Added to Tubi on Thursday, Mar 7, 2024 La Bamba showcases the meteoric rise and tragic fall of Ritchie Valens, a rock and roll pioneer whose life was cut short by a plane crash at the age of 17. The movie details his journey from a humble beginning to topping the Billboard charts with hits like “La Bamba” and “Donna”. It explores his involvement in the Winter Dance Party tour with Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper, leading up to the fatal flight in a snowstorm. The film is a touching portrayal of Valens’ relationships with his family, including the complex bond with his half-brother Bob and the impact of his sudden death on those close to him.
Length: 1h 48m
Genre: Biography, Drama, Music
This Title is: A heartfelt and inspiring story of a young musician’s brief but impactful career
La Bamba (1987) is New on Tubi in Canada!
Trailer
Cast
- Lou Diamond Phillips as Ritchie Valens
- Esai Morales as Roberto “Bob” Morales
- Rosanna DeSoto as Connie Valenzuela
Parental Guidance
Maturity Rating: PG-13
Themes of family dynamics, the pressures of fame, and the tragedy of losing a loved one at a young age.
Trivia
- All of Ritchie Valens’ songs in the movie were performed by Los Lobos, chosen by the Valenzuela family.
- The movie premiered on July 24, 1987, in the United States and later internationally.
- The Criterion Collection released a special edition on Blu-Ray and DVD on September 26, 2023.
Our Review
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La Bamba is a compelling narrative that effectively captures the spirit of Ritchie Valens and the rock and roll era of the 1950s. Through Lou Diamond Phillips’ empathetic portrayal of Valens, the movie conveys a powerful story of ambition, family, and loss. The dynamics between Valens, his brother, and mother are especially resonant, providing a glimpse into the personal struggles behind his musical success. Despite some limitations in character development, the film excels in its musical performances, courtesy of Los Lobos, and its depiction of Valens’ fleeting but impactful career.
Critic Scores
La Bamba (1987) has received a great review by the critics
