying a torch for Maria, meets the sedate and quietly pretty Delores Fuentes (Maruschka Detmers), whom he eventually marries. Given a helping hand by fellow Cuban, Desi Arnaz, Sr. (Desi Arnaz, Jr.), Cesar and Nestor shortly become stars of the dance halls and clubs they play, where they are christened the "Mambo Kings".

Unfortunately, Cesar's dreams are not necessarily Nestor's dreams and conflicts arise. The brothers also run into trouble when Cesar's arrogance pits him against a musical syndicate that rules the clubs and dance halls with an iron hand, derailing their careers for a time. Moreover, Nestor's marriage is seriously troubled, because of his obsession with his lost love. Still, no matter what, there is always the music.

The tragic end when Nestor died, the impact it has on his wife and Cesar makes you think and wonder... is life so tragic... It was reported that this was Antonio Banderas's first english movie and he can't speak english ... so his dialogues were pronounced phonetically and so was Armand Assante's spanish, done phonetically. Coupled by great songs of the 40s-50s... by greats such as the late Celia Cruz and the late Tito Puente, it is truly an amazing blend of story, music, love and dance. This movie will always have a soft spot in my heart.

Rating: 4.5 / 5 stars