Ry Cooder, the eclectic American guitarist, singer, composer, and musicologist, rounds up some old lions (and a lioness) of Cuban popular music, for a series of live concerts, recording sessions, on-camera interviews, and ultimately a debut at Carnegie Hall. (Their sightseeing sidetrips on that occasion are a delight.) Directed by Wim Wenders, the film is not visually or intellectually up to his standards, even for his documentaries. But the music is satisfying, and the glimpses of life in Cuba leave you hungering for more. With Ibrahim Ferrer, Compay Segundo, Ruben Gonzalez, Omara Portuondo. (1999) — Duncan Shepherd
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