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La Bamba (1987)
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Overview
User Rating:
Release Date:
24 July 1987 (USA) moreTagline:
Born to poverty. Destined for stardom. He Lived the American Dream. morePlot:
Biographical story of the rise from nowhere of singer Ritchie Valens whose life was cut short by a plane crash. full summary | add synopsisAwards:
Nominated for Golden Globe. Another 1 win moreNewsDesk:
(9 articles)
Phillips Crowned King Of The Jungle (From WENN. 25 June 2009, 1:06 AM, PDT)
Lou Diamond Phillips: "Do not apologize for who you are"
(From AfterElton.com. 11 June 2009, 2:18 PM, PDT)
User Comments:
A terrific film about the importance of family and realizing your dreams. moreCast
(Cast overview, first billed only)| Lou Diamond Phillips | ... | Ritchie Valens | |
| Esai Morales | ... | Bob Morales | |
| Rosanna DeSoto | ... | Connie Valenzuela (as Rosana DeSoto) | |
| Elizabeth Peña | ... | Rosie Morales | |
| Danielle von Zerneck | ... | Donna Ludwig | |
| Joe Pantoliano | ... | Bob Keene | |
| Rick Dees | ... | Ted Quillen | |
| Marshall Crenshaw | ... | Buddy Holly | |
| Howard Huntsberry | ... | Jackie Wilson | |
| Brian Setzer | ... | Eddie Cochran | |
| Daniel Valdez | ... | Lelo | |
| Felipe Cantú | ... | Curandero | |
| Eddie Frias | ... | Chino | |
| Mike Moroff | ... | Mexican Ed | |
| Geoffrey Rivas | ... | Rudy |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Add content advisory for parentsRuntime:
108 minCountry:
USALanguage:
EnglishColor:
ColorAspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 moreSound Mix:
DolbyCertification:
Iceland:L | Netherlands:AL | Canada:A (Nova Scotia) | Canada:AA (Ontario) | Australia:M | Finland:K-12 | Sweden:11 | UK:15 | USA:PG-13 | West Germany:6 | Singapore:PGFun Stuff
Trivia:
At the first family party, the old lady sitting by Ritchie and the man is Ritchie Valens' mother, Connie Valenzuela. moreGoofs:
Continuity: When Ritchie is showing his mother the new house, the shadows are halfway up the walls. When Bob pulls into the driveway with his two sisters, the shadows are totally gone. And when Ritchie opens the door into the house the shadows are there again. moreQuotes:
Ritchie Valens: Bob! Watch it! My guitar, man!Bob Morales: Sorry. I didnt' know that piece of junk was so important to you.
Ritchie Valens: I even sleep with it.
more
Movie Connections:
Referenced in "The League of Gentlemen: Love Comes to Royston Vasey (#1.5)" (1999) moreSoundtrack:
Framed moreFAQ
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more
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La Bamba which stars Lou Diamond Phillips as tragic 50's rocker Ritchie Valens(real name Richard Valenzuela) is my favorite rock bio film. The film covers the Mexican American Valens' rise from poverty in California to becoming a rock n roll superstar at the young age of 17 only to lose it all within 8 months on the "Day the Music Died".
In addition to focusing on Valens' music career, writer/director Luis Valdez spends time showing the tense relationship between Ritchie and his older brother Bob who is played excellently by Esai Morales. As Ritchie becomes famous Bob begins to resent him and that provides the film with some of its most powerful and heartbreaking scenes.
The film's other effective moments come between Ritchie and his girlfriend Donna. During their scenes together I felt that Valdez did a good job in showing what teenage romances must've been like back in the more innocent 1950's and how parents prejudices could interfere.
Last but not least is the film's great soundtrack. Ritchie Valens songs were redone for the film by the group Los Lobos. All of the instrumental music was provided by Carlos Santana and Miles Goodman. Also included are many other classic songs from the 50's.
The only small criticism I have of the film is that Valdez spends too much time in foreshadowing Valens' fate through dream sequences and references to his fear of flying. While it is documented that Ritchie did have a fear of flying I would imagine that he didn't talk about it as frequently as he does in the film.
Overall I think that La Bamba is a film about sticking to your dreams and the importance of family. I give this film a pretty strong recommendation. You don't even necessarily have to be a fan of 50's music to enjoy it. This is for those who enjoy small films that deal with the triumphs and struggles of everyday people.