Never heard of
Tejano sensation Selena? Then you probably won't care about this movie version of her fairy-tale ascent and tragic end. But it pulls off a neat trick: molding the story of one talented poor girl from Corpus Christi, TX, into a larger narrative of
cultural assimilation. The real Selena Quintanilla Perez may have been a hotpants-wearing, hip-swinging, bustier-clad babe, but the big-screen Selena is a (somewhat dubious) role model for young Hispanic girls everywhere. The lessons: Dream big. (
Wouldn't I look good in a Porsche?) Stay
close to your family. (
Obey your father!) Embrace your roots. (
Learn Spanish.) Focus on your cr...
Released:
1997
Rated:
PG
Length:
127 mins