La Bamba (1987) movie poster

La Bamba (1987)

"Born into poverty. Destined for stardom. He lived the American dream."
ThumbScore
👍 84%Google users liked it archived
Critics Score
🎬 74% (RT: 83%, MC: 65) ℹ️RT = Rotten Tomatoes (critic reviews). MC = Metacritic (weighted critic average). Critics Score is the average of both.
DramaMusic

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Director
Luis Valdez
Runtime
1h 48m
Country
United States of America
Language
English
TMDB Rating
7.3/10 (765 votes)
Rotten Tomatoes
83%
Metacritic
65
Cast
Lou Diamond Phillips as Ritchie Valens
Danielle von Zerneck as Donna Ludwig
Elizabeth Peña as Rosie Morales
Rosanna DeSoto as Connie Valenzuela
Esai Morales as Bob Morales
Joe Pantoliano as Bob Keane
Marshall Crenshaw as Buddy Holly
Brian Setzer as Eddie Cochran
Most people think so. 84% of audiences gave it a thumbs up based on 765 votes. Critics agree, scoring it 74%.
Overview
Los Angeles teenager Ritchie Valens becomes an overnight rock 'n' roll success in 1958, thanks to a love ballad called "Donna" that he wrote for his girlfriend. But as his star rises, Valens has conflicts with his jealous brother, Bob, and becomes haunted by a recurring nightmare of a plane crash just as he begins his first national tour alongside Buddy Holly. Wikipedia ↗
Fun Facts
  • Lou Diamond Phillips spent months preparing for the role, heavily researching the subject matter.
  • It remains one of the highest-rated drama films of 1987 among dedicated fans.
  • The iconic poster for La Bamba was designed at the very last minute before marketing began.
Audience Consensus

La Bamba is a 1987 drama, music film directed by Luis Valdez. Los Angeles teenager Ritchie Valens becomes an overnight rock 'n' roll success in 1958, thanks to a love ballad called "Donna" that he wrote for his girlfriend. But as his star rises, Valens has conflicts with his jealous brother, Bob, and becomes haunted by a recurring nightmare of a plane crash just as he begins his first national tour alongside Buddy Holly.

The film has been rated by 765 audiences on ThumbScore, reflecting its reach and engagement with viewers. As a drama film, La Bamba delivers on the expectations of its genre while bringing its own distinctive perspective to the storytelling. The production showcases the creative vision of its filmmaking team, bringing together performances, cinematography, and narrative elements that have resonated with audiences.

La Bamba (1987) continues to find viewers through theatrical releases, streaming platforms, and home media, maintaining its place in the contemporary entertainment landscape. The film represents the kind of cinematic experience that has attracted a dedicated audience, with viewers appreciating its approach to the story and characters it presents.

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