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IMDb > La Bamba (1987)
La Bamba
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La Bamba (1987) -- Lou Diamond Phillips steps into the role of singer Ritchie Valens who went from nowhere to superstardom right before a tragic plane crash known as the day the music died.
La Bamba (1987) -- Biographical story of the rise from nowhere of singer Ritchie Valens whose life was cut short by a plane crash.
La Bamba (1987) -- Biographical story of the rise from nowhere of singer Ritchie Valens whose life was cut short by a plane crash.

Overview

User Rating:
6.6/10   7,241 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 3% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writer:
Luis Valdez (written by)
Contact:
View company contact information for La Bamba on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
24 July 1987 (USA) more
Genre:
Tagline:
Born to poverty. Destined for stardom. He Lived the American Dream. more
Plot:
Biographical story of the rise from nowhere of singer Ritchie Valens whose life was cut short by a plane crash. full summary | add synopsis
Awards:
Nominated for Golden Globe. Another 1 win more
NewsDesk:
(12 articles)
Sotomayor Does the Mambo
 (From The Wrap. 17 September 2009, 6:32 AM, PDT)

New 'Stargate Universe' Promo
 (From CinemaSpy. 9 September 2009, 11:57 AM, PDT)

User Reviews:
Great biopic of a musical legend more (43 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Lou Diamond Phillips ... Ritchie Valens

Esai Morales ... Bob Morales
Rosanna DeSoto ... Connie Valenzuela (as Rosana De Soto)
Elizabeth Peña ... Rosie Morales
Danielle von Zerneck ... Donna Ludwig

Joe Pantoliano ... Bob Keane
Rick Dees ... Ted Quillin
Marshall Crenshaw ... Buddy Holly
Howard Huntsberry ... Jackie Wilson

Brian Setzer ... Eddie Cochran
Daniel Valdez ... Lelo
Felipe Cantu ... Curandero
Eddie Frias ... Chino
Mike Moroff ... Mexican Ed
Geoffrey Rivas ... Rudy
more
Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

Also Known As:
Let's Go (USA) (working title)
more
Runtime:
108 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:

Fun Stuff

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?" more
Goofs:
Continuity: When Ritchie is showing his mother the new house, the shadows are halfway up the walls. When Bob pulls into the driveway with his two sisters, the shadows are totally gone. And when Ritchie opens the door into the house the shadows are there again. more
Quotes:
Bob Keene: Wait Ritchie, look. I understand about friendship... but I'm being honest here. Not everyone in the world gets a shot at the "brass ring." You're gonna have to ask yourself what's more important, your friends... or your music.
Ritchie Valens: Walks back to table: My family...
more
Movie Connections:
Soundtrack:
Goodnight My Love more

FAQ

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9 out of 10 people found the following review useful.
Great biopic of a musical legend, 24 June 2002
8/10
Author: Agent10 from Tucson, AZ

The life and times of Richie Valens, and well made to say the least. Lou Diamond Phillips really showed a lot of promise in this film, but poor choices later in his career hurt his rep in Hollywood. Nonetheless, this film is quite an achievement in regards to portraying a rock idol (which was far better than the dull Buddy Holly Story). What really made this film was the relationship between Phillips and Esai Morales. Never has a brotherly dynamic been portrayed so fluidly, displaying the sweet and sour sides of the two growing up. With the help of a great soundtrack, I really felt this film has a spirit which isn't displayed in biographies anymore. Nowadays, most films try too hard to show the downside, which is what this tried not to do. 7.5/10

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Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for La Bamba (1987)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
1970'S Garbage Truck madhouse_495
no kudos for Los Lobos? bhhanson
The Sweater Ritchie Wears fleeche
Buddy Holly Story Ending Vs. La Bamba Ending twik_sliver
Please someone help me understand this.... Louis275
Bob Valenzuela start a fight during Ritchie's concert madhouse_495
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