My Family (1995)

Traces over three generations an immigrant family's trials, tribulations, tragedies, and triumphs. Maria and Jose, the first generation, come to Los Angeles, meet, marry, face deportation ... See full summary »

Director:

Gregory Nava

Writers:

Gregory Nava, Anna Thomas

Stars:

Edward James Olmos, Rafael Cortes, Esai Morales

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 3 wins & 4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Edward James Olmos	...	Paco
Rafael Cortes	...	Roberto (as Rafael Cortes)
Ivette Reina	...	Trini
Amelia Zapata	...	Roberto's Girlfriend
Jacob Vargas	...	Young Jose
Emilio Del Haro	...	Oxcart Driver
Abel Woolrich	...	Oxcart Driver
León Singer	...	El Californio (as Leon Singer)
Rosalee Mayeux	...	Maria's Employer
Jennifer Lopez	...	Young Maria
Alicia del Lago	...	Maria's Aunt
Thomas Rosales Jr.	...	The Boatman (as Thomas Rosales)
Anthony Gonzalez	...	Baby Paco
Michael Gonzalez	...	Little Paco
Esai Morales	...	Chucho

Storyline

Traces over three generations an immigrant family's trials, tribulations, tragedies, and triumphs. Maria and Jose, the first generation, come to Los Angeles, meet, marry, face deportation all in the 1930's. They establish their family in East L.A., and their children Chucho, Paco, Memo, Irene, Toni, and Jimmy deal with youth culture and the L.A. police in the 50's. As the second generation become adults in the 60's, the focus shifts to Jimmy, his marriage to Isabel (a Salvadorian refugee), their son, and Jimmy's journey to becoming a responsible parent.

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Plot Keywords:

marriage | husband wife relationship | latino | california | father son relationship | 

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Taglines:

Three generations of dreams.

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong language, some graphic violence and a scene of sexuality

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

3 May 1995 (USA)

Also Known As:

Cafe con leche

Filming Locations:

Agoura Hills, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$5,500,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$11,079,373 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

American Playhouse, American Zoetrope, Majestic Films International

Technical Specs

Runtime:

128 min

Sound Mix:

DTS-Stereo DTS

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

The final scene is duplicated shot-for-shot from the final scene of The World of Apu.

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Goofs

When Isabella is at the Sanchez home, we see a medium shot of Paco with a bowl of popcorn, and Memo. In front of them is a tray of taquitos. But a minute or two later, Irene brings out the same tray and sets it down on the coffee table in front of them.

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Quotes

Young Jose: Maria?
Young Maria: I promised La Virgen that I would return to you.

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Connections

Features I Love Lucy (1951)

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Soundtracks

"Que rico el mambo"
Written by Dámaso Pérez Prado (as Perez Prado)
Performed by Dámaso Pérez Prado (as Perez Prado)
Published by Peer International Corp.
Courtesy of B.M.G. Records

User Reviews

A great peek into Mexican life

Mexican culture has rarely been pictured in the Hollywood cinema (even though they we are the biggest minority in the country!), but this film probably rates as the best Mexican-themed film (until further notice). The evolution of the family's house really makes this an interesting image in regards to the lives of the family. The intersecting lives of the family are all well thought out, even though it all seems rather convenient they all have these different personas and political aspirations. When I first watched this film, I thought it was one of the greatest movies of all time. Instead of portraying Mexicans as lazy, this film really encompassed the cultural aspects and fears of the common Mexican man. A great film to watch, even if you aren't Mexican.