Storyline

Jack Weil (Robert Redford), a professional gambler, enjoys the hedonistic lifestyle of Batista's Cuba, where he is organizing a crucial poker game that could make or break him. He meets seductive Bobby Duran (Lena Olin) and is surprised that she, a wealthy woman, is aiding Fidel Castro and his communist rebels. Apolitical Jack doesn't usually take sides, but after Bobby and her husband, Arturo (Raul Julia), are arrested, he contemplates risking everything to help their cause.

Plot Keywords

gambler, wealthy woman, revolutionary, husband, gangster, cia agent, gripping, sultry, sad, cuba, ship, casino, cuban revolution, smuggling, love triangle, the big game, communism, forbidden love, rescue, transformation, 1950s

Short Review

Always been one of my favorite movies. While Redford was admittedly advanced for the part, his grizzled, worn and weary vibe still fit the aims and ambitions of the character, Jack Weil. Taking place in a time and era very much in flux, I thought the movie did an amazing job balancing the political and social intrigue of the time with the romance at the heart of the movie. While the world shifts under their feet, following devastating events for Bobby and opposing Weil's ultimate goal at untold riches, their undeniable attraction provides them a glimpse to something greater than they'd ever considered before. Somewhat of a history buff, I believe we can legitimately look back at these last days of 1959 in Cuba as a lynchpin for everything that followed, starting when Castro scared President Batista off on his plane, changing history forever. In the end, these are two people finding themselves in the middle of something so much bigger than themselves, and this movie allows you to follow their story as they make their way through it. Many say this is simply a rip-off of Bogart and Bergman's Casablanca. If that's the standard the film has been raised to, well, they can take that as the ultimate compliment.

Trailer

Streaming Service

1. Amazon Video : Rent from $1.99, Or $0.00 with a Prime membership