Spanish-British animated (a computer and hand-drawn blend) romance, for adults, set against the backdrop of the Jazz scene in Havana, New York, Las Vegas, Hollywood and Paris in 1940s/50s. Nominated for Best Animated Film at the 2012 Academy Awards.
"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, two passionate individuals battle impossible odds to unite in music and love." (Official Synopsis)
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.
A delightful blend of hand-drawn animation and CG style that'll be soul food for hopeless romantics everywhere.
It's a pleasure to surrender to the movie's lush visuals, which are accompanied by wonderful jazz classics performed by Valdes, Estrella Morente, and Freddy Cole (Nat King Cole's brother), among many others.
Sexy, sweet and laced with a sadness at once specific to its place and time and accessible to anyone with a breakable heart... an animated valentine to Cuba and its music.
Think of Chico and Rita as a test, one that gauges whether your love of Cuban jazz can exceed your threshold for lousy animation -- a real "good tunes/bad toons" quandary.
We've been told the NZ release date for this flick is Saturday, 1st Jan 2011.
Release date: January 1st 2011.
We haven't received times for this movie in this location yet. However these are updated as cinemas announce them, so check back soon. Hopefully the lovely cinemas in your location will choose to play it shortly. ~Ed.
