Selena

1997, Biography/Drama, 2h 7m

48 Reviews 100,000+ Ratings

What to know

critics consensus

Selena occasionally struggles to tell its subject's story with depth or perspective, but those flaws are rendered largely irrelevant by Jennifer Lopez in the title role. Read critic reviews

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Movie Info

In this biographical drama, Selena Quintanilla (Jennifer Lopez) is born into a musical Mexican-American family in Texas. Her father, Abraham (Edward James Olmos), realizes that his young daughter is talented and begins performing with her at small venues. She finds success and falls for her guitarist, Chris Perez (Jon Seda), who draws the ire of her father. Seeking mainstream stardom, Selena begins recording an English-language album which, tragically, she would never complete.
  • Rating:
    PG
  • Genre:
    Biography, Drama
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Gregory Nava
  • Producer:
    Robert Katz, Moctesuma Esparza
  • Writer:
    Gregory Nava
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     original
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $35.4M
  • Runtime:
  • Distributor:
    Warner Home Vídeo, Warner Bros.
  • Sound Mix:
    SDDS, Dolby Digital, DTS, Surround

Cast & Crew

Jennifer Lopez
Selena Quintanilla
Edward James Olmos
Abraham Quintanilla
Jon Seda
Chris Perez
Constance Marie
Marcela Quintanilla
Jacob Vargas
Abie Quintanilla
Lupe Ontiveros
Yolanda Saldivar
Jackie Guerra
Suzette Quintanilla
Richard Coca
Bobby - Dinos 1961
Panchito Gomez
Young Abraham - Dinos 1961
Sal Lopez
Juan Luis
Victoria Elena Flores
Young Suzette
Rafael Tamayo
Young Abie
León Singer
Concert Promoter
Rebecca Lee Meza
Young Selena
Gregory Nava
Director
Gregory Nava
Screenwriter
Abraham Quintanilla Jr.
Executive Producer
Robert Katz
Producer
Moctesuma Esparza
Producer
Dave Grusin
Original Music
Edward Lachman
Film Editing
Nancy Richardson
Film Editing
Roger Mussenden
Casting
Cary White
Production Design
Edward Vega
Art Director
Jeanette Scott
Set Decoration
Elisabetta Beraldo
Costume Design
Show all Cast & Crew

News & Interviews for Selena

“Rotten Tomatoes Is Wrong” About… Selena (with Special Guest Harvey Guillén)
America Ferrera: Five Hispanic Movies That Inspire Her
Seven Hispanic Critics Open Up About Movies that Made a Major Impact On Their Lives
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Critic Reviews for Selena

All Critics (48) | Top Critics (15) | Fresh (32) | Rotten (16)
Full Review… Sarah Kerr Slate Full Review… Jonathan Rosenbaum Chicago Reader Full Review… Duane Byrge Hollywood Reporter Full Review… Lisa Schwarzbaum Entertainment Weekly Full Review… Richard Harrington Washington Post Full Review… Kenneth Turan Los Angeles Times Full Review… Rosa Parra Latinx Lens Full Review… Rachel Wagner rachelsreviews.net Full Review… Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Full Review… Dennis King Tulsa World Full Review… Justin Brown Medium Popcorn Full Review… Brandon Collins Medium Popcorn
View All Critic Reviews (48)

Audience Reviews for Selena

  • Nov 18, 2011
    Even if you don't know who Selena is you can still watch this film. This film presented a week plot with decent acting. If your going to make a film about how a female becomes a pop artist then why not focus mostly on what she had to do to accomplish such success. This film shows unnecessary stuff like her concert performances and dialogue that has nothing to do with the conflict. The most unnecessary part was the two guys in the low rider. It would have been way better if they focused on the romance between Selena and her boyfriend. Then towards the end when Selena dies the audience can connect with her more and feel for her family and boyfriend. They could have made the ending better and more dramatic. If you'r a fan of Selena or Jennifer Lopez then you should watch this.
    Eduardo T Super Reviewer
  • Aug 05, 2011
    Even if you have never listened to her music, you will still appreciate this film.
    Eric A Super Reviewer
  • Jun 23, 2011
    Heartbreaking! A must see!
    Bethany M Super Reviewer
  • Dec 17, 2009
    The story of a girl who had the spirit to believe in a dream and the courage to make it come true.
    Wahida K Super Reviewer
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