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Les mambo kings

Original title: The Mambo Kings
  • 1992
  • R
  • 1h 44m
IMDb RATING
6.4/10
6.2K
YOUR RATING
Antonio Banderas, Armand Assante, and Maruschka Detmers in Les mambo kings (1992)
Home Video Trailer from Warner Home Video
Play trailer1:54
1 Video
34 Photos
DramaMusic

Two Cuban brothers bring a new music to the 1950s USA. They are as different as the problems that await them.Two Cuban brothers bring a new music to the 1950s USA. They are as different as the problems that await them.Two Cuban brothers bring a new music to the 1950s USA. They are as different as the problems that await them.

  • Director
    • Arne Glimcher
  • Writers
    • Oscar Hijuelos
    • Cynthia Cidre
  • Stars
    • Armand Assante
    • Antonio Banderas
    • Pablo Calogero
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.4/10
    6.2K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Arne Glimcher
    • Writers
      • Oscar Hijuelos
      • Cynthia Cidre
    • Stars
      • Armand Assante
      • Antonio Banderas
      • Pablo Calogero
    • 41User reviews
    • 16Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Nominated for 1 Oscar
      • 6 nominations total

    Videos1

    The Mambo Kings
    Trailer 1:54
    The Mambo Kings

    Photos34

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    Top cast73

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    Armand Assante
    Armand Assante
    • Cesar Castillo
    Antonio Banderas
    Antonio Banderas
    • Nestor Castillo
    Pablo Calogero
    • Ramon - The Mambo Kings Band
    Scott Cohen
    Scott Cohen
    • Bernardito - The Mambo Kings Band
    Mario Grillo
    • Mario - The Mambo Kings Band
    Ralph Irizarry
    • Pito - The Mambo Kings Band
    Pete Macnamara
    Pete Macnamara
    • Johnny Bing - The Mambo Kings Band
    James Medina
    • Manny - The Mambo Kings Band
    • (as Jimmy Medina)
    Marcos Quintanilla
    • Willie - The Mambo Kings Band
    James 'JT' Taylor
    James 'JT' Taylor
    • Frankie Suarez - The Mambo Kings Band
    William Thomas Jr.
    • Xavier - The Mambo Kings Band
    Yul Vazquez
    Yul Vazquez
    • Flaco - The Mambo Kings Band
    Cathy Moriarty
    Cathy Moriarty
    • Lanna Lake
    Maruschka Detmers
    Maruschka Detmers
    • Delores Fuentes
    Desi Arnaz Jr.
    Desi Arnaz Jr.
    • Desi Arnaz Sr.
    Celia Cruz
    Celia Cruz
    • Evalina Montoya
    Roscoe Lee Browne
    Roscoe Lee Browne
    • Fernando Perez
    Vondie Curtis-Hall
    Vondie Curtis-Hall
    • Miguel Montoya
    • Director
      • Arne Glimcher
    • Writers
      • Oscar Hijuelos
      • Cynthia Cidre
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews41

    6.46.1K
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    Featured reviews

    6Wuchakk

    Dynamic Latin dance performers in America in the 50s

    Two brothers flee Cuba in the early 50s in search of the American Dream playing mambo music. The older sibling, Cesar, is a natural showman and businessman (Armand Assante) whereas the younger brother, Nestor, is a reserved composer (Antonio Banderas). The women in their lives are played by curvy Cathy Moriarty and Maruschka Detmers.

    "The Mambo Kings" (1992) is reminiscent of "The Cotton Club" (1984) mixed with the later "Pollock" (2000) and maybe a little "Dirty Dancing" (1987). While not quite as good as those, it's still worth checking out, especially if you like mambo or energetic Latin music in general, not to mention the setting of 50's America.

    Assante is convincing, performing with charisma and gusto, while Banderas is effective as the sensitive and sincere younger sibling, although he's a far cry from the brooding Brando. This was Banderas' first English-speaking role; he learned his lines phonetically and worked with a dialect coach throughout pre-production and filming.

    Too much of the movie takes place in clubs or apartments with people smoking, drinking and emoting for my tastes. But the story perks up in the third act with a notable sequence featuring Desi Arnaz, Jr. (I don't want to say more because I don't want to give anything away).

    The film runs 1 hour, 44 minutes, and was shot in Los Angeles.

    GRADE: B-
    9ODDBear

    Utterly charming

    Cuban brothers arrive in America with a suitcase full of songs, hearts filled with passion and a desire to make it big in the promised land. One is a bit more passionate than the other, who likes the simple life a little more and continues to miss the girl who stayed back home, not realising that his brother was forced to leave with him in order to save his life.

    This tragic drama is one of the 90's most underrated gems. Full of energy and tragedy, good performances and great songs. Armand Assante gives the performance of his career and Antonio Banderas makes a solid American acting debut.

    At times the movie feels a bit rushed, it simply might have been even longer, giving more character development to the supporting actors, who are very good, Cathy Moriarty in particular. The era feels authentic enough and the recreation of the "I love Lucy show" is a real winner.

    An utterly charming film. Highly recommended.
    7smatysia

    Good film, good mambo

    I didn't expect to like this film, but I thought it was quite good. Latin music really isn't my cup of tea, but it was good here, set the tone just right. Armand Assante was great as Cesar Castillo. I haven't seen too much of his work, but I was very impressed. Antonio Banderas was pretty good here, not great. However, if it's really true that he couldn't speak English then, and learned his lines phonetically, then you'd have to compliment him on that. You really couldn't tell. Maruschka Detmers was also very good in a low-key role. I've been a fan of hers since "Hanna's War" Check that out if you haven't seen it. The ending was just a little off, but overall this movie was very entertaining.
    icreeem

    Superb music, excellent portrayal

    First, I am a professional drummer whose interest in this film was only ignited by with the knowledge that the genius Tito Puente makes an appearance, and even better, shares a solo with the star. That aside, the rest of the movie is a favorite of mine, especially the fantastic, contagious personality of Cesar, superbly played by Assante...you grow to love this rogue of a man almost instantly. His constant laughter is just a hint of how rascally a businessman/band leader and devoted brother he is. The music is no less contagious, and I find myself interested in Salsa and Mambo music all the more because of this entertaining film. My one complaint is that the above-mentioned solo between Puente and Assante is interrupted by gangland violence, just at the moment when everyone is getting into the spirit! Other than that, it was brilliantly casted and acted. A great look at the way of the entertainment business in the early 1950's, especially for hopeful immigrants like the Castillo Brothers. Excellent!
    6SnoopyStyle

    fine performances

    It's 1952 Havana, Cuba. Cesar (Armand Assante) moves to NYC taking younger brother Nestor Castillo (Antonio Banderas) after getting into a dispute over Maria (Talisa Soto). The brothers are amazed at the nightlife and Tito Puente. Cesar falls for brash cigarette girl Lanna Lake (Cathy Moriarty) while Nestor is still in love with Maria. The brothers work odd jobs and play in the clubs at night. Nestor falls for shy Delores (Maruschka Detmers). His song "Beautiful Maria of My Soul" catches Desi Arnaz who elevates the brothers to fame. However it is fleeting as they encounter tragedy.

    It's a relatively good historical drama. The music is happening. The two actors are terrific. Assante is all energy and Banderas is charming. However the drama isn't that compelling. The story is without surprises. Arne Glimcher is limited as a director. Quite frankly, he has access to great music but he doesn't use it in an interesting way. Moriarty matches Assante's energy but Detmers is a hollow beauty. This a functional music pic but it could be more.

    Storyline

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    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Antonio Banderas couldn't speak English when this movie was filmed, and thus performed all his lines phonetically. Armand Assante couldn't speak Spanish and also performed all his lines phonetically.
    • Goofs
      When the Castillo brothers first approach New York City in the early 1950s, the World Trade Center towers are visible in the skyline; they weren't built until the early 1970s.
    • Quotes

      Cesar Castillo: In the name of the Mambo, the Rumba, and the Cha cha cha.

    • Alternate versions
      The DVD plastered the Warner Bros. Pictures logo with the 2003 logo.
    • Connections
      Featured in Siskel & Ebert & the Movies: Memoirs of an Invisible Man/Under Suspicion/The Mambo Kings/This Is My Life (1992)
    • Soundtracks
      Mambo Caliente
      Written by Arturo Sandoval

      Performed by Arturo Sandoval

      Courtesy of GRP Records

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    FAQ

    • How long is The Mambo Kings?
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    Details

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    • Release date
      • May 27, 1992 (France)
    • Countries of origin
      • France
      • United States
    • Languages
      • English
      • Spanish
    • Also known as
      • The Mambo Kings
    • Filming locations
      • Tower Theatre - 802 S. Broadway, Downtown, Los Angeles, California, USA
    • Production companies
      • Warner Bros.
      • Regency Enterprises
      • Le Studio Canal+
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $15,500,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $6,742,168
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $319,793
      • Mar 1, 1992
    • Gross worldwide
      • $6,742,168
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 44 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Stereo
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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