Rating: 
Summary: Fidel Castro has got to go!
Review: This HBO film depicts one of the world's great trumpet players and his inner and outer struggle for freedom from Castro's tyranny. His talent allows Arturo Sandoval to travel the world, but his wife and family are back in Cuba. His wife is a government employee who at first believes in the revolution until her eyes are opened to the reality behind the facade. The final straw is when Castro kills a hero of the revolution because he feels his monolithic power is threatened.
In 1990 Sandoval defects at the US embassy in Greece, but is stopped by bureaucracy until his friend Dizzy Gillespie calls the Vice President....yes, that's right, Dan Quayle the dunce. Well the only good thing Quayle ever does is speeding Sandoval through the bureaucracy. The irony here is that any Cuban who can get to the US by raft is granted US citizenship, but Sandoval is thoroughly grilled.
The film has some great jazz and Afro-Cuban music and Andy Garcia is believable and entertaining as the lead. When Castro goes, and it will be soon I hope, hopefully Cuba will have a true democratic revolution.
Rating: 
Summary: Magnificent Movie!! But....
Review: ...being that it is ABOUT LIFE IN CUBA and the CUBAN STRUGGLE FOR FREEDOM from a tiranical government.. who on EARTH forgot to add a spanish language track, and at the very least- a spanish subtitle feature- to the DVD?!?! Subtitled VHS? Boo..Hiss on HBO. Come now, do they honestly think there are no cuban-americans who might wish to view this great film in their native language? For example, our 70'yr old grandmother who experienced first hand, what viewers of this film only begin to understand. She is unable to enjoy this film about her home, because the spanish language track and subtitles were left off? Sad..Otherwise, this movie is fantastic. Although, I am told on solid authority that Sandoval had life (while in Cuba) a whole lot better than a majority of Cuban's.. however, his struggle and fame helped to bring press and attention to the serious issues facing the Cuban People.
Rating:
Summary: Thought provoking looking at life under Castro.
Review: As an made for TV movie I had not heard "For Love Or Country - Arturo Sandovol". It would be a shame if this movie does not get a wider viewing for it is a story that should be seen by all. Based on a contempary, true story, it combines elements of romance, wonderful music, with the harsh reality of life under Castro, even for heros of the "revolution". As one supressed & "persecuted" by the state, Arturo Sandoval presents an unvarnished, but honest, political message that we all can learn from. Basically the story is about a great musician who faces the choice of submitting himself to the state God (Fidel's revolution in this case) in order to be fully develop and practice his God given ability or defecting. However as the movie reveals in an effective series of flashbacks, it is not only the exceptional person who is stifled, but a wide swath of society that never has a chance to realize its potential. A secondary theme is the sweet, tender love story between Arturo and his wife; and the confict that arise between different political perspectives. Gradually, Arturo's beautiful, but politically naive wife also realizes how the Castro's revolution that captivated her as a youth, has betrayed its own ideals for the benefit of its icon and image. Even though it is a made for TV film, the move has first rate acting, script, and production. While the film location (Puerto Rico) had a Cuban feel, the production & location failed to accurately portray the true degree of poverty & deprivation that Cubans face daily. As a companion to this movie, I urge you to view "The Bueno Vista Social Club" for more great Cuban vibes; plus the genuine Cuban film location which reveals depreciating effect of Castro's socialism on a country's people and infrastructure. Finally, this film is an excellent example of a great, entertaining, dramatic movie without unneccesary graphic sex or violence. Despite its PG-13 rating for a subdued scene of premarital sex and a brief, justifiable display of anger and frustration, I would not hesitate to let family members over ten view this film. In fact I would recommend it for preteens and teenagers for its realistic portrayal of the tension and dangers of placing the state above its citizens.
Rating:
Summary: A FANTASTIC MOVIE but...
Review: But how on EARTH could spanish language tracks AND subtitles be ommitted in the DVD version? Would someone PLEASE EXPLAIN to me why a movie about CUBA and a fantastic CUBAN musician, would not also be available to those who speak HIS LANGUAGE? This just makes me furious. My 79+ grandmother does not have the luxury of learning english at this point in her life, and it's a darn shame she is unable to enjoy this movie in it's finest form (dvd) and in her own language- simply because the industry wishes to cater to the french and english speaking masses. Thanks- RANT OFF- by the way, this movie is WONDERFUL!!
Rating:
Summary: Entertaining, enlightening drama!
Review: Entertaining, enlightening drama! This artistic production (originally an HBO tele-film) presents a touching love story shown against a colorful visual backdrop set to vibrant music. Great acting! I was an admirer of Andy Garcia's talents prior to viewing this piece, which has only increased my appreciation of his abilities (he is also executive producer). Mr.Garcia's love for Cuba and passion for music (jazz) are present throughout as the story, which is predictable (and told in flashbacks) unfolds. The viewer senses the rising frustration of musician Arturo Sandoval (Garcia) at the conflict presented by his human need to freely express his love (music),which is increasingly blocked by the repressive political regime in power, without losing his lover (who becomes his wife) and son. As political developments occur (which are depicted through newsclips viewed by characters), he sadly concludes that he must leave his native Cuba. Mia Maestro as Mrs. Sandoval, a Cuban supporter of the Castro regime at the beginning (a government employee, in fact) similarly experiences an emotional journey which eventually leads her to realize she must follow her husband (and her heart) by agreeing to defect with him. The complications of carrying out this effort provide the essence of the story. Charles Dutton, as Dizzy Gillespie, plays a colorful character who has a pivotal part as the plot unfolds; Gloria Estefan also appears. The story is more poignant because we know that it is a biography, and that Mr. and Mrs. Sandoval provided technical advice. Thank you to Mr. Garcia and to Mr. Sandoval for giving us this story! The sharp technical quality of the DVD format enhances the colorful recreation of 1970's Havanna (the production was actually shot in Puerto Rico and Miami); the edition also includes interviews with cast members.
Rating:
Summary: Great movie, great music, great drama
Review: For everyone who is interested in jazz in general and in Arthuro Sandoval in particular, this DVD is a must. In addition, it gives a depressive picture of life in communist Cuba. When Sandoval has to suppress his musicality (i.e. his desire to express himself through jazz) life in Cuba becames intolerable. Andy Garcia is great as Mr. Sandoval and MÃa Maestro as his life-time love, Marianela, is just gorgeous. I would have wanted more soundtracks with Sandoval, but I can always listen to his great recodings (especially the beautiful "I remember Clifford"). Go get it!
Rating:
Summary: Escape to Freedom
Review: FOR LOVE OR COUNTRY is based on the true story of Arturo Sandoval who finally cooperates with the Cuban government and even joins the communist party in order to have the freedom to travel internationally. He was living in a country where there was no respect for human rights, let alone freedom of expression in music. Arturo Sandoval is one of the most brilliant musicians of our time and is known as a protégé of the great Dizzy Gillespie. He was born in Artemisa on November 6, 1949. Artemisa is a small town on the outskirts of Havana, Cuba. He realized he was a trumpet player when he was eleven. He began studying classical trumpet at the age of twelve. He is now known as one of the world's most acknowledged guardians of jazz trumpet and flugelhorn. As a Professor, Sandoval has lectured internationally. Filled with a virtuoso capability, he had an intense desire to share his musical gift with those who share the same love for music. Arturo Sandoval appears on the tracks "Moonglow" and "That Old Feeling" in Rod Stewart's release "It Had to Be You: The Great American Songbook." His diverse style can be heard on albums like Gloria Estefan's "Into the Light." He also has made a contribution on albums by Johnny Mathis, Frank Sinatra and Paul Anka. This movie emphasizes his virtuoso technical ability and his specialty in high notes. He also is shown playing the piano and is known for lyrically improvising a ballad. He also had the privilege of creating and performing the score for this movie. The story of his own life. He explains: "When the idea for the movie came up, I was happy to be able to tell my story, but even happier to write the film score," he says. "Music for movies has been my life's passion, and this was my first and biggest step in that direction........." In the movie, Arturo (Cuban-American actor Andy García) is thinking about defecting when he meets Marianela (Mia Maestro). She becomes more important to him than freedom. Their beliefs are on the opposite sides of the political spectrum and yet their love binds them to one another as they try to overlook their political differences. Marianela represents family loyalty and the way people who live in Cuba really think. It shows how Marianela goes from being completely loyal to a dictator to having her eyes opened to the reality of the situation. She falls completely in love with this talented musician but fears he may leave her like her first husband. Arturo has also been married before and while he is willing to spend his entire life with Marianela, she has her doubts and issues with trust. She has been betrayed by the government she supported. "What I feel about you. I've never felt it before ... I don't trust it." -Marianela This movie is at times so romantic. Especially the scene where Marianela and Arturo are dancing and when she wakes him up after he spends the night sleeping on a grave. The scene overlooking the ocean is so pristine. After performing with the Cuban Orchestra of Modern Music, he was allowed to start a group called Irakere that promoted a combination of Cuban music and jazz. In 1981 he then leaves Irakere to form his own band. He believes he has a gift to give the world and is fighting a force that threatened to drown his true love, music. After living with his wife in Cuba and starting a family, he decides it is time to leave. He believes that by defecting to the United States he is rejecting a system that kills confidence and personality. Rejecting a government that controls everything to the point that people lose their desire to achieve. The government finally tries to control Sandoval's music and his dream for greater artistic expression. While on a European tour, he leaves for a secret meeting at the U.S. Embassy. Sandoval was granted political asylum in July 1990. Since his defection, Sandoval has increased his classical performances world wide including performances with the National Symphony, L.A. Philharmonic, National Symphony of Washington D.C. and Pittsburgh Symphony. "This was such a blessing for me. I thank God everyday for being here in this wonderful country and sharing my music. This experience has been very rewarding. I hope that our modest musical contribution here today shows we stand united and strong and that we are America the Beautiful." ~Arturo Sandoval speaking of his opportunity to share his music at the White House Even Arturo says he would like to go back to visit his homeland, but under a different government. "Flight to Freedom" was his first recording immediately following his defection. An emotional movie about the desire to use your God-given talents without repression from those who don't see beauty in the soul. This movie really is about having a dream and finding your true purpose in life. This is a movie about beauty and sadness with a happy ending. Life is truly a dream for those who are free and yet at times even if you are free, you can feel that you are in a prison of yourself. There are times when a person feels they have so much to give and they can't find an outlet for their gift to the world. In such a case a person can at times risk everything for the freedom of expression and the freedom to grow as a person, as a soul. If you never follow your dreams, you might not be really free. A movie about Romance and Freedom everyone should see! Especially romantics and those who love Jazz.
Rating:
Summary: I never enjoyed trumpetmusic
Review: I must admit I bought this movie ONLY because Andy Garcia played a role. I didn't expect anything of the film, it sure didn't sound very interesting. But how wrong I was! Through the film I learned to like the music of the trumpet. Arturo Sandoval is giving the trumpet a life of its own, with fantastic expressions of feelings. I have after seeing the film listned to more trumpets and it is fantastic! It isn't all films I have gotten so much out of.
Rating:
Summary: BEAUTIFUL music photography acting story !!!
Review: I WISH that the cinema had such wonderful films to offer as this would be exciting to view and hear in a real theatre as opposed to a television. The production values are fabulous and the acting and story feel as real as ....THEY ARE! I would thank HBO for making such a terrific picutre AND releassing it on DVD, which also contains a wonderful featurette on the making of the film. I am sure the next review will be for the soundtrack which I just purchased and is equally stunning. If you like movies with interesting characters, involving stories, wonderful scenery and filmed with an artistic point of view...THIS is for you.
Rating:
Summary: Between the politics and love
Review: This a nicely made movie based on the life of Arturo Sandoval, a Cuban (-American) jazz musician. Between his love for jazz and for his wife the great musician is stuck between international politics. Great Jazz performances (including Dizzy G.) and beautiful photography, Andy Garcia is being a great actor that he is shows a great performance in this movie. Little bit of propaganda has slided in but the good music makes it possible to stay blind to that aspect.
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