El Cantante [DVD] (2007) DVD

Loved it great documentary/movie

I felt El Cantante was excellent. It was not a typical music themed biopic. It had me thinking about it long after I'd finished watching it, which is unusual for me. As an African-American woman born in the late 60's, I literally listened to all types of music growing up from the Beatles, Aretha Franklin, Andrae Crouch, Simon & Garfunkel, Peter Frampton, Chicago, Michael Jackson, Johnny Cash, Jose Feliciano, Billy Preston, Jimmy Smith, Burt Bacharach, Miles Davis, Ray Charles, Charlie Pride, and the list goes on. My father is a musician and has all of these and other artists on vinyl records. I remember listening to Miles Davis at six years old and just getting in a zone; understanding just by listening to his music the dissonance vs consonance in Jazz. While I definitely agree that the movie focused alot on Lavoe's drug usage, it did give me a sense of the type of pressure he had to keep up with the rise of success. This movie showed the silent, yet common problem that crosses all genres and that's the inability to cope with the rapid movement of success and the peer pressure that goes along with it; the inability to say 'no' to drugs because that's what you do when you can't cope. The oxymoron of the successful failures that come with being a superstar. I would have liked to learn more about his contribution to the genre and more about the music as well and how Lavoe took Salsa to a higher level of awareness. I love Salsa. Marc Anthony actually is my favorite singer of the genre. I thought he and JLo did an excellent job of acting.My final thought is that the story is about Hector Lavoe. Perhaps, the reason why they focused so much on his addiction to drugs is because that's the story. He self-imploded before he could really take Salsa to the next level. He had two strong ladies in his life. He loved one more than the other. They were both companions. They were both by his side. They were both competing for his attention. They were both strong willed, but neither was his music! The drugs were metaphorical, in my opinion. They provided him with a sense of fulfillment that he didn't have in his family, his marriage, or his music. So, overall, I think this is definitely one of my favorite movies. I like the concept of how the story was told. I rented it first but now having seen the movie, I am going to purchase it. I hope this helps.

Loved it

As a mid-western Gringo, Salsa music was not something I heard a lot of. In addition, I was not aware of the variety of cultures and genres in 1970’s New York City. This 2006 biopic is effective in showing the rise of Latin based music, specifically from Puerto Rico by way of Hector Lavoe (1946-1993). As much a project featuring Jennifer Lopez, together with Marc Anthony they effectively convey the life and career of Hector Lavoe, and his wife, Nilda “Puchi” Roman.In addition to their commendable performances, the other “star” of this movie is the music. Many of Hector’s hits are featured, often with convincing “live” concert performances. Salsa is a unique blend of other music genres, as well as instruments and this is authentically presented.The music and acting keep this movie afloat as the “plot” is a story all too familiar to those who watch a lot of music related biopics. Basically, Hector’s success leads to overindulgences which then leads to a career slide and death. It seems many current biopics choose to focus on stories with tragic endings. It’s difficult to find one with an encouraging or uplifting conclusion. I guess train wrecks are more exciting to watch than on-time arrivals.Regardless of the predictable story arc, the biopic is both educational – in terms of learning about 1970’s New York, as well as the rise in popularity of Salsa music – and entertaining. Maybe not a movie I would watch multiple times, but this Gringo did enjoy his first viewing.

This film is truley the best kept secret. Jenifer Lopez completely steps out of her comfort zone in this role and delivers a heartfelt performance that will blow you away! Marc Anthony kills it as the famous Puerto Rican singer Hector Lavoe. The film is real and gritty and tells a not so pretty story. Whats cool is that it shows the dark side of Lavoe and his wife Puchi 's relationship. I sincerely think this film has stayed somewhat underground because many just dont know who Lavoe is. Bottom line, it doesnt matter the film is good. JLo showed her talent as an actress with more range than you might think, and Marc Anthony is a 100 percent pure talent. Together they crush it! Directed by Leon Ichaso 2007.

Great movie !!!

This movie was very affordable. The chemistry between Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez is amazing ! (Obviously, they were married for a time) I love the story, PERIOD. The quality of this DVD is very high and the shipper did not disappoint. I highly recommend buying this heartfelt and raw movie if You love latin music.

Que buena película

I can't begin to tell you how much Hector Levao was and is loved,in the NY Latin scene. He was like the Porto Rican Elvis, of the1970s.What we have here, is an average Bio-pic, but with greatmusic. A well filmed and well acted movie, but, not a great Bio-pic.Jlo and Marc Anthony were married at the time of making this film,and this was a bit of a passion project for them, as they both sharePorto Rican roots. This is a Nuyorican soap opera, because that iswhat Hector Levao life was, a sad soap opera. A tragedy after tragedy.This movies deals with his drug addiction and music career, and Jloand Anthony give good performances, but, it does drag on a bit. Hisearly career with Willie Colon and their El Malo/Boogaloo days areskipped over, and we get the story of the start of Salsa... But the1970s, is well covered. This maybe a movie, for Latin music loversonly?... . I donno... .

If you are a J-Lo fan, you'll love this film. If you are a salsa fan, you'll love it even more. I bought this as used - vgc. It arrived before time, well packed and was as described by the seller, so I have no hesitation in recommending them to you.

I am Latino and really enjoy buying in Amazon cds dvds of my favourites artists, El Cantante is a great dvd, the life story of the famous late singer Hector Lavoe. Both Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony do a very good performance, I really enjoy it!

I loved this film, which gives an insight on the life of one the most amazing singers in the salsa history. Mark Anthony's performance is stunning

This movie is only for people who like salsa music. jennifer is okay, but the movie boring!. Not so much action or drama.