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La Bamba (1987)

 -  Biography | Drama | Music  -  24 July 1987 (USA)
6.6
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Ratings: 6.6/10 from 14,523 users  
Reviews: 51 user | 13 critic

Biographical story of the rise from nowhere of singer Ritchie Valens whose life was cut short by a plane crash.

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Title: La Bamba (1987)

La Bamba (1987) on IMDb 6.6/10

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Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 1 win & 2 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
...
Bob Morales
...
Connie Valenzuela (as Rosana De Soto)
...
Rosie Morales
...
Donna Ludwig
...
Bob Keane
Rick Dees ...
Ted Quillin
Marshall Crenshaw ...
Howard Huntsberry ...
...
Daniel Valdez ...
Lelo
Felipe Cantu ...
Curandero
Eddie Frias ...
Chino
...
Mexican Ed
Geoffrey Rivas ...
Rudy
Edit

Storyline

This is the true story of Ritchie Valens, a young rock & roll singer who tragically died in a plane crash at the age of 17. The film follows Ritchie from his days in Pacoima, California where he and his family make a meager living working on farms to his rise as a star. The film also focuses on Richie's friendship and rivalry with his older brother Bob and his relationship with Donna, his girlfriend. Written by Mattias Pettersson <seaman@sbbs.se>

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

crash | singer | star | 1950s | loss of brother | See more »

Taglines:

Talent made him a star, fate made him a legend. The true story of Ritchie Valens. See more »

Genres:

Biography | Drama | Music

Certificate:

PG-13 | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

24 July 1987 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Let's Go  »

Box Office

Budget:

$6,500,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$54,215,416 (USA)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
See  »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

According to Lou Diamond Phillips in the VH1 documentary "Behind The Music: The Day The Music Died" (1990), Ritchie Valens' sister was on the set the day they filmed the "coin toss" scene where Ritchie wins (or rather, loses) the chance to fly on the plane with Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper. As the scenes were being shot, Ritchie's sister began to weep uncontrollably and when Phillips tried to console her, she hugged him and sobbed, "Why Ritchie? Why did you get on the plane?" See more »

Goofs

The style of the choppers ridden by Bob and his friends is from the late-'60s or early-'70s. See more »

Quotes

Rosie Morales: He doesn't want a wife. He wants a love slave, one that he can kick around.
See more »

Crazy Credits

Caption starting off the music credits: "We greatfully acknowledge the help and support of the Valenzuela family". See more »


Soundtracks

"Oh Boy"
Words & Music by Sunny West, Bill Tilghman & Norman Petty
Performed by Los Lobos
Courtesy of Slash Records
Produced by Steve Berlin
See more »

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User Reviews

Good movie
25 October 2002 | by (Woodbridge,VA) – See all my reviews

La Bamba is one of the movies that makes you feel good,cry and think about how life really is short. Lou Diamond Phillps was in top form as Richie Valens who never got the chance to show us what he could do. I'm not really a Rock & Roll fan but this is a good movie and one hat brings a tear every time I watch it.


11 of 16 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you?

Message Boards

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Where is Donna today? nemidwest
Delete your post La Bamba style ... demo_deus
Lou Diamond Phillips as Ritchie sprklndiamond87
Live performance during credits takes away from ending travisme123
The ending jennLynn1975
A 6.5?!!!! eduardovictory
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