Selena
67
metacriticBased on 17 Critics
86
Based on 33 Users

Release Date: 1997

DVD Release Date: September 24th, 1997

PG |2 hr 7 min

Plot Summary

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.

Cast: Jennifer Lopez, Edward James Olmos, Jon Seda, Constance Marie, Jacob Vargas, Lupe Ontiveros, Jackie Guerra, Richard Coca

Director: Gregory Nava

Genres: Biography , Drama

Production Co: Q Film Productions

Keywords: Rise , Quest , 1980s , Love , Inspiring , 1990s , Emotional , Father , Underdog

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Ratings & Reviews

  • 88
    Roger EbertChicago Sun-Times

    Selena succeeds, through Lopez's performance, in evoking the magic of a sweet and talented young woman. show more

  • 88
    James BerardinelliReelViews

    This is a simple story of hope and triumph, of one girl with the drive to succeed defying the odds and following her dream. It's not an original tale -- movies like this abound -- but Nava's point-of-view is fresh. show more

  • 80
    Duane ByrgeThe Hollywood Reporter

    What makes this movie work is Jennifer Lopez's electric performance as Selena, capturing the charismatic aspects of Selena's stage persona and the essence of her maturity as a growing woman. show more

See all critic reviews on metacritic.com

Awards

Nominated Best Performance By an Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
Golden Globes (1998)