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Poster for The Mambo Kings

The Mambo Kings

Seen it?

1992 | 104 min | Drama, Music

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (82% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a box office flop and a lukewarm 6.4 out of 10 from audiences. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved Dirty Dancing, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 44 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated R: meant for adults.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

The Mambo Kings tells the story of César and Nestor Castillo, brothers and aspiring musicians who flee from Cuba to America in search of the American Dream.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    82% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesBelow par

    6.4 out of 10

  • AwardsBelow par

    Nominated for 1 Golden Globe.

  • Box office & staying powerWeak

    $7 million worldwide

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 56K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Arne Glimcher

  • Antonio BanderasNestor Castillo
  • Armand AssanteCesar Castillo
  • Cathy MoriartyLanna Lake
  • Maruschka DetmersDelores Fuentes
  • Pablo CalogeroRamon - The Mambo Kings Band
  • Scott CohenBernardito - The Mambo Kings Band
  • Desi Arnaz Jr.Desi Arnaz Sr.
  • Mario GrilloMario - The Mambo Kings Band
  • Ralph IrizarryPito - The Mambo Kings Band
  • Pete MacnamaraJohnny Bing - The Mambo Kings Band