Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- melancholic
- sweeping
- tense
- classic romance night
- historical drama night
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film handsomely produced but dramatically inert, with its convincing recreation of pre-revolutionary Cuba disconnected from a turgid romance.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Jack's attachment to Bobby is tested by her continuing support for the Cuban revolution and willingness to risk arrest.
Jack's identity as a professional gambler and pursuit of the major poker game conflict with the more principled person he might become.
The film presents pre-revolution Havana with a large-scale, polished recreation of its social and political milieu.
Jack arrives to organize gambling but becomes involved after Bobby and Arturo are arrested and persecuted.
Films like Havana, and why
Casablanca
period political romance combining personal desire, revolutionary upheaval, and polished studio filmmaking
The Year of Living Dangerously
romantic drama set against political conflict, with a charismatic outsider forced to choose between self-interest and moral commitment
The Quiet American
sweeping historical romance where gambling, danger, and political turmoil complicate an emotionally conflicted protagonist
Movie Details
- Director
- Sydney Pollack
- Release Date
- 1990-12-11
- Runtime
- 144 min
- Rating
- 5.8 / 10 (169)
Cast
- Robert Redford
- Lena Olin
- Alan Arkin
- Tomas Milian
- Daniel Davis
- Tony Plana
- Betsy Brantley
- Lise Cutter
- Richard Farnsworth
- Mark Rydell
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Havana about?
- A professional gambler in pre-revolutionary Havana must choose between a life-changing poker game and the woman whose revolutionary convictions expose her to mortal danger.
- What is Havana like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Havana as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Havana violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Havana as moderate.
- What did critics think of Havana?
- Critics broadly found the film handsomely produced but dramatically inert, with its convincing recreation of pre-revolutionary Cuba disconnected from a turgid romance.
- Which films are like Havana?
- Films with a similar feel include Casablanca, The Year of Living Dangerously, and The Quiet American.
- How long is Havana?
- Havana runs 144 minutes.
- Where can I watch Havana?
- In United States, Havana is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
