Magdalena is the daughter of a Mexican-American family that runs a storefront church in Echo Park, Los Angeles. With her 15th birthday approaching, all she can think about is her boyfriend, her Quinceañera dress, and the Hummer Limo she hopes will carry her on her special day. But, a few months before the celebration, Magdalena falls pregnant. As the elaborate preparations for her Quinceañera proceed, it is only a matter of time before her religious father finds out and rejects her. Forced out
of her home, Magdalena moves in with her great-great uncle, Tomas, an old man who makes his living by selling champurrado--a Mexican hot drink--in the street. Already living with him is Carlos, Magdalena's cousin, a tough cholo who was thrown out by his parents. Carlos does not disguise his disapproval of Magdalena's arrival. The back house rental where Tomas has lived happily for many years is on a property that was recently purchased by an affluent white gay couple--pioneers of gentrification in the neighborhood. Inevitably, worlds collide when they become entangled in the lives of their tenants. As Magdalena's pregnancy grows more visible, she, Carlos and Tomas pull together as a family of outsiders. But, the economics of the neighborhood are turning against them. Ultimately, this precipitates a crisis that threatens their way of life.
[Has]courage to look realistically, instead of idealistically, at some dubious civic practices; and second, honesty about the painful feelings of kids coupled with their desperate need for love and guidance and their ultimate desire to do the right thing.
The film is suffused with the generous, nonjudgmental spirit of Uncle Tomas, whose live-and-let-live attitude warms like the sun and who helps Magdalena and Carlos make the safe passage from adolescence to maturity.
(...) Un cuadro social que confronta no sólo tradiciones sino también tensiones raciales, de clase y generacionales en un barrio latino obrero en plena transición.
This celebrated Sundance prizewinner doesn't look quite so special. Actually, it seems Very Special--as in one of those Very Special Episodes of an ongoing television series.
The writing is not always as developed as one would wish it, but this seems almost paltry in light of the dramatic truth and rivetingly real performances which are elicited.
(the writer-directors) fill their story with well-observed contrasts... Although 'Quinceanera' is full of distinctly Hispanic sounds and flavors, its themes of tolerance and understanding should apply to any culture.
Though it doesn't ride quite as smoothly as that Hummer limo Magdalena fantasizes over, the film succeeds as a heartfelt slice-of-life examining a culture too often ignored in film.
Touching, charming and very engagingly played, it offers perceptive insights into LA Latino culture as well as solid, slightly old-fashioned entertainment.
Impressive acting all round, the story?s focus is on being an outsider within a community and is a pretty original idea, however my advice would be not to read the synopsis before watching, as it is a bit of a story spoiler.
This is certainly not a movie made for teens, it will be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys
realistic Drama.
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