Chico and Rita (2010)

            Chico and Rita (2010) directed by Tono Errando and Javier Mariscal tells a story about a young piano player named Chico who one day wants to become a famous musician. While Chico is hanging out at a nightclub he falls in love with a talented singer named Rita.  Throughout the film the love between both Chico and Rita is a Roller coaster ride. Throughout the film the two main protagonists are split up because of indifferences in the relationship, which ultimately leads to Rita’s success in the music industry. Chico is finding some success as well he plays in many different nightclubs in NYC, which is how he starts to become noticed. Both Rita and Chico settle their differences at the end of the film, and become lovers again after a long time of struggle and heartache.

            This film revolved around two central themes, which are love and passion. The two characters in this animated film show audiences that relationships can be messy sometimes and that it is filled with ups and down. Chico and Rita relationship throughout the film went through many obstacles and misunderstandings but in the end they found a way to keep it going. Passion is displayed throughout Chico and Rita’s profession. They both care very much about creating music and art. In this film we see the struggles that the music industry presents. Both Chico and Rita have the passion and the will to keep doing what they love, which is to entertain audiences.

            When I saw this film for the first time in class I was taken back. The message, the story, the characters, and the art was fantastic. The music in the film was very authentic as the directors’ goal was to take their audiences back to 1948. The character development throughout the film was very interesting as well. In the beginning of the film we saw the main character, Chico in present day then the story took audiences back in time to when he was young to develop the character and give him background. This film captures the true highs and lows of a relationship. By showing the ups and downs in Chico and Rita’s relationship it gives audiences something to relate to which keeps them interested throughout this film. I truly enjoy this movie and I would love the passion and thinking that went into this film. The reasons in which I stated are probably why this animated love story was nominated for an Academy Award in 2012.