OK for kids 16+
Sweet but mature animated love story is aimed at grown-ups.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that the Oscar-nominated Chico & Rita may be animated, but it isn't aimed at kids. It's a grown-up love story about two Cuban musicians who fall for each other hard but can't always make it work. There are some bitter arguments with plenty of swearing (mostly in Spanish, with English subtitles), some sex scenes complete with realistic cartoon nudity, and a good deal of drinking and smoking.
- Families can talk about Chico and Rita's relationship. Do you think they were meant to be together? Is there such a thing? Or is it a fiction promoted by movies, books, and TV shows?
- Do you think animation is the right medium for this type of story? Can you imagine the same film using live-action actors? Do cartoons have to be aimed at children?
The good stuff
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Messages: The main message is that some people just seem to be meant together, no matter what barriers come between them. The main characters are tempestuous lovers, but behind their spats, they're crazy about each other, and their relationship transcends distance, time, and other complications.
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Role models: Chico isn't always the best boyfriend, letting his jealousy get the better of him, picking fights, and even straying at times. And Rita may not be the best girlfriend, either, as she leaves him behind to pursue fame and fortune. But they both eventually realize who they're meant to be with.
What to watch for
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Violence: A few animated conflicts, including a realistic slap-fight between two women, a car chase, and a not totally realistic drug-related shooting that leaves a man dead.
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Sex: Several relatively graphic sex scenes (all animated) that show nude women, as well as lots of kissing and some suggestive flirting.
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Language: Some swearing, mostly in Spanish with English subtitles, including "bitch," "dammit" and "s--t."
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: A lot of drinking, mostly in bars. Some characters get drunk and provoke arguments. Several people smoke cigarettes and cigars, and one person tries to get high smoking marijuana.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
Chico and Rita by sharonk410
If you love great old Cuban jazz, this is a must see! It's an animated film for adults with a sound track of some of the best of that genre - featuring Bebo Valdes, Chano Pozo, Dizzy, Coltrane. The movie is deeply sentimental, passionate, and uses a unique style to tell the story.
5
a very beautiful story with great images and great music by gpompilj
I was not very eager to go see a 'cartoon' but now I am so glad that I saw this movie that I want to see it again
5
Watch it! It is great by nina7285
Watch it! It is great. Make sure you brush up on your Cuban Spanish, some of the funniest lines are in Spanish and the translation doesn't do justice
5
Chico & Rita by freemanshore
Brilliant in all respects. An animated film for adults. The visual style and direction were perfect for the story and music. It's worth seeing the film for the music alone which had me tapping my foot the whole time. Just a wonderful movie in every way. The audience at my showing broke into applause at the end of the film. Run, don't walk to see "Chico & Rita."
4
Loved it! by jms30s
The animation is beautiful & realistic - you forget you are watching an animation. The soundtrack is fantastic -- can't wait for it to be available! The only disappointment was the theatre. The 'Angelika New York' theatre has a small screen and the seating is level.
5
Chico & Rit by warshayr
Sensational sound track and stunning visuals! Would highly recommend it!!
Robin W.
5
great by fandango_thanos
I'm get my tickets to Havana tomorrow !