Watch El Benny

El Benny is a biographical film that delves into the life of Benny Moré, the legendary Cuban singer, and bandleader. The movie was directed by Jorge Luis Sánchez and released in 2006. El Benny is a vivid portrayal of the life, music, and legacy of one of the most impactful musicians the Caribbean region has ever seen.

The movie follows Benny's (Renny Arozarena) rise from a young boy in Santa Isabel, a small town in Cuba, to becoming the King of Cuban music. The movie begins with Benny as a young boy, working in the fields, singing to himself. He later moves to Havana to make a name for himself as a professional singer, quickly making a name for himself even in the highly competitive music scene.

The movie portrays Benny as a passionate and emotional character, whose love for music was met with equal intensity of love and admiration from his fans. It excellently portrays Benny's struggles, both as a musician and as a human being while highlighting how his music helped him fight his battles. Benny's life of music is set against the backdrop of the Cuban Revolution, giving viewers an insight into how the political landscape of Cuba at the time influenced his career and music.

El Benny's music was unique, borrowing elements from diverse musical styles such as Afro-Caribbean, jazz, and even traditional Cuban music, revolutionizing the music scene in Cuba. Benny's music attracted people of all ages and races, transcending language and cultural barriers. His soulful music touched hearts, and his flair for showmanship made him an incredible performer, beloved by his fans.

The film captures the essence of Benny Moré's life, starting from his humble beginnings, his tumultuous love life, his alcohol addiction, and ending with his untimely death. The movie's storyline is inspired by Benny's actual life, though some elements of the story are fictionalized. The film's cast and crew were passionate about getting everything right, and they gave the movie the authenticity and accuracy required to capture the life of a musical legend.

Renny Arozarena gave an outstanding performance as Benny Moré, as he nailed the character and infused Benny's spirit into the movie. Rakel Adriana, who played Benny's love interest Doris, also gave an excellent performance, embodying the character's strength and resilience. Ulyk Anello, who played Mariano, Benny's musically talented friend, who teamed up with Benny to form a successful band, also did justice to the character and the film.

El Benny also features several musical performances, with Renny Arozarena singing and performing the character's covers of classic songs like Pachito E'ché and Santa Isabel de las Lajas. The movie's soundtrack, featuring covers of Benny's classic songs, is a must-have for any Benny Moré fan or lover of Latin music.

In summary, El Benny is a beautiful and emotional portrayal of Benny Moré's legendary life story. The movie's excellent cast, direction, and music captures the essence of Benny's life, struggles, and music. The film is a tribute to the great musician, and a must-watch for anyone interested in music, Latin Jazz, and the life of one of the Caribbean's most captivating musicians.