Andy Garcia’s The Lost City is an ambitious period piece. It is set in 1950s Havana at the height of the political turmoil of that era. The title alludes to an idyllic past in a country lost to upheaval and revolution. At the opening of the film, Fico Fellove, played by Garcia, has it all: a country that he loves; two loyal brothers, Ricardo and Luis, played by Enrique Murciano and Nestor Carbonell; a popular Havana nightclub; and a caring father, played by Tomas Milian. By the end of the film, Fico will have lost all of these things to the chaos that is slowly choking Cuba to death.

The problems begin when Ricardo is arrested because of his communist sentiments. Fico pulls some strings with the local government to release his brother. Ricardo, furious with his being detained, joins with communist revolutionary Che Guevera to plot a coup to overthrow the dictator Batista. Meanwhile, the democratic Luis takes part in an invasion of the presidential palace. It fails, and Luis is assassinated by Batista’s secret police.
Fico is devastated by the death of his brother. He goes to comfort his brother’s widow, Aurora, played by Ines Sastre. Fico and Aurora soon start a romantic relationship and fall deeply in love.

It is around this time that Batista flees Cuba and Fidel Castro and his communists seize control of the government. Ricardo is given a high-ranking office in the new regime. One of Ricardo’s responsibilities is oversight of the seizure of lands for the state. He goes to take control of his Uncle Donoso’s land. Donoso is upset by the news, has a heart attack due to the stress, and dies. Ricardo is wracked with guilt and commits suicide. Fico, having once again lost a brother, is distraught to the point of depression.
Fico’s personal life takes a hit with the ascension of the communist party. His club is placed in stasis when the Castro controlled musician’s union strikes. It is firmly opposed to the use of the saxophone, an instrument that it sees as an imperialist instrument of oppression. All union musicians refuse to play at Fico’s club. Also, Aurora is chosen to be the Revolutionary Widow. She goes to work for the state and leaves Fico. At this point, Fico cannot go any lower.

Fico’s parents take this opportunity to advise their son. They realize that there is nothing left for him in Cuba. They persuade him to travel to America so that he may have a chance at a future of happiness and security. Fico comes around to the idea, even though he loves Cuba. He approaches Aurora and begs her to come along, but she refuses. When he reaches America, Fico gets a job as a dishwasher. He resolves to rebuild his life and to one day return to the land that he loves.

Fico Fellove’s story is the opposite of the American dream. He starts off as an affluent businessman, but, even though he works hard, he soon loses everything. Fortunately, the film ends with a positive message of hope and perseverance. Fico, finally in the land of opportunity, can now work towards creating his ideal life and finding his lost city.