If you’re considering watching Chico & Rita, this summary and review will provide a comprehensive breakdown of the movie’s main details. We’ll cover everything from the voice cast and animation to the plot. Be sure to visit the Chico & Rita movie page for the trailer and additional details.
Chico & Rita is an adult animated drama film set in Havana Cuba, New York, and Paris.
- Title: Chico and Rita (Spanish: Chico y Rita)
- Directors: Tono Errando, Fernando Trueba, Javier Mariscal
- Release Date: 2010
- Run Time: 94 minutes
- Language: Spanish
- Production Companies: Fernando Trueba Producciones, Estudio Mariscal, Magic Light Pictures
- Awards: Goya Award for Best Animated Film (25th Goya Awards)
- Nominations: Best Animated Feature (84th Academy Awards, first nomination for a Spanish full-length animated film)
Voice Cast:
Meet the talented voice cast behind the captivating characters of Chico and Rita:
- Limara Meneses as Rita
- Eman Xor Oña as Chico
- Mario Guerra as Ramón
Where to Stream Chico & Rita
Chico & Rita is currently available to stream on Kanopy. You can buy or rent Chico & Rita on Apple TV, iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu.
Where to buy the 2012 Academy Award Nominee Chico & Rita Special Edition
I would highly recommend checking out this limited edition collector’s set. Learn more by reading 2012 Academy Award Nominee Chico & Rita Special Edition Product Review
To purchase the Chico & Rita Special Edition collection set, click the button below.
The Plot
In 1948 Havana, Chico, a gifted piano player, with his friend Ramón crossed paths with Rita, a singer, at a local bar. Chico finds himself enchanted by Rita’s magnetic voice. Enamored by Rita, Chico follows her to the Tropicana Club, where they perform together.
This is where their musical chemistry is formed. Following a night of bebop and dancing, the two form a romantic bond. However, Chico’s past love, Juana, storms in, disrupting their newfound connection.
Determined to win Rita’s heart, Chico asks Ramón to arrange a performance together. Their success leads to a coveted engagement at the prestigious Hotel Nacional. However, Rita receives a tempting offer to leave Chico to travel to New York City to continue her career.
She refuses, at first, but after seeing Chico with Juana, once again, Rita has made her decision. Heartbroken, Rita departs for New York alone, leaving Chico and Ramón to chase their fortunes.
In the bustling streets of New York, Chico follows Rita to New York and finds himself navigating the vibrant jazz scene as a hired musician, while Ramón secures a position at the esteemed Plaza Hotel.
Despite their newfound opportunities, Chico’s heart yearns for Rita, leading to a passionate reunion. Yet, their bliss is short-lived as Ramón manipulates circumstances to keep Chico away from Rita.
Meanwhile, Rita ascends to stardom in Hollywood, but her success is marred by the harsh realities of racial discrimination. Amidst the glitz and glamor, Rita’s soul resonates with a familiar melody on the radio—Chico’s composition, “Rita,” performed under a different name.
Is Chico & Rita Based on a True Story?
Chico & Rita is loosely based on the life of Dionisio Ramón Emilio Valdés Amaro, known as Bebo Valdés. Valdés was a Cuban pianist, composer, and bandleader. He played a significant role in Cuban music’s golden age by creating mambo, chachachá, and Batangas in 1952, along with his big band arrangements.
Both the character design, especially the older version of Chico, as well as the story plot was based on some aspects of Bebo Valdés’s life. Like Chico, Bebo Valdes performed at the Tropicana Club. Bebo Valdés led the Radio Mil Diez house band and the Tropicana Club orchestra.
Similarly, Valdés served as a pianist and arranger for the lead act, Rita Montaner, at Tropicana from 1948 to 1957.
Lastly, Similar to the older Chico in the movie, Bebo Valdés experienced a late-career resurgence in 1994 by collaborating with saxophonist Paquito D’Rivera on the album “Bebo Rides Again.” Additionally, in 2000, his piano playing gained widespread recognition through the film “Calle 54” directed by Fernando Trueba.
The Animation
Chico & Rita’s animation stands out for its unique approach in several ways. Firstly, it uses different color palettes to show the distinct cultures and climates of Cuba and New York.
In Cuba, vibrant and warm colors reflect the Latin climate, while in New York, darker tones create a stark contrast against the bright skyline. Additionally, the directors’ passion for interior design and architecture is evident in the beautifully crafted scenes, ranging from the charming Cuban patios to the New York bars.
Another unique aspect of the animation is the directors’ decision to use real actors as a foundation, animating over them. This ensured a clear vision for the animators. They chose Cuban actors from prestigious colleges to portray each scene.
The Music
As for the music in Chico & Rita, the directors stated that they tried to make sure that the music was not an afterthought. In my point of view, they not only succeeded in this mission but exceeded my expectations.
In fact, as I am writing this review I am listening to the CD soundtrack that came with the special edition set! In the film, the music sounds crisp and matches each scene effortlessly, flowing with each character’s emotions.
The directors also stated that while striving to find relevant Cuban jazz music from the 1940s era, they didn’t want the film to sound like a repeat compilation track.
So, to avoid this, the directors sought out the best talent to compose music in the style of great musicians like Charlie Parker and Chano Pozo, who are Chico’s idols in the film.
The film also features music from the greats including Thelonious Monk, Cole Porter, Dizzy Gillespie, and Freddy Cole. A highlight of the soundtrack was being able to listen to original music from Cuban pianist Bebo Valdés.
Chico & Rita: My Take
Overall, I was fully engaged in Chico and Rita from beginning to end. The overarching themes of music, love, passion, dreams, and ambition were all expressed, mixing with the incredibly crafted animation and soundtrack.
The perspective of Chico looking back at his golden days as an older man was really appealing. It brought a sense of nostalgia, wonder, and remembrance to the film, something that is often lost in other films. It felt as if I was being transported to a different time and place.
The central theme of the film revolves around the passionate love story between the two main characters, Chico and Rita. It was refreshing to see that their relationship, like many people in their early 20s, was anything but perfect. It was filled with intense emotions, betrayals, and challenges that they had to overcome.
Music is a significant aspect of the film, as both Chico and Rita are talented musicians. The film celebrates the vibrant music scene of Cuba and the United States during the 1940s and 1950s, highlighting genres such as jazz, mambo, and Latin music.
Music was a part of both Chico and Rita’s drive for success, as well as part of each character’s personal growth. For instance, through Rita’s music career, she navigates racial disparities and the complexities of success.
On the same note, Chico paves his own career path in Paris, composing and performing for live audiences, garnering his success.
The film also explores themes of cultural identity and heritage, particularly within the context of Cuban and African-American cultures. Chico and Rita navigate their identities as musicians and individuals within the diverse and rich cultural landscapes of Havana, New York City, Paris and Las Vegas.
Chico & Rita: My Favorite Scene
I really enjoyed the scene where Chico takes Rita to a quiet bar on their first night of meeting in Havana. He expresses his love of Bebop music while playing eagerly on the piano, all while Rita slowly and sensually dances next to him.
This scene is a powerful reminder for anyone who knows the feeling of being on a first date or truly connecting with someone. Similarly, this moment shows Chico and Rita expressing their passion for the music that would lead them to perform together.
Chico & Rita: Recommendation
I recommend this film to anyone interested in a compelling story full of 1940s-era jazz music, charm, and Cuban flair.
Be sure to check out the trailer, as well as more movie details on the Chico & Rita movie page. Interested in watching the movie? First, read our product review of the 2012 Academy Award Nominee Chico & Rita Special Edition Product Review
What do you think?
Already seen the movie? Do you have a favorite character? A favorite song or musician? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. And as always- keep watching!
As a movie lover, especially classic 2D animation, I launched this blog as a guide to keep fellow enthusiasts updated on the latest news and information about films and shows. Through Movie Prairie, I strive to share my insights and recommendations, inviting you to explore and appreciate the magic of movies just as much as I do. Join me on this as we delve into the captivating world of film together.
