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, Edward James Olmos, 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 the life of Mexican "Tejano" style singer Selena Quintanilla-Perez and the progress of her career resulting in her No. 1 US album.

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Plot Keywords:

singer | tejano | latin music | marriage | on tour | 

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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:

Aransas Pass, Texas, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$20,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$11,615,722, 23 March 1997, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$35,422,828, 29 June 1997

Company Credits

Production Co:

Q Productions, Esparza / Katz Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

127 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

This film used approximately 64,000 fans/extras, especially in the case of the stadium scene.

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Goofs

AB and Suzette appear to be close in age to 9 year old Selena during her childhood in the early 80s. In real life, AB was 17 and Suzette was 14 during that time frame.

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Quotes

Abraham: We have to be more Mexican than the Mexicans and more American than the Americans, both at the same time! It's exhausting!

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Crazy Credits

The producers wish to thank The Quintanilla Family

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Connections

Featured in Siskel & Ebert: Liar Liar/The Graduate/Selena/Crash/Kolya (1997)

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Soundtracks

Andrea
Written by David Anthony and Michelle Lewis
Performed by Ty Stevens
Appears courtesy of BMG Songs, Inc. (ASCAP)

User Reviews

Good Movie, Great Music

Not expecting to enjoy this movie, I was very pleasantly surprised. Jennifer Lopez, Edward Olmos and the rest of the ensemble cast do a marvelous job in bringing the close-knit Quintanilla family to life. The screenwriters and director skillfully lead the viewer from the father's failed attempts at rock 'n roll in the early 60s through Selena's childhood and her eventual rocket to the top of the Tejano music charts as a young woman. Thankfully her murder is not addressed as a major plot item, its almost irrelevant. And the concert scenes are fantastic. Its Selena's voice and Lopez does an incredible job. Definitely worth a rental regardless of your musical tastes.