MovieChat Forums > Chico & Rita (2010) Discussion > A ripoff of Oscar Hijuelos or what?

A ripoff of Oscar Hijuelos or what?

posted 13 years ago by britwrit
9 replies | jump to latest

Oscar Hijuelos is a Cuban American writer who won the Pulitizer Prize in 1990 for the novel, The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love. This book, along with at least three of his other books, are about Cuban musicians who live in New York during the 1950s.

Now, I'm asking people who've actually read The Mambo Kings if they think Chico & Rita is a ripoff of the former. I'm not talking about having similiar settings. I'm not saying that this topic is forever and ever owned by Oscar Hijuelos. What I want to know if you would agree that - without crossing over the line into plagerism - the producers really, really owe him an apology?

[–] PhantomPhan222 13 years ago

Although I have not read the book you mention I'd still be inclined to disagree. This is principally because the vast bulk of this film's plot is based on the real life story of its musical arranger Bebo Valdes, so I imagine similarities to Hijuelos' work is purely coincidental.

"People always sing 'Part of Your World' at auditions... that's why I only know one lyric."

[–] makeupconny13 13 years ago

Agree with PhamtomPhan222!!

[–] ChloeBird808 11 years ago

I have to agree with PhantomPhan222.

There's a blaytant reference in this film to show that this is actually based on a true story or even loosely.

Rita is sitting in a car with a Marlon Brando look-a-like in the Hollywood Hills and gets papped kissing him. I've read Marlon Brando's biography where he even stated himself that he dated Rita Moreno (the Latino actress from "West Side Story"). Funny how after a little research Rita and Rita Moreno not only share the same name, but similarities during that time period of where and when that film is based.

[–] macca_2002-1 13 years ago

i completely agree, this is very similar to hijuelos' mamba kings novel, from the way it is told via flashbacks from an old man drinking alone in his apartment, to the integral part the jazz music plays throughout the film, to the famous people he knows and sings with.
the only difference being in mambo kings, cesar was an almost neurotic womaniser, whereas chico has eyes for only one woman.
it would be fair to say the directors may have read this (or possibly seen the film adaptation which i havent had the pleasure of watching) and took inspiration for chico and rita, but i dont believe they plagarised it, as this is about true love and the effect it can have on ones whole life, whereas mambo kings was more of a tale of lost youth and yearning for someone to love.
and im sure that if hijuelos had anything to do with the sex scene, it would have been a lot more graphic!!

[–] Krustallos 13 years ago

Well it reminded me of Scorsese's "New York New York" more than anything, with a side order of Buena Vista Social Club. I believe Ibrahim Ferrer did actually shine shoes for a living for a number of years.

I used to want to change the world. Now I just want to leave the room with a little dignity.

[–] inthepalemoonlight 13 years ago

Idiotic. Mr. Hijuelos does not get exclusive rights to the subject just because most western writers choose not to create stories around similar settings.

[–] sena_isabel 11 years ago

Sorry, I disagree. I also read Oscar Hijuelos's novel, and to tell you the truth, I don't think it is the cat's meow, though highly readable. The film made from it was OK too, and shorter. Chico and Rita threads on the same ground, but that doesn't mean that Hijuelos "owns" it, any more than the countless novels, short stories and other films made about the period (late 40s to almost contemporary)can tell whole story. One day Cuban Cubans might have something to say on the matter as well. See their "Benny" and compare. :))

[–] chicago85 11 years ago

A lot of Cuban singers and musicians came to New York from Cuba. His story wasn't unique and you have pointed out the differences.

[–] Yorick_Brown 11 years ago

Like you said, nobody owns that subject so no apology or blessing on anyone's part is warranted.

So lay down,
The threat is real
When his sight
Goes red again...
Seeing read again...