Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- None
- rhythmic
- warm
- wistful
- music film night
- arthouse evening
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Ruy and Tito must weigh a European recording contract against loved ones and their birthplace in Havana.
The friends' blues band channels Cuban culture while their performances shape the film's emotional and social texture.
The Spanish producer's offer forces the two longtime bandmates to confront divergent hopes for careers and departure.
The musicians' everyday lives and performances in Havana combine intimate drama with a grounded portrait of contemporary Cuban culture.
Films like Habana Blues, and why
Once
music-centered drama about artistic ambition, friendship, and difficult personal choices
The Commitments
musician protagonists balancing creative dreams, relationships, and economic uncertainty
A Star Is Born
emotionally intimate musical drama where career opportunities test loyalty and belonging
Movie Details
- Director
- Benito Zambrano
- Release Date
- 2005-03-18
- Runtime
- 115 min
- Rating
- 6.4 / 10 (40)
Cast
- Alberto Yoel
- Roberto San Martín
- Yailene Sierra
- Mayra Rodríguez
- Ernesto Escalona
- Marta Calvó
- Roger Pera
- Osvaldo Doimeadiós
Common questions
- What is Habana Blues about?
- Two Havana musicians face the emotional price of success when a European recording deal turns escape into a test of friendship, love, and Cuban belonging.
- What is Habana Blues like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Habana Blues as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Habana Blues violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Habana Blues.
- Which films are like Habana Blues?
- Films with a similar feel include Once, The Commitments, and A Star Is Born.
- How long is Habana Blues?
- Habana Blues runs 115 minutes.
