SummaryMiami journalist Denne Bart Petitclerc (Giovanni Ribisi) is befriended by Ernest Hemingway (Adrian Sparks) and witnesses Hemingway's decline into depression and alcoholism during the Cuban revolution.
Directed By:Bob Yari
Written By:Denne Bart Petitclerc
Papa: Hemingway in Cuba
Metascore
Generally Unfavorable
37
User score
Mixed or Average
4.6
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Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Unfavorable
12% Positive
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
35% Mixed
6 Reviews
6 Reviews
53% Negative
9 Reviews
9 Reviews
Apr 28, 2016
75
A remarkable treat. It contains information about the writer heretofore unknown, and though it’s a dramatic feature and not a documentary, it claims to tell the truth, without embellishment. Even better, it was written by someone who saw the events depicted firsthand.
User score
Mixed or Average
33% Positive
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
33% Mixed
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
33% Negative
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
May 2, 2016
8
Disappointed in the reviews this film is getting. Having an extensive library of Hemingway bios and memoirs, I found this film to be an accurate depiction of this late segment of Hemingway's life and I am grateful that it didn't embellish or rewrite history in order to make a "better movie." Filmed on location at Hemingway's Finca Vigia in Cuba is a rare treat in itself that could have easily not happened in our lifetime. Adrian Sparks does a respectable job of portraying Hemingway and his personal struggles. I don't see many movies for a second time, but this one I would.
May 4, 2016
7
I'm also disappointed in the reviews that this film is getting. I felt that the roles of Ernest and Mary Hemingway were well portrayed by Adrian Sparks and Joely Richardson, although Giovanni Ribisi didn't have much charisma. The plot was interesting enough, particularly regarding the conflicts that the characters had with the FBI and the scene with the Coast Guard. The authentic locales in the Havana area are also a big plus.
Apr 27, 2016
50
It’s the sort of film that’s destined to be the answer to a trivia question, and not much more.
Apr 29, 2016
38
These behind-the-scenes factoids are the most interesting aspects of the film — and, regrettably, the only interesting aspects, as well.
Apr 26, 2016
38
Hemingway in Cuba lives and dies on its “Papa,” and Yari did himself no favors by cutting corners there.
Apr 28, 2016
30
The film manages to be exceedingly dull, perhaps because it's too enamored of its own design, concept and location to bother with a captivating story.
Apr 28, 2016
25
Played by Adrian Sparks in a style better suited for dinner theater or a Key West tourist attraction, Hemingway comes across as a complete cypher. Everyone in the film keeps talking about his genius, but other than a scene in which he writes a short story on the back of a napkin, the movie doesn’t try to humanize or explore his talent.
May 12, 2016
5
This film is based on the author's real experiences and shot in Cuba, including the Hemingway estate. It starts promisingly as the young journalist (Giovanni Ribisi) befriends to the author (Adrian Sparks), who's already famous and living on the island. The enthusiasm of their early camaraderie turns into a dreary drama, as Ernest stays drunk, depressed and suicidal. The backdrop of the country's revolution promises a political layer, but it never presents much of a threat. The performances are fine, but when the darkness sets in, the film's energy loses momentum. It may be of interest to hardcore Hemingway fans, but as a film experience, it's a disappointment. NOTE: Look for Mariel Hemingway in a cameo as a dinner guest with bad bangs.
Production Company:
- Magenta Light Productions
- Studio 2050
- Sunstone Film Productions
- Yari Film Group (YFG)
Release Date:Apr 29, 2016
Duration:1 h 50 m
Rating:R
Tagline:Hemingway's Untold Story
Awards
Sonoma International Film Festival
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
Key West Film Festival
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
