For Love or Country: The Arturo Sandoval Story

Arturo Sandoval is one of the most phenomenal trumpet players the world has in existence today. The story of his love, his passion, and his music are all colorfully depicted in the film. As a musician and jazz connoisseur myself, I feel that Garcia's portrayal of the anguish Sandoval experienced under Castro's regime is excellent. As he reveals his motives for defection to the American ambassador, there is a sense of unspoken understanding as to the reasons that Sandoval decides to defect.

If you walk away from this movie without any emotion, you just didn't get it. Go out and listen to as much jazz as possible!

As a Cuban-American the Arturo Sandoval story as portrayed in this film was truly a moving experience.

This film " For Love or Country" is the life-story of Arturo Sandoval he's a Cuban trumpet player who loves his country but questions the repressive communist dictatorship. because of the fact that he is a great trumpeter he's allowed some privileges, and it's through these perks that he meets the great jazz musician Dizzy Gillespie. He and Gillespie form a bond that is apparent through the film. Their friendship also make for much needed comic relief , something essential when dealing with such subject matter. Gillespie's antics a truly unique., and It is through this friendship that the wheels are set in motion for Sandoval's defection.

Sandoval knows that his wife and child would immediately be targeted by the communist authorities in Cuba, should he follow through with his defection. He's a brave man who faced with a serious decision, takes courageous steps ., and with the help of Gillespie , arranges to defect. Problem is that will his family be able to join him in exile. That is the main plot of the film . How can he escape Cuba, and have his family join him.

This is one of Andy Garcia' so best acting roles. He conveys to the world the ugly reality of the Cuban experience in our search for freedom.

This film truly is among the best I've seen.

I have always been an Andy Garcia Fan. The first thing I remember seeing him in was in the 1980's. I think he is a truly GREAT actor. He demonstrates a sensitivity and compassion that I have never seen duplicated by another actor.

In this movie, about his beloved Cuba, his performance is without equal. He becomes Arturo. You are there with him and his family, you begin to understand the suffering and pain the revolution brought down upon the Cuban people. It will make you love Cuba, and the Cuban people, even as you hate the regime that destroyed their way of life. In my opinion, this is a MUST see movie. I gave it a 10/10.

A romanticized dramatic biography, "For Love or County" tells the true story of trumpet virtuoso Arturo Sandoval's escape from Cuba and oppression of artistic expression. A well composed and entertaining production, this film packs ideological and political conflict, a love story, and plenty of authentic Sandoval music into a two hour run. Perhaps most importantly, the film makes clear that freedom of musical expression is, to the musician, as important as freedom of speech; especially when that music is jazz.

This is the true story of Arturo Sandoval, the fabulous jazz trumpet player, who defected to the United States to enjoy artistic freedom. It is a wonderful plot. I didn't sense any gross "artistic freedom" in the story. It seemed to ring true all the way through.

The plot is not complex and the direction is straightforward. It doesn't take a lot to keep up with the story, but it is a good way to pass the time. The soundtrack, played by Arturo Sandoval, is what makes this movie special.