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Parents' Guide to

Selena

By Teresa Talerico, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Touching and ultimately tragic tale of young Tejano star.

Movie PG 1997 128 minutes
Selena Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 8+

Based on 4 parent reviews

wonder dove
wonder dove Adult
May 19, 2012
age 11+

Beautiful. Just beautiful!

This movie is gorgeous. I first saw it when I was 11 with my best friend at the time, we would watch it quite often and always cry. Selena seemed like such a wonderful person and friend to have in your life; she was caring, compassionate and always there for her friends and family. The music is great, fun and upbeat - and I usually don't like musicals or too much of it in a movie but this one was perfect - and can't forget - her husband was hot :) and such a nice guy who loved her so much. I love how the film shows her childhood and how her (somewhat strict) father actually started her in the music industry. What talent! I found it super entertaining, funny and very emotional. One of my favorites!
ALLEY
ALLEY Parent of 5 and 10-year-old
May 12, 2011
age 7+
This movie is great! Even though the story is tragic J-LO does a great job telling the tale. The murder is not shown but your children may ask some questions, for others it may not give any reaction! Talk about it, don't let it go un-noticed, ask if there are any questions!! All in all it was a SPECTACULAR movie!
See all 4 parent reviews

What's the Story?

SELENA, a touching, effervescent, and ultimately tragic biopic, tells the story of the Grammy-winning Tejano singer Selena, who was killed at age 23 by her fan-club president. Jennifer Lopez shines in the title role of the movie, which chronicles the performer's rise to stardom and explores her relationship with her tight-knit family, including a domineering yet loving father, Abraham (Edward James Olmos). The story begins with one of Selena's last performances, a concert that drew record-breaking crowds, then flashes back to Selena's childhood in Texas. Her father, a former singer, recognizes Selena's natural singing abilities and organizes her and her siblings into a musical group. The kids perform at festivals, and Selena slowly develops a following. By the time she's a young adult, she's a superstar in the Tejano music scene. Abraham is proud of Selena but can't accept that she's growing up. This leads to various conflicts, which boil over when Selena falls in love with the band's lead guitarist, Chris (Jon Seda). Just when Selena seems content and on the brink of mainstream pop success, her life is tragically cut short. Selena's death is depicted mostly through TV-news-style reports, although there's a scene of her killer (Lupe Ontiveros) holding a gun to her own head.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (4 ):
Kids say (19 ):

Although it occasionally feels somewhat sugar-coated, this film remains a very watchable, entertaining, and moving tribute to a beloved performer. Selena also includes portrayals of Mexican-American culture and Hispanic families. A great pick for families looking to learn more about the Tejano superstar.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the relationship between Selena and her father. Why is he so domineering? Does he deny his kids a childhood by forcing them to perform in a musical group? Or is he urging them, especially Selena, to reach their potential?

  • Selena's father is shown lamenting the difficulties of Mexican-Americans in having to prove that they're as American as any other American but also as Mexican as any other Mexican. Do you think this accurately reflects not only what Selena had to overcome as a performer but also the difficulties of other Mexican-Americans?

  • How accurately do you think this movie reflects the struggles and successes of a touring band trying to make it in the music industry?

  • Thousands of young girls idolized Selena. How does the movie depict her as a role model through her personality, her ventures in music and fashion, and her ability to succeed despite ethnic and gender challenges? How does she demonstrate perseverance? Why is this an important character strength?

  • Kids might have questions about Tejano music, a Tex-Mex genre that blends elements of pop, country, Mexican polka, and other styles. Where could you find more information on this topic?

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