Reviews (7)

Quite Good; Similar to "Simple Plan" & "Blood Simple"
Dashielle Hammett came up with the original idea that once people committed to murder, their thinking became simple and so they made error after error leading to their own destruction. It was the letting of the blood that converted them into morons. This film runs with that premise as did "Simple Plan" and "Blood Simple". Two deputy sheriffs come across a crime scene that seems too good to be true and within fifteen minutes they become thieves and murderers. From that original activity, all hell proceeds to break loose. This film also has a good natured sense of humor about it and you will find yourself at times laughing at the two leads and their descent into criminality. Well done. We enjoyed it a lot.

Late Night Movie...Lotsa Action...and KYLE!
This film was ALRIGHT...but not much more.
If you have the DVD and haven't seen the movie...DON'T watch the Trailer First like I did! The Trailer gives TOO MUCH away.
Okay movie to watch if you're needing distraction from vaccuming or laundry.

Suspenseful TV thriller.
Two cops arrive at a crime scene with seven shot dead bodies and a suitcase with $1.5 million dollars. They decide to steal the money and don't mention it to anybody. But it turns out one of the shot people weren't dead and has heard everything and soon, they find themselves in deep trouble.

The story is quite interesting. It shows how people can behave in ways they didn't know they were capable of, when they find themselves in strange situations. It's not too predictable and the movie has a nice, sometimes melancholic feeling. All the actors are good, especially Kyle MacLachlan, Wade Williams and Roma Maffia.

I recommend you to see this movie, especially if you liked "A Simple Plan". It's a good, suspenseful thriller.

an awesome B-movie that gets an A+
I saw this by accident on HBO and really got into it. It doesn't stop moving. It's like "A Simple Plan" only better, more pulp-y, and lots of cool twists and turns. Not a bad video to check out for under ...

AWESOME ACTION-THRILLER !!!
ROUTE 9 is an extremely well-crafted rural thriller with gripping performances by Kyle MacLachlan, Wade Williams, Peter Coyote, Miguel Sandoval and Roma Maffia. The story is somewhat comparable to A SIMPLE PLAN, but the twists and turns come faster and more furiously. When two small town deputies find a million and a half bucks in cash at the scene of a drug deal gone bad, they take the money and successfully cover their tracks--or so they think. The director, David Mackay, (who made a film called THE LESSER EVIL which is as good, if not better, than ROUTE 9) does an excellent job of maintaining suspense and tension. The situation becomes perilous, but there is an excellent sense of humor throughout the film. I can't recommend it highly enough!!! ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Between the politics and love
This a nicely made movie based on the life of Arturo Sandoval, a Cuban (-American) jazz musician. Between his love for jazz and for his wife the great musician is stuck between international politics.

Great Jazz performances (including Dizzy G.) and beautiful photography, Andy Garcia is being a great actor that he is shows a great performance in this movie.

Little bit of propaganda has slided in but the good music makes it possible to stay blind to that aspect.

Entertaining, enlightening drama!
Entertaining, enlightening drama! This artistic production (originally an HBO tele-film) presents a touching love story shown against a colorful visual backdrop set to vibrant music. Great acting! I was an admirer of Andy Garcia's talents prior to viewing this piece, which has only increased my appreciation of his abilities (he is also executive producer). Mr.Garcia's love for Cuba and passion for music (jazz) are present throughout as the story, which is predictable (and told in flashbacks) unfolds. The viewer senses the rising frustration of musician Arturo Sandoval (Garcia) at the conflict presented by his human need to freely express his love (music),which is increasingly blocked by the repressive political regime in power, without losing his lover (who becomes his wife) and son. As political developments occur (which are depicted through newsclips viewed by characters), he sadly concludes that he must leave his native Cuba. Mia Maestro as Mrs. Sandoval, a Cuban supporter of the Castro regime at the beginning (a government employee, in fact) similarly experiences an emotional journey which eventually leads her to realize she must follow her husband (and her heart) by agreeing to defect with him. The complications of carrying out this effort provide the essence of the story. Charles Dutton, as Dizzy Gillespie, plays a colorful character who has a pivotal part as the plot unfolds; Gloria Estefan also appears. The story is more poignant because we know that it is a biography, and that Mr. and Mrs. Sandoval provided technical advice. Thank you to Mr. Garcia and to Mr. Sandoval for giving us this story! The sharp technical quality of the DVD format enhances the colorful recreation of 1970's Havanna (the production was actually shot in Puerto Rico and Miami); the edition also includes interviews with cast members.

An amazing story, incredible music
This movie has all it needs to make it worthy of a spot in your video library. Wonderful characterizations by gifted artists, beautiful staging and scenery, a fabulous soundtrack, and a story that made me wonder, "What do I hold so fundamental that I would be willing to risk everything to keep it?" After renting the video, I recommended it to a jazz-music-loving friend, who, in turn, bought me the DVD for my birthday (knowing he can borrow it!). Watching it again motivated me to splurge on tickets to Arturo Sandoval when he came to our area, which was the best night of music I have ever heard. Each time I watch this movie, the story and the music move me. You will not be disappointed.

Escape to Freedom
FOR LOVE OR COUNTRY is based on the true story of Arturo Sandoval who finally cooperates with the Cuban government and even joins the communist party in order to have the freedom to travel internationally. He was living in a country where there was no respect for human rights, let alone freedom of expression in music.

Arturo Sandoval is one of the most brilliant musicians of our time and is known as a protégé of the great Dizzy Gillespie. He was born in Artemisa on November 6, 1949. Artemisa is a small town on the outskirts of Havana, Cuba.

He realized he was a trumpet player when he was eleven. He began studying classical trumpet at the age of twelve. He is now known as one of the world's most acknowledged guardians of jazz trumpet and flugelhorn. As a Professor, Sandoval has lectured internationally.

Filled with a virtuoso capability, he had an intense desire to share his musical gift with those who share the same love for music. Arturo Sandoval appears on the tracks "Moonglow" and "That Old Feeling" in Rod Stewart's release "It Had to Be You: The Great American Songbook." His diverse style can be heard on albums like Gloria Estefan's "Into the Light." He also has made a contribution on albums by Johnny Mathis, Frank Sinatra and Paul Anka.

This movie emphasizes his virtuoso technical ability and his specialty in high notes. He also is shown playing the piano and is known for lyrically improvising a ballad. He also had the privilege of creating and performing the score for this movie. The story of his own life. He explains:

"When the idea for the movie came up, I was happy to be able to tell my story, but even happier to write the film score," he says. "Music for movies has been my life's passion, and this was my first and biggest step in that direction........."

In the movie, Arturo (Cuban-American actor Andy García) is thinking about defecting when he meets Marianela (Mia Maestro). She becomes more important to him than freedom. Their beliefs are on the opposite sides of the political spectrum and yet their love binds them to one another as they try to overlook their political differences.

Marianela represents family loyalty and the way people who live in Cuba really think. It shows how Marianela goes from being completely loyal to a dictator to having her eyes opened to the reality of the situation. She falls completely in love with this talented musician but fears he may leave her like her first husband. Arturo has also been married before and while he is willing to spend his entire life with Marianela, she has her doubts and issues with trust. She has been betrayed by the government she supported.

"What I feel about you. I've never felt it before ... I don't trust it." -Marianela

This movie is at times so romantic. Especially the scene where Marianela and Arturo are dancing and when she wakes him up after he spends the night sleeping on a grave. The scene overlooking the ocean is so pristine.

After performing with the Cuban Orchestra of Modern Music, he was allowed to start a group called Irakere that promoted a combination of Cuban music and jazz. In 1981 he then leaves Irakere to form his own band.

He believes he has a gift to give the world and is fighting a force that threatened to drown his true love, music.

After living with his wife in Cuba and starting a family, he decides it is time to leave. He believes that by defecting to the United States he is rejecting a system that kills confidence and personality. Rejecting a government that controls everything to the point that people lose their desire to achieve.

The government finally tries to control Sandoval's music and his dream for greater artistic expression. While on a European tour, he leaves for a secret meeting at the U.S. Embassy.

Sandoval was granted political asylum in July 1990. Since his defection, Sandoval has increased his classical performances world wide including performances with the National Symphony, L.A. Philharmonic, National Symphony of Washington D.C. and Pittsburgh Symphony.

"This was such a blessing for me. I thank God everyday for being here in this wonderful country and sharing my music. This experience has been very rewarding. I hope that our modest musical contribution here today shows we stand united and strong and that we are America the Beautiful." ~Arturo Sandoval speaking of his opportunity to share his music at the White House

Even Arturo says he would like to go back to visit his homeland, but under a different government.

"Flight to Freedom" was his first recording immediately following his defection.

An emotional movie about the desire to use your God-given talents without repression from those who don't see beauty in the soul. This movie really is about having a dream and finding your true purpose in life. This is a movie about beauty and sadness with a happy ending.

Life is truly a dream for those who are free and yet at times even if you are free, you can feel that you are in a prison of yourself. There are times when a person feels they have so much to give and they can't find an outlet for their gift to the world. In such a case a person can at times risk everything for the freedom of expression and the freedom to grow as a person, as a soul.

If you never follow your dreams, you might not be really free.

A movie about Romance and Freedom everyone should see! Especially romantics and those who love Jazz.

I love you Arturo
This movie is just brilliant I love it. the scene in the club were he is playing with dizzy gilespy is awsome. Salt penuts Salt penuts! ... Read more