Selena (1997)

The true story of Selena Quintanilla-Perez, a Texas born tejano singer who rose from cult status to performing at the Astrodome, as well as having chart topping albums on the Latin music charts.

Director:

Gregory Nava

Writer:

Gregory Nava

Stars:

Jennifer Lopez, Jackie Guerra, Jon Seda

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 8 wins & 5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jennifer Lopez	...	Selena Quintanilla
Jackie Guerra	...	Suzette Quintanilla
Constance Marie	...	Marcela Quintanilla
Alex Meneses	...	Sara (as Alexandra Meneses)
Jon Seda	...	Chris Perez
Edward James Olmos	...	Abraham Quintanilla
Jacob Vargas	...	Abie Quintanilla
Pete Astudillo	...	Himself - Dinos 1990's
Rueben Gonzáles	...	Joe Ojeda - Dinos 1990's (as Ruben Gonzalez)
Ricky Vela	...	Himself - Dinos 1990's
Don Shelton	...	Stage Dancer
Richard Emanuelle	...	Concert Reporter (as Richard Emanuele)
Panchito Gómez	...	Young Abraham - Dinos 1961 (as Panchito Gomez)
Richard Coca	...	Bobby - Dinos 1961
George Perez	...	Seff - Dinos 1961

Storyline

The film tells the story of life of Mexican "Tejano" style singer Selena and the progress of her career resulting in No.1 US album.

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Plot Keywords:

singer | tejano | texas | marriage | racial segregation | 

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Taglines:

For One Brilliant, Shining Moment...The American Dream Came True.

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | Music

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for some mild language and thematic elements

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Warner Bros.

Country:

USA

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

21 March 1997 (USA)

Also Known As:

Selena: The Movie

Filming Locations:

Corpus Christi, Texas, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$20,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$11,615,722 (USA) (21 March 1997)

Gross:

$35,422,828 (USA) (27 June 1997)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Q Productions, Esparza / Katz Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

127 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

More than 20,000 girls auditioned for the roles of Selena at different ages.

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Goofs

When Selena is performing at a fair as a nine-year-old, during one shot, her lips are not moving even though you can hear her singing.

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Quotes

Abie Quintanilla: What's Dad gonna say?
Selena Quintanilla: [imitating Abraham] I don't believe this, son! What were you thinking?
[scene switches]
Abraham Quintanilla: I don't believe this, son! What were you thinking of? Who's that laughing? Is that Selena? Listen, where are you?

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Crazy Credits

The producers wish to thank The Quintanilla Family

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Connections

References The Wizard of Oz (1939)

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Soundtracks

"Doo Wa Ditty (Blow That Thing)"
(1982)
Written by Roger Troutman and Larry Troutman
© 1982 songs of LaStrada, (BMI) / Saja Music Co., (BMI)
All rights granted by permission of LaStrada Entertainment Co.
Performed by Zapp & Roger Troutman (as Roger)
Courtesy of Warner Bros. Records Inc.
By arrangement wiith Warner Special Products

User Reviews

A Moving Tribute

Jennifer Lopez proved that she was a high-class actress with this true story of the Tejano Superstar whose life was cut short by a disgruntled employee. Lopez shines and Edward James Olmos is super (as usual) as her tough-nosed father. The rest of the cast is adequate, but the show is shared between Lopez and Olmos. The screenplay is a little sappy, but fine overall. Director Gregory Nava is always focused and this keeps the film interesting throughout. A fine film all the way. 4 stars out of 5.