El cantante (2006)

Director:

Leon Ichaso

Writers (WGA):

Leon Ichaso (screenplay) and
David Darmstaeder (screenplay) ...

Release Date:

3 August 2007 (USA)

Genre:

Biography | Drama | Music

Tagline:

Based on the true story of the King of Salsa, Hector Lavoe.

Plot:

The life story of Hector Lavoe who started the salsa movement in 1975 and brought it to the United States.

Plot Keywords:

Beautiful Woman | Dance | 1970s | Title Spoken By Character

Cast

Alfredo Suarez	...	Salsa dancer
Vianca Mercedes	...	Bartender
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Danny A. Abeckaser	...	Sound Engineer
Douglas J. Aguirre	...	Multi- Media Producer
Marc Anthony	...	Hector Lavoe
Christopher Becerra	...	Tito
Denise Blasor	...	Voice over artist (voice)
Michael Caputo	...	Salsa Dancer
Ivan Cardona	...	Salsa Dancer
Federico Castelluccio	...	Jerry Masucci
Marcus Collins	...	Photographer
Abraham De Funes	...	Family Member
Anibal De Gracia	...	Trombonist
Romi Dias	...	Priscilla
Glenda Dopazo	...	Carmen
Brother Eden Douglas	...	Street SaxMan -1987 (as Brother Douglas)
Vaneik Echeverria	...	Bartender 1
Jared Everleth	...	Tito - 4 yrs.old
J. Teddy Garces	...	(voice)
Melissa Gonzalez	...	Fania All Star Groupie
Bernard Hernandez	...	Tito
Vincent Laresca	...	Ralph Mercado
Hector A. Leguillow	...	Pianist for Hector Lavoe Band,1968 Band
Jennifer Lopez	...	Puchi
Deirdre Lorenz	...	Willie's Girl
David Marquez	...	Boogaloo Line Dancer
Chiko Mendez	...	Backup Singer
Jack Mulcahy	...	Doctor
Andrea Navedo	...	Puchi's sister
John Ortiz	...	Willie Colón
Melissa Otero	...	Salsa Dancer
Antone Pagan	...	Papo (Puchi's Brother)
Jerry Perez	...	Salsa Dancer
Manny Perez	...	Eddie
Jorge Pupo	...	Trombonist: Hector Lavoe Band, Willie Colón Band, Fania All Stars Orquestra
Edwin Rivera	...	Marc Anthony's Best Friend
Yan Ruiz	...	Voice Over (voice)
Elmer Tollinchi Ruiz	...	La Voe Fan
Lou Torres	...	Dayplayer / Piano Player
Nelson Vasquez	...	Johnny Pacheco
Richie Viruet	...	Trumpet player

Also Known As:

Who Killed Hector Lavoe? (USA) (working title)

MPAA:

Rated R for drug use, pervasive language and some sexuality.

Runtime:

USA:106 min | Canada:116 min (Toronto International Film Festival)

Country:

USA

Language:

Spanish | English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

SDDS | Dolby Digital | DTS

Certification:

USA:R | Philippines:PG-13 | Singapore:M18 | UK:15 | Australia:MA | Finland:K-15 | Japan:R-15

Filming Locations:

New York, USA

Company:

Nuyorican Productions

Trivia:

The title translates in English as "The Singer".

Goofs:

Anachronisms: In the scene where Hector Perez signs his contract with Jerry Masucci, and is given the name Hector La Voe. Willie Colon is standing behind him. On the wall behind Willie is a framed album cover of "The Hustler", the second album they made together. At this point in the story they have not yet recorded together.

Quotes:

Priest: Do you, Hector...
Puchi: He does. Hector, say I do.
Hector Lavoe: [groggily] I do.
Priest: Puchi...
Puchi: I do.
[looks around menancingly]
Puchi: Anybody object?

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Psych: Six Feet Under the Sea (#3.10)" (2009)

Soundtrack:

It's Time For Christmas

Well made movie

I must admit that I had my doubts about this film, but after I watched it I wanted to watch it again. The movie is about the life of Hector Lavoe (Mark Antony) from the point of view of his wife Puchi (Jennifer Lopez). I shows his personal life in those areas that affected her the most. While some people don't think much of the way the movie is presented I think is very realistic and well acted. For those of us who remember when Hector Lavoe was the main voice of the Salsa music this movie brings back lots of memories. As far as the acting go Jennifer actually becomes Puchi and Mark does very well as Hector. I give it an A-