7.3
Viewer Rating
Combines user and critic ratings from four sources
La Bamba (1987)
La Bamba (1987)
Overview
Los Angeles teenager Ritchie Valens becomes an overnight rock 'n' roll success in 1958, thanks to a love ballad called "Donna" that he wrote for his girlfriend. But as his star rises, Valens has conflicts with his jealous brother, Bob, and becomes haunted by a recurring nightmare of a plane crash just as he begins his first national tour alongside Buddy Holly.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
Rating & Dimensions
Bias Rating
Analyzing...
Center
Political: Center
Diversity: Moderate
Christianity: Positive
Viewer Rating
7.3
Overview
Los Angeles teenager Ritchie Valens becomes an overnight rock 'n' roll success in 1958, thanks to a love ballad called "Donna" that he wrote for his girlfriend. But as his star rises, Valens has conflicts with his jealous brother, Bob, and becomes haunted by a recurring nightmare of a plane crash just as he begins his first national tour alongside Buddy Holly.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
Detailed Bias Analysis
Analyzing...
Center
Primary
The film focuses on the individual journey and musical talent of Ritchie Valens, balancing the cultural context of a Mexican-American artist with a universal 'American Dream' narrative of individual achievement, thus maintaining a largely apolitical stance.
The movie features a diverse cast that accurately represents the Mexican-American subjects of its biographical narrative. It explores the cultural experiences and challenges of a minority artist and his family, focusing on their journey and identity, without explicitly critiquing traditional identities within its narrative.
Secondary
The film portrays Catholicism as a significant cultural and spiritual anchor for the Valenzuela family, offering comfort, hope, and tradition without critique. Religious practices like prayer and candle lighting are shown as genuine expressions of faith.
La Bamba (1987) is a biographical film centered on the life of Ritchie Valens, depicting his rise to fame, family dynamics, and heterosexual romantic relationships. The narrative does not include any identifiable LGBTQ+ characters or themes, resulting in a 'N/A' rating for LGBTQ+ portrayal.
La Bamba is a biographical film centered on Ritchie Valens' life, rise to fame, and family relationships. The narrative does not include any identifiable transsexual characters or themes, making the overall portrayal N/A. The story primarily focuses on Valens' musical journey and personal struggles within his family context.
The movie does not contain any action or adventure elements.
La Bamba is a biographical film depicting real historical figures. The main characters, including Ritchie Valens, his family, and associates, are portrayed on screen by actors matching the historical gender of the individuals they represent.
The film is a biopic about Ritchie Valens, a Mexican-American musician. The main actors portraying Valens and his family are of Latino or multiracial descent, consistent with the characters' historical racial/ethnic backgrounds. No character's broader racial category was changed from their established historical identity.
Viewer Rating Breakdown
User Ratings
7.0
7.3
Critic Ratings
8.3
6.5
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