HABANASTATION Movie Review

by Eydie Mendoza February 25, 2013

23rd Annual Cinequest Film Festival — February 26 through March 10

By Eydie Mendoza

Imagine being a tween stranded on an unfamiliar side of town, experiencing a rite of passage in a single day. That is what happens to Mayito — but fortunately he runs into his classmate Carlitos, who accompanies and befriends him on the journey. This film is great for the entire family. Experience a time in life where innocence is blissful, where two boys develop a sense of gratitude for what they have and don't have. Fall in love, fly a kite, roam in the rain without shoes, and learn to stand up for yourself in HABANASTATION — it's no game.

Mario, also known as Mayito, is a 12-year-old boy who comes into his own in HABANASTATION, directed by Ian Padrón. Set in Havana, Cuba and presented in Spanish with English subtitles, the film centers on Mayito (Ernesto Escalona) — a sheltered only child with an overprotective mother, Moraima (Blanca Rosa Blanco), and a famous musician father, Pepe Arlay (Luis Alberto García). Coming from a wealthy family, Mayito lives a carefree life and even owns the latest Playstation games — but he has no real friends.

He and his classmates prepare to celebrate May Day with readings in the school courtyard. Teacher Claudia (Claudia Alvarino) cares deeply about her students and promises Moraima she will watch Mayito after the parade. At home the night before, Mayito's father reflects over dinner — "La vida está muy dura" — and gifts him a Playstation III game.

The following day, after the May Day festivities, Mayito gets separated from his class and boards the wrong bus. When he finally gets off, he finds himself walking through an unfamiliar neighborhood of dirt roads and children playing outside.

Fortunately he runs into Carlos (Andy Fornaris) — a classmate who lives nearby in a modest shack with his grandmother (Miriam Socarrás). As the boys make their way through the barrio, Mayito realizes that "la vida está muy dura" for his classmate too — yet Carlitos, despite having to work, save for his own toys, and cook his own meals, carries himself with a quiet ease.

Throughout their afternoon adventures, the boys tease each other about what they don't know — but find common ground when they compare their relationships with their fathers, both of whom are largely absent. One father was incarcerated for self-defense. The other is a traveling musician. In each other, they find something unexpected: a genuine friendship.

Teacher Claudia eventually remembers that Carlitos lives near where the bus driver left Mayito. She alerts the parents and meets the grandmother at the shack. Mayito returns home changed — having learned about sacrifice, independence, and appreciation for others.

Viewers seeking a window into a day in the life of two boys who discover friendship, learn from each other's worlds, and find joy in el barrio de la tinta in Havana are invited to join Mayito and Carlitos as they get into mischief, play in the rain, solve problems together, and share in Mayito's first crush.

 

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