Year: 1990
Runtime: 144 mins
Language: English
Director: Sydney Pollack
Budget: $40M
A distrustful high‑stakes gambler arrives in revolutionary Cuba, drawn to the city's dangerous allure. He seeks big poker wins, but his world shifts when he falls for the wife of a Communist revolutionary. Their forbidden love ignites passion and peril amid the upheaval of the Cuban Revolution.
Get a spoiler-free look at Havana (1990) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In the waning days of the 1950s, Havana swirls with a restless energy that feels both intoxicating and precarious. The city’s glittering casinos sit beside crumbling colonial facades, while the rumble of revolution seeps through its streets like a low, omnipresent drum. Nights are alive with the clatter of chips, the hiss of cigarettes, and whispered promises of a new order that may topple the old‑world decadence at any moment.
Jack Weil arrives in this charged atmosphere with a reputation for taking risks that most would deem reckless. A seasoned gambler whose distrust of everyone around him is as sharp as the cards he plays, he is drawn to Havana not only by the lure of high‑stakes poker tables but also by the tantalizing promise of a quick, decisive win that could finally tip the scales in his favor. His confidence masks a deeper need to prove himself in a world where fortunes change as quickly as allegiances.
It is amid the smoky lounges and the fevered chatter of revolutionaries that Roberta Duran first crosses his path. Elegant, enigmatic, and married to a charismatic Communist leader, she embodies the dangerous allure that the city itself offers. Their connection crackles with forbidden intensity, pulling Jack into a delicate dance between personal desire and the volatile political currents swirling around them. The prospect of love becomes another high‑risk gamble, one that could cost far more than a single hand at the table.
The film balances the seductive pulse of Havana’s nightlife with the looming uncertainty of a nation on the brink of transformation. Tension hangs in the air like a half‑lit cigar, and every encounter feels charged with the possibility of both triumph and tragedy. As the stakes rise—both at the casino and in the streets—Jack’s world tilts ever closer to a point of no return, where the line between fortune and fate blurs beneath the rhythm of a revolution in full swing.
Last Updated: December 03, 2025 at 23:37
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Forbidden love that ignites and smolders amidst a crumbling political order.If you liked the passionate but dangerous love story set against the Cuban Revolution in 'Havana,' you'll find more movies like it here. This list features intense romantic dramas where personal relationships are tested by the fires of political turmoil, betrayal, and societal collapse.
These stories follow an outsider or conflicted individual who becomes entangled in a romantic relationship with someone deeply involved in a political cause. The central conflict arises from the collision of personal desire with public duty, often leading to sacrifices, betrayals, and a bittersweet resolution as the revolutionary tide rises.
Movies are grouped here based on their shared core of a high-romance, high-tension narrative set within a volatile political landscape. They deliver a heavy emotional weight by exploring the moral ambiguity and fatalistic choices that define love in a time of chaos.
A cynical outsider navigates the treacherous allure of a city on the brink.For viewers who enjoyed the dangerous allure and cynical gambler protagonist of 'Havana,' this collection gathers similar movies. Discover thrillers and dramas about morally ambiguous characters navigating treacherous, exotic locales that are beautiful but on the verge of self-destruction.
The narrative pattern involves a protagonist, often a gambler, smuggler, or detective, operating in a vividly drawn, decadent city. Their initial self-interest is challenged when they form a connection that pulls them into a larger, dangerous conflict, testing their cynicism and leading to a transformative, often costly, experience.
These films share a specific atmospheric vibe: a tense, melancholic mood built on a foundation of moral ambiguity, high personal risk, and a setting that is as much a character as the people. The pacing is steady, building a sense of inevitable doom amidst a backdrop of feverish allure.
Don't stop at just watching — explore Havana in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Havana is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of Havana, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
Track the full timeline of Havana with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Havana. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Havana: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
Discover movies like Havana that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
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