The Lost City
Magnolia Pictures | Release Date: April 28, 2006
8.0
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 52 Ratings
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39
Mixed:
6
Negative:
7
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2
OlegM.May 30, 2006
This movie is beyond ridiculous even if you don't pay attention to the political propaganda. Andy Garcia proves that a chinless man cannot be trusted with a determined action, but have his eyes watering at every opportunity. Who This movie is beyond ridiculous even if you don't pay attention to the political propaganda. Andy Garcia proves that a chinless man cannot be trusted with a determined action, but have his eyes watering at every opportunity. Who financed this joke?… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
10
BarbaraL.May 16, 2006
Multi-faceted, intelligent work of heart and beauty. This movie looms large !
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
FifiC.May 29, 2006
Great Movie. Tells the true story. God Bless Cuba.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
JayW.May 3, 2006
Moving and artful but historically flawed by an inexplicable, total failure to depict the dreary economic conditions of ordinary Cubanos before Batista's downfall. Having spent a few days on that Island during 1958, I can attest that Moving and artful but historically flawed by an inexplicable, total failure to depict the dreary economic conditions of ordinary Cubanos before Batista's downfall. Having spent a few days on that Island during 1958, I can attest that the lives of the ninety-nine percent who were not wealthy (as are all in the film) was exceedingly grim.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
HumbertoF.May 4, 2006
Andy Garcia blew it big-time with his movie The Lost City. He blew it with the mainstream critics that is. Almost unanimously, they're ripping a movie 16 years in the making. In this engaging drama of a middle-class Cuban family Andy Garcia blew it big-time with his movie The Lost City. He blew it with the mainstream critics that is. Almost unanimously, they're ripping a movie 16 years in the making. In this engaging drama of a middle-class Cuban family crumbling during free Havana's last days, in which he both directs and stars, Garcia insisted on depicting some historical truth about Cuba--a grotesque and unforgivable blunder in his industry. He's now paying the price. Earlier, many film festivals refused to screen it. Now many Latin American countries refuse to show it. The film's offenses are many and varied. Most unforgivable of all, Che Guevara is shown killing people in cold blood. Who ever heard of such nonsense? And just where does this uppity Andy Garcia get the effrontery to portray such things? The man obviously doesn't know his place. And just where did Garcia get this preposterous notion of pre-Castro Cuba as a relatively prosperous but politically troubled place, they ask? All the Cubans he portrays seem middle class? Where in his movie is the tsunami of stooped and starving peasants that carried Fidel and Che into Havana on it's crest, they ask? Where's all those diseased and illiterate laborers and peasants my professors, Dan Rather, CNN and Oliver Stone told me about, ask the critics? Garcia--that cinematic bomb-thrower--has seriously jolted the Mainstream Media's fantasies and hallucinations of pre-Castro Cuba, of Che, of Fidel, and of Cubans in general. In consequence, the critics are unnerved and disoriented. Their annoyance and scorn is spewing forth in review after review. Garcia blew it. If only his characters had spoken with accents like John Belushi's as a Saturday Night Live Killer Bee! If only they'd dressed like The Three Amigos! If only they'd behaved like Cheech and Chong! If only they'd mimicked the mannerisms and gait of Freddie Prinze in Chico and the Man! If only the women had piled a roadside fruit stand on their head like Carmen Miranda in Road to Rio! If only the cast had looked like the little guy who handles my luggage when I visit Cancun! Or the guys who do my lawn! Everybody knows that's what Hispanics look like! If only masses of Cubans had been shown toiling in salt mines like Spartacus, or picking crops like Tom Joad or getting lashed by a vicious landlord like Kunta Kinte, or hustling for a living like Ratso Rizzo! "In a movie about the Cuban revolution, we almost never see any of the working poor for whom the revolution was supposedly fought,"sniffs Peter Reiner in The Christian Science Monitor. "The Lost City' misses historical complexity." Actually what's missing is Mr. Reiner's historical knowledge. Andy Garcia and screenwriter Guillermo Cabrera Infante knew full well that "the working poor" had no role in the stage of the Cuban Revolution shown in the movie. The Anti-Batista rebellion was led and staffed overwhelmingly by Cuba's middle-- and especially, upper-- class. To wit: in August of 1957 Castro's rebel movement called for a "National Strike" against the Batista dictatorship --and threatened to shoot workers who reported to work. The "National Strike" was completely ignored. Another was called for April 9, 1958. And again Cuban workers blew a loud and collective raspberry at their "liberators," reporting to work en masse. "Garcia's tale bemoans the loss of easy wealth for a precious few, " harrumphs Michael Atkinson in The Village Voice. "Poor people are absolutely absent; Garcia and Infante seem to have thought that peasant revolutions happen for no particular reason… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
[Anonymous]Jun 1, 2006
This was a wonderful movie. It kept our attention throughout.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
JimG.Jun 25, 2006
Smarmy fat-cat pitty party. Who cares about these characters?
[***SPOILERS***] Wealthy playboy has his club taken away. Then, rather than staying to fight for a principle (he doesn't have one as far as we can tell other than be rich Smarmy fat-cat pitty party. Who cares about these characters?
[***SPOILERS***] Wealthy playboy has his club taken away. Then, rather than staying to fight for a principle (he doesn't have one as far as we can tell other than be rich and party) goes to New York to rebulid. Just more propaganda (note tall he political rants that accompany this flick). Would have had at least a scintillla of respect for him if he had stayed and fighted to keep Cuba free for the capitalists like his rotund, cigar-chomping tio for whom we should supposedly feel sorry. Andy Garcia is looking pudgy and seeing his manicured fingernails (after he presumably has been washing dishes for weeks) says a lot.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
LulusG.Jun 5, 2006
Extremely moving, amazing cinematography and an extraordinary musical socre. Some criticts talk about historical inacuract. Extremely moving, amazing cinematography, and glorious music. Some critics talk about historical inaccuracies, Extremely moving, amazing cinematography and an extraordinary musical socre. Some criticts talk about historical inacuract. Extremely moving, amazing cinematography, and glorious music. Some critics talk about historical inaccuracies, mainly the portrayal of Che Guevara as an assassin. Ironically, the movie is historically accurate. Separate from his many recorded speeches, Che kept a diary up until his death and it he recounted in detail many of the killings "with a bullet to the temple" of uncooperative peasants and people suspect of not adhering to the revolution's dogma. His motto was 'When in doubt, kill him… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
AlfredoR.May 10, 2006
The truth about Che Guevara is finally shown in a movie.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
JimGMay 14, 2006
Actually, a very, very good movie. Beautiful cinematography and great music. I expected the story and directing to be tedious possibly, after reading some reviews. I now wonder why those reviewers couldn't follow what was being said. It Actually, a very, very good movie. Beautiful cinematography and great music. I expected the story and directing to be tedious possibly, after reading some reviews. I now wonder why those reviewers couldn't follow what was being said. It all made sense to me, and it was told very well. I was in Havana last month and it is a beautiful city...that has deteriorated for years. Great trip in a country of contrasts. The people are beautiful and warm. Havana has the largest amount of colonial architecture in the Americas. I believe it can become a city like Prague in terms of tourist attraction. Yet the people are very poor. The visitors to the country use a different currency than the residents, and everything is divided along those lines. The children seem happy and there is universal education and healthcare. There is a sense of "The Revolution" everywhere and also a sense of waiting...... For things to change and get better. This movie gives a true perspective of how one dictator replaced another. I recommend the film to everyone.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
3
DaveF.May 16, 2006
Andy Garcia's homage to the good ol' days of Batista and US imperialism has about as much political depth as Sean Hannity and about as much character development as a Mentos commercial. Some fine acting by Garcia and excellent Andy Garcia's homage to the good ol' days of Batista and US imperialism has about as much political depth as Sean Hannity and about as much character development as a Mentos commercial. Some fine acting by Garcia and excellent music (much of it by Garcia as well), but I'm left wondering if anyone in Cuba had any material reason to want a revolution in the first place.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
OdessaC.May 19, 2006
An excellent movie, good acting and great music!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
LourdesR.May 2, 2006
this Is the best movie I have seen, the most realistic movie, I lived through it with my parents, so I know exactly the way it is. the music, scenery and everything is espectacular. congratulations to Andy Garcia for such wonderful movie.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
EduardoN.May 28, 2006
Excellent story - the music is great. My wife and I throughly enjoyed this movie.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
AntonioJMontotoBilbaoMay 28, 2006
Great movie, being a Cuban/American I am proud of Andy Garcia and Lost City, well done!!!!!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
MariaE.May 28, 2006
I was very young when I left Cuba but seeing the movie with my Mom she relived her past and as the movie was happening, she would be explaining things to me. Cubans are very family oriented and this movie certainly depicts how communism I was very young when I left Cuba but seeing the movie with my Mom she relived her past and as the movie was happening, she would be explaining things to me. Cubans are very family oriented and this movie certainly depicts how communism affect even the closest family. The music is fabulous. This movie certainly needs more exposure and it would be nice to see a continuation of another movie similar to this one. American people need to see what we Cuban's went through and how our country was destroyed by Fidel Castro.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
CelinaM.May 28, 2006
Andy's picture is the best that has come out to tell the "true" cuban crisis when Fidel Castro took power. I know, I was there, about the peasants that everybody seems to care about, there were not many and less of all in all the cities Andy's picture is the best that has come out to tell the "true" cuban crisis when Fidel Castro took power. I know, I was there, about the peasants that everybody seems to care about, there were not many and less of all in all the cities in Cuba. There was money in Cuba, remember we had Sugar and Tabaco and Rum, and the economy was good. Peasants came from the sugar fields, workers, and even they all had $5 in their pockets always to spend. Five dollars went a long way at that time (1950s). Che Guevara was an assassin of the first degree and not a person to be idolized and made a hero like many people try to make him. He may be a good face to put on T-shirts and make money from, but he was the most depicable man on this earth, a real cold blood murderer (I had a friend that was asassinated by him at the wall). The picture is very well made, even if they say its long, it could have been longer and still not tell of all the inhumaties that Castro and his band of evil has done to Cuba. We can't wait for a sequel of the movie, excellent job to everyone that work on making this film a reality. Celina M.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
MariluC.May 29, 2006
The Lost City, is a wanderful movie because it shows the true reality of what happenned in Cuba.The true history of Cuba that has been silenced by the media on this country. We are very proud that Andy Garcia had the courage to do this The Lost City, is a wanderful movie because it shows the true reality of what happenned in Cuba.The true history of Cuba that has been silenced by the media on this country. We are very proud that Andy Garcia had the courage to do this movie. God bless America and its freedom.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
MayraN.May 30, 2006
I watched this movie through tears, re living my own sad and devasting family moments as a child in Cuba ready to depart with my family for the unknown. The Cuban story is sad, but thanks to Andy Garcia's passion for truth, the real I watched this movie through tears, re living my own sad and devasting family moments as a child in Cuba ready to depart with my family for the unknown. The Cuban story is sad, but thanks to Andy Garcia's passion for truth, the real story has been told even, if it took 16 years. How unfortunate that the so-called critics have ripped this movie to pieces without doing their research on Cuban history. I guess the truth doesn't sell. As a Cuban-American, I feel proud and have the utmost respect for Andy Garcia. Andy, thanks for your courage. Thanks for the telling the world our truth. … Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
LuP.Jul 16, 2006
This movie magnificently brought to life the memories my grandparents would share with me of the Cuba they left in 1958, and left me in tears. Only those with no connection to Cuba can question the accuracy of the story told by Andy Garcia - This movie magnificently brought to life the memories my grandparents would share with me of the Cuba they left in 1958, and left me in tears. Only those with no connection to Cuba can question the accuracy of the story told by Andy Garcia - the story of those who left the Cuba they loved because of the violence and oppression involved with the "revolution."… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
3
MarkS.Jul 4, 2006
Descended into self-parody. Interesting idea, some nice music, and scattered effective scenes, but the execution often left one squirming. Reminiscent of high school drama or (at some points) a beer commercial. The romance was as hot as an Descended into self-parody. Interesting idea, some nice music, and scattered effective scenes, but the execution often left one squirming. Reminiscent of high school drama or (at some points) a beer commercial. The romance was as hot as an animal cracker. Clunky political dialogue on all sides. Bill Murray looked like he walked onto the wrong set. And where was the editor?… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
HansB.Aug 16, 2006
The film is nicely done with beautiful pictures, but there is too much dead weight, if you know what I mean. Bill Murray's charactar, the excessive dancing, the shows, etc. distracted the attention and made it all too long.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
A.M.Sep 26, 2006
I liked the story and the cinematography. The acting? Overall pretty good, although Bill Murray's character should have been axed, inappropiate and not funny. Dustin Hoffman's was too short and didn't add too much to the I liked the story and the cinematography. The acting? Overall pretty good, although Bill Murray's character should have been axed, inappropiate and not funny. Dustin Hoffman's was too short and didn't add too much to the story. It was a little slow at times and could have been shortened. Ines Sastre was surprisingly good for a model... It just lacked something, can't put my finger on it. Directing maybe? It just didn't flow.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
AmyB.May 2, 2008
Mr Garcia i loved this movie, What a moving love story. I love Cuban food, music,culture and you really captured it all . I have been to Cuba, its sad what happened their.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
HecmaA.Dec 17, 2006
I was telling my mother tonight that it seemed that Andy García made this movie for Cubans and Venezuelans as well. I watched the movie with my mother and boyfriend as we cried seeing exactly what is going on in my country at the I was telling my mother tonight that it seemed that Andy García made this movie for Cubans and Venezuelans as well. I watched the movie with my mother and boyfriend as we cried seeing exactly what is going on in my country at the moment. I congratulate Andy García for his courage and hope Cuba will finally be free. We all hope that in Venezuela this will not happen but we are seeing it all.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
JuanMB.May 28, 2006
This is a great movie unaffected by Fidel Castro´s multi-million dollar investment in media PR. This is a truly great movie that depicts the realities of life in Cuba prior to Castro´s destructive revolution.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
MariH.May 28, 2006
Refreshing to see a realistic perspective of the impact of the cuban revolution and a true portrayal of Che for the assasin that he was instead of how he has been portrayed by Hollywood in the past.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
CotyE.May 28, 2006
All my Family and Friends have seen "The Lost City" 2 and 3 Times, I enjoyed the second time even more than the first. It touched my Family and I, because of our personal experiences that We endured during that time in Cuba. Congratulatios All my Family and Friends have seen "The Lost City" 2 and 3 Times, I enjoyed the second time even more than the first. It touched my Family and I, because of our personal experiences that We endured during that time in Cuba. Congratulatios to Andy Garcia for voicing the truth about Cuba for the first time!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
2
ChrisW.Aug 19, 2006
Snoozefeast-a-palooza! There's so much talent on the screen and none of it comes through. A boring story that has way too many distractions. I never thought that I would be disapointed seeing Andy Garcia, Bill Murray, and Dustin Hoffman Snoozefeast-a-palooza! There's so much talent on the screen and none of it comes through. A boring story that has way too many distractions. I never thought that I would be disapointed seeing Andy Garcia, Bill Murray, and Dustin Hoffman in the same movie and in the same scene! I guess there's a lesson to be learned from this movie... what it is... I have no idea.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
jrmNov 29, 2007
Generally not a fan of Garcia but this film is absolutely fantastic. Plot, history and especially characters are unforgettable.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
RobertI.Jan 27, 2007
Beautiful, elegiac, too long, sometimes too sentimental, but evocative of a place now lost.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
ManoloE.Sep 24, 2008
I thoroughly enjoyed the movie, with two exceptons that I will elaborate on later. The music and cinematography in the movie was extraordinary, as well as the sets used in the making of the movie. The sets and costumes lend to the feel of I thoroughly enjoyed the movie, with two exceptons that I will elaborate on later. The music and cinematography in the movie was extraordinary, as well as the sets used in the making of the movie. The sets and costumes lend to the feel of the movie, just as the Casablanca set and costumes did for that movie; it transports you to that place and time. Now to the two exceptions that keep me from giving the movie a higher score: I understand that the writer included Bill Murray's character as a sort of subconscious of the writer and as a way to keep those not interested in the storyline from walking out of the theatres. Truth be told, the Murray character actually detracts from the real story and the seriousness of the same. The second issue deals with the portrayal of President Batista as a sort of comical figure (combing his eyebrows with a comb and spit, making comical remarks to his butler, etc.). Anyone who has read about Fulgencio Batista will tell you that he was far from being that way; if anything, he was at the other end of the spectrum; he was a former military leader who really had little time for distractions or joking around. My take on this portrayal of Batista, is that this was Andy Garcia's way of trying to convince the audience that he is not an opologist for Batista or what he represents. Whatever the reason, this detracts from the movie. At some point, Garcia needed to decide if he wanted to make a serious social movie with a historical background, a comedy or a love story. At times you can combine two of those categories, not all three. My mother's family in pre-Castro Cuba were basically rural farmers whom made a humble living from the crops they harvested, and they were happy living that way. My father 's family were middle class, and they lived a good tranquil life, just like Americans did in 1959 (except for the occasional bomb being set on busses, theatres and other p[laces by Fidel's militia). Having said that, I can tell you without hesitation, that the Cuban revolution had very little to do with the poor and any struggles they might have had, and unlike the newspaper accounts of the ultraliberal New York Times of that era, Fidel and his henchman were far from being "Robin Hoods" ("Robbing Hoods" is more like it). The Cuban revolution was financed by the rich and upper-middle class, whom felt that the U.S. had too many interests in Cuba at the time, and they felt they were being left behind. As was pointed out in a previous post, if you analyze who made up Fidel's cabinet after the revolution, they were members of the upper and upper-middle class (Doctors, accountants, politicians, etc.). What the revolution ultimately accomplished was to push the U.S. out of Cuba, in favor of the Soviet Union. The protagonists of the revolution (Fidel & company) did nothing else but turn Cuba into a socialist nation in which there would only be one class of people, wherein no one had anything (the exception were a privileged few, made up of Fidel's immediate group). Land, businesses and properties were taken from their rightful owners and given to those who were responsible for the overthrow of the government, every block had a "snitch" to report any type of activity that might go against the revolutionary government and family members turned on each other as portrayed in the movie. What I liked the most about the movie is that it portrays people as they were, "Che" Guevara as a ruthless assassin, not the romanticized freedom fighter he has been erroneously portrayed as in other movies , such as the Motorcycle Diaries. Andy Garcia balances things out and remains factual with history, as evidenced by his portrayal of two members of Batista's secret police who were ruthless in their own right. This is a balanced account of reality as it was during and after the revolution! It's a shame that the movie critics did not study the history of the Cuban revolution prior to writing their reviews of the film; had they done so, they may have rated the movie differently. I highly recommend you see this movie!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
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