The “Friday Foreign Film” series at Coos Bay Public Library continues at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 14th. The award-winning animated feature “Chico and Rita” (Spain, 2010) is this month’s feature. A love affair between two musicians spans six decades, numerous countries and political regimes in this animated romantic drama. Beginning in 1948, set within the splendor of Cuban culture, history and music, “Chico & Rita” tells a tale of passion and creation worthy of a bolero, the Latin America ballad of anguish and heartache. Chico is a young piano player with big dreams. Rita is a beautiful singer with an extraordinary voice. One night, Chico sees Rita singing at a nightclub and finds love at first sight. Their new love is interrupted by Chico’s girlfriend and Rita flees, vowing never to see him again. Luckily, Chico’s best friend Ramon convinces Rita to enter a radio contest with Chico and the two quickly resume their love affair by beginning a musical partnership. After a misunderstanding, an impresario convinces Rita to follow him to New York, where he advances her career. Chico and Ramon follow, landing in Harlem at the beginning of the bop era. Rita and Chico embark on separate, successful endeavors. Over the years their paths cross, the flame reignites, then something intervenes to pull them apart, including the ripple effect of Castro’s takeover. Old Havana is recreated with masterful fervor; the filmmakers use warm, bright hues to capture the charms and vibrancy of this captivating city. The palette shifts towards a monochromatic tone when the narrative moves to New York, and the result is a striking contrast between differing cultures. The film is also rife with jazz history With an original soundtrack by legendary Cuban pianist and five-time Grammy-winning composer Bebo Valdés, Chico & Rita captures a defining moment in the evolution of history and jazz, and features the music of (and animated cameos by) Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, Cole Porter, Dizzy Gillespie, Woody Herman, Tito Puente, Chano Pozo, and others.The “Friday Foreign Film” series, sponsored by the Friends of Coos Bay Public Library, is normally held on the second Friday of the month and is free to the public. Many of these films are not rated and parental discretion is advised. For more information call 269-1101.
