Belle epoque (1992)

Here's What Cuba's Animated 'Chico & Rita' Has In Common With Fellow Oscar Nominee 'The Artist'

With its jubilant, colorfully expressionistic style enlivening an old-fashioned love story, the delightful "Chico & Rita" might not look out of place in a retrospective of classic MGM musicals, save for two details: It's neither American nor live action. Sporting a whopping three directors, this time-spanning Cuban tale of passion follows a pair of musically charged lovers as they come together and break apart over the course of several decades. An Oscar nominee for Best Animated Feature, "Chico & Rita" would have taken center stage at the same awards show 50 years ago. Today, it's a slight but touching exercise carried by brilliant visuals and a bouncy soundtrack that won't quit. Its two main directors, Fernando Trueba (" Belle Epoque ") and noted designer Javier Mariscal ( Tono Errando , Mariscal's brother and a comparative unknown, takes the third credit), team with musical composer Bebo Valdés for a dazzling
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