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Selena

Play trailer Poster for Selena PG 1997 2h 7m Biography Drama Music Play Trailer Watchlist
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67% Tomatometer 84 Reviews 78% Popcornmeter 100,000+ Ratings
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.
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Selena

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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.

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Critics Reviews

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Ann Hornaday Austin American-Statesman 09/06/2023
2.5/4
As conventional mainstream filmed entertainment, then, Selena may not succeed completely. But as a ritual of celebration and closure it will provide its audience with an opportunity for some cathartic memories, laughs and tears. Go to Full Review
Carrie Rickey Philadelphia Inquirer 09/06/2023
3/4
While Olmos is the soul of the film, Jennifer Lopez as Selena is its playful heart. Lip-synching to popular recordings by the singing sensation and bopping to her irrepressible beat, she personifies girlish high hopes. Go to Full Review
Harper Barnes St. Louis Post-Dispatch 09/06/2023
Director Gregory Nava might have done us all a favor by tightening up the script. Still, fans of the music, which mixes traditional Mexican styles with rock music, should enjoy the movie for its many songs and Lopez's convincing portrayal. Go to Full Review
Rene Rodriguez Miami Herald 09/06/2023
2.5/4
Take away that ending, and you haven't got a movie. Fortunately, Selena also has actress Jennifer Lopez, who is good enough to hold your attention when the movie is not. Go to Full Review
Joe Baltake Sacramento Bee 09/06/2023
3.5/4
[Jennifer Lopez] has a star-making role here and more than fulfills it. The actress is so vital and commanding that she makes one spookily aware of the loss of the real Selena. Go to Full Review
Bob Ross Tampa Tribune 09/06/2023
3.5/4
As Selena, Lopez glows with eagerness and joy. She does resemble the person she portrays, but she amplifies the characterization with impeccable body language. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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mildred May 14 I liked the song of somewhere over the rainbow by Selena See more Kristy A 09/25/2024 I really needed to see Selena on the big screen again! It Brought me back to the day I first saw the film. I cried from beginning to end. Took me straight to my 15 year self. See more Janice W 09/17/2022 Although this movie came out 25 yrs ago, I never saw the entire movie. I know about the real about the life of Selena. I thought Jennifer Lopez made a convincing portrayal of Selena. Sad that her life ended so tragically at such a young age. See more Mitchell S @Mitchstur Mar 14 It's charming, funny, cute, and Jennifer Lopez is a knock out in this role! See more Joshua m @Flameon Nov 24 I wasn't familiar with Selena before watching this film. It's a great tribute with a sad ending. See more Stephen C @bob25009 Nov 19 Success in 2 hours and 7 minutes. Nominated at the 40th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony for Best Instrumental Composition Written for a Motion Picture or for Television. And winner at the 1998 ALMA Awards ceremony for Outstanding Feature Film, Outstanding Actor in a Feature Film (Edward James Olmos), Outstanding Actress in a Feature Film (Jennifer Lopez) and Outstanding Latino Director of a Feature Film (Gregory Nava). See more Read all reviews
Selena

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Movie Info

Synopsis 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.
Director
Gregory Nava
Producer
Robert Katz, Moctesuma Esparza
Distributor
Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co
Q Film Productions, Esparza/Katz Productions
Rating
PG
Genre
Biography, Drama, Music
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Mar 21, 1997, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
May 1, 2008
Box Office (Gross USA)
$35.4M
Runtime
2h 7m
Sound Mix
SDDS, Dolby Digital, DTS, Surround
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