The film begins in 1950s Cuba, where brothers “Cesar” (Armand Assante) and “Nestor” (Antonio Banderas), gifted musicians, decide to relocate to New York City after a frightening incident. Hoping for better opportunities and increased safety, they bring their energetic Latin music and dance style, which quickly proves popular. Cesar finds himself drawn to “Lanna,” a cigarette vendor (Cathy Lake), while Nestor marries …

Two brothers leave Cuba at the start of the nineteen fifties hoping to find success in America through mambo music. Cesar, the elder brother, is portrayed as a performer with an aptitude for business (played by Armand Assante), while Nestor, his younger brother, is presented as a more quiet and thoughtful musician (Antonio Banderas). Cathy Moriarty and Maruschka Detmers take on the roles of the women in their lives. …