Watch The Perez Family

The Perez Family is a 1995 romantic comedy/drama film directed by Mira Nair and starring a star-studded cast of Marisa Tomei, Anjelica Huston, Alfred Molina, and Chazz Palminteri. The movie is set in 1980, just after the release of 120,000 Cuban refugees from Fidel Castro's regime who were detained in Mariel Harbor. The plot of the movie revolves around the Perez family, who have been separated for years due to political turmoil in Cuba. Juan Raul Perez, played by Alfred Molina, is released from a Miami detention center after serving 20 years in a brutal Cuban prison for political dissent. Juan's wife, Carmela, played by Anjelica Huston, never knew if her husband was still alive or not, and has been living in Miami for the past few years with her daughter, whom Juan has never met.

On her way to the airport to pick up her husband on the day of his release, Carmela meets Dottie Perez, played by Marisa Tomei, a young woman who has just been released from a mental institution. Dottie claims to be the daughter of Juan Raul Perez and joins the reunification of the family. However, Juan has never seen this mysterious new daughter before and is confused by her arrival. Meanwhile, Carmela's uncle and Juan's brother, Angel, played by Chazz Palminteri, is a bumbling con artist who is trying to put together a heist on the same day that Juan is released.

The Perez Family explores themes such as family, love, loss, and loyalty, and delves into the struggles of Cuban refugees adjusting to life in America. The film features fantastic performances, particularly from Anjelica Huston as the stoic and resilient Carmela, and Alfred Molina as the bewildered Juan who is trying to make sense of his new reality. Marisa Tomei is also excellent as the spunky and unpredictable Dottie.

One of the key strengths of the film is its diverse representation of the Cuban-American community in Miami, with characters ranging from exiled revolutionaries to petty criminals, and from aspiring doctors to drag queens. The film offers a humorous, yet poignant look at the immigrant experience and celebrates the cultural richness that comes with blending different traditions and lifestyles.

Overall, The Perez Family is an enjoyable, heartwarming film that will appeal to anyone who appreciates a good romantic comedy or drama. The film's excellent performances, engaging storyline, and lively music will keep viewers entertained from start to finish, and its themes of love, family, and unity will resonate with audiences long after the credits roll.

The Perez Family is a 1995 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 53 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.