The Lost City (2005)

This movie is phenomenal. It is accurate down timing and historical figures. The love story is entrancing and the emotions strong. It is an incredible work of love on the part of Andy Garcia and is studded with some of the brightest stars of Hollywood. Though the truth of many the occurrences are sad, its a sorrow which needs to be shared so that many can understand the hardships which have been experienced in that country. None the less, the happy moments make for it. There is a very powerful theme of family and its importance to the Cuban culture. In fact, at one point, you almost swear your watching Andy Garcia back in his role as a Corleone. Also, Bill Murray plays an incredible role incredibly well. He adds an enjoyable aspect of humor to the movie.

Fmovies: Critics all over have trashed this movie on account on its politics, angry at the way García has depicted Che Guevara as the real murderer he was, at the way he has portrayed the profound injustices and oppression of Fidel Castro's regime, at the way it does not conform to the sympathetic view Hollywood has always had about the Cuban Revolution. The movie suffers sometimes from the inexperienced hand of a first-time director, the lack of the epic budget it needed, and the poor acting of Inés Sastre but it is not a bad movie, not at all. It's an extremely entertaining film that uses its modest resources with great care to give us a dignified, sincere, notably balanced and very emotional document of the terrible experience of the Cuban people. Don't believe the extremely biased reviews of The New York Times, The New Yorker, and other media. Go and see it. Music lovers will enjoy a splendid mix of popular and classical Cuban music, and a great original score which will make a nice CD.

This movie is done within a specific framework where a Hollywood expectation of values would encounter a clash of perspectives due to its uniqueness. Taking into account certain limits such as budgetary restrains etc. and what appears to be a lack of support by the mainstream media in our country (USA) for this type of projection it seems to me an almost colossal achievement on the part of Mr. Garcia to produce and direct this classic of all films. The Lost City reminded me of a Dr. Shivago of the Caribbean done with incredible charm, taste and subtleness. This is not just a work of art but an act of love which cuts through the midst of a cultural maelstrom of rejection which every Cuban lover of justice and freedom has had to endure. Yes Andy you have achieved your goal and done it to perfection. Cuba and all lovers of freedom will forever commend you. Enrique E. Oliver

The Lost City fmovies. As a Cuban Americans living in the USA since 1960, due to Castro's revolutions in Cuba, we are very proud of this movie and Andy Garcia's work and effort. We highly recommend this film; because for the first time that there is finally a movie that depicts the reality of Castro's revolution. A most see film about the catastrophic effects of Castro's Revolution in the Cuban family. Plus the fact that the cast, music, and directing are superb !!.Beautiful settings and photography. Andy deserves a sound track Oscar nomination for the well perform and coordinated music that clearly represents the rich and influential music of the period. Thank you to, Andy, Dustin, Steven, Bill, Enrique, Nestor and everyone that made this film possible.

I think that for those who do not know what happened in Cuba during the revolution, this movie is a great film to watch (no matter what the critics believe). Not only do we learn how it happened, we also learn about the struggles of the Cuban people. As in a work of art, everything in this movie has meaning or significance. The story is real and is expressed with sentiment... a romantic, but also nostalgic feeling. Also, the movie captured many details of the Cuban culture (including family values). Finally, I'd like to add that to watch a movie about Cuba without the glamorizing of the revolution or any of its leaders is like a breath of fresh air. Andy Garcia is a genius!

Born in 1962, in the mist of the turmoil, I left Cuba in 1967 thanks to the "Freedom Flights" at the age of 4. It was about time a film like this was done. I commend Andy Garcia and all involved for its historical accuracy. I am grateful for the "Ficos" of the time, like my parents. What courage and resolve. If history is not to be repeated, we must embrace it, learn from it, and not wash it from our memories. Incredible acting, music, scenery (thank you Dominican Republic). We need to remember "where we've been" so as to know "where we're going" - bring plenty of tissues; one box is just not enough. The only reason I gave it a 9, as opposed to a 10, is because I would have really liked to have seen some time dedicated to the family, specifically, the brothers, in their youth. The important relationship of the Cuban family would have been better understood if we had seen it from early on. The significance of the family nucleus, born of the parents' rearing, is crucial in the story of the Cubans. The relationship between the uncle and his nephews was synonymous with that but could have been further developed.