Common Sense Media Review
Sweet, sad rock-idol tale has violence, cursing, drinking.
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La Bamba
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 4 parent reviews
Based on 11 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is a moving and emotionally charged portrayal of Ritchie Valens's life, balancing uplifting themes of family and dreams with dark elements such as substance abuse, violence, and a tragic ending. While the performances and music are well-received, the mature content makes it more suitable for older teens and adults rather than younger viewers.
- emotional impact
- mature themes
- strong performances
- tragic ending
- family values
- suitable for teens
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
LA BAMBA chronicles the life story of 1950s Mexican American pop singer Ritchie Valens (Lou Diamond Phillips), who broke barriers with mainstream hits including "Come on, Let's Go" and "La Bamba." Ritchie is a dutiful son compared to older brother and bad boy Bob (Esai Morales), and the difference causes friction between the two brothers. In high school, Ritchie plays in a band, and falls in love with Donna, but her parents disapprove of her relationship with a Latino from the other side of the tracks. Ritchie continues to hone his skills while struggling with his tempestuous relationship with Bob, and he constantly suffers from a fear of flying. When a record producer (Joe Pantoliano) discovers Ritchie playing at a teen dance, that fateful meeting leads to Valens' biggest hit singles. On a tour in the Midwest, the rising star boards a plane with Buddy Holly and the Big Bopper. It's February 3, 1959 -- the day the music died.
Is It Any Good?
LA BAMBA feels like rock 'n' roll in the fabulous '50s: fresh, young, exciting, sentimental, a little bit dangerous, but irresistibly infectious. Lou Diamond Phillips, with his wide-eyed energy and boyish charm, is endearing as the Mexican American performer whose time in the spotlight was tragically brief. The movie also depicts an intense but loving relationship between two brothers.
The concert sequences are fun and energetic, and Phillips commands the stage in these scenes. Valens' music and vocals are provided by Los Lobos, who also make an appearance as a Tijuana dance-hall band. Rock musicians Marshall Crenshaw and Brian Setzer have cameos as Holly and Eddie Cochran.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the dynamics of Ritchie's family. What are the positive and negative aspects of their interactions and what is the distinction between the two brothers? How accurate is the movie's portrayal of Ritchie?
How does the movie portray Mexican Americans in 1950s California?
Why does Ritchie change his name to something less "ethnic"? Can you think of examples of other entertainers from that time who also changed their name for similar reasons?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 24, 1987
- On DVD or streaming : April 6, 1999
- Cast : Esai Morales , Joe Pantoliano , Lou Diamond Phillips
- Director : Luis Valdez
- Inclusion Information : Latino Movie Director(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Sony Pictures
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , History , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Run time : 109 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : Se pide a los padres que sean precavidos. Algunos materiales pueden ser inapropiados para los preadolescentes.
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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