Sandoval’s Sacrifice

Ernesto Lechner’s review of HBO’s “For Love or Country” is far off the mark (“Some Curious Choices in ‘Arturo Sandoval Story,’ ” Nov. 18). For Lechner to write a review of this film without ever referring to the music is preposterous; music is what the film is about. If he is unable to appreciate Arturo Sandoval’s music, how can he possibly understand the interior conflict behind Sandoval’s defection?

If he confuses a love story (see title) with “The Great Escape,” it’s not surprising that the precious essence of Latin experience he so desperately sought managed to elude him. This is not a suspense film. It’s a film about sacrificing everything you cherish for the sake of your art.

DAVID COHEN

Malibu