Selena | Rotten Tomatoes

Selena

PG

Released Mar 21, 1997

2h 7m

Biography

Drama

Music

List

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66%

Tomatometer

85 Reviews

78%

Audience Score

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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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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Ann Hornaday

Austin American-Statesman

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.

Rated: 2.5/4

Sep 6, 2023

Full Review

Carrie Rickey

Philadelphia Inquirer

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.

Rated: 3/4

Sep 6, 2023

Full Review

Harper Barnes

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

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.

Sep 6, 2023

Full Review

Rene Rodriguez

Miami Herald

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.

Rated: 2.5/4

Sep 6, 2023

Full Review

Joe Baltake

Sacramento Bee

[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.

Rated: 3.5/4

Sep 6, 2023

Full Review

Bob Ross

Tampa Tribune

As Selena, Lopez glows with eagerness and joy. She does resemble the person she portrays, but she amplifies the characterization with impeccable body language.

Rated: 3.5/4

Sep 6, 2023

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Janice W

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.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

09/17/22

Full Review

Deke P

GREAT! LOVED it. But so sad, almost cried cuz knew what the end would be. Wanted to see it, but never did til this week April 2024 AMC 'lertn. especially loved her young father's group singing BLUE MOON!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/22/24

Full Review

Tanay M

Selena served as two things. It was my introduction to Selena (the artist with the beautiful spirit) and voice and it was my introduction to Jennifer Lopez (The beautiful Performer). Selena is a great movie elevated by the concert scenes mainly but it also serves as a cautionary tale that people aren't always your friends and you should live and love for today. This film should not exist only because Selena should still be here but this is the only film after Titanic that moved me emotionally as a child and later adult. I'm curious as to whether or not any of you hold this movie in high regard as part of Jennifer's Filmography it really will stand the test of time.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/23/24

Full Review

Rosalyn M

Truly Jennifer Lopez was meant to play the role of ‘Selena.' She has undeniable warmth, charm, & sincerity. Loved this film so much.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/17/23

Full Review

Isla E

Amazing movie. This biographical true story film about, Selena Quintanilla starring (Jennifer Lopez) is about a musical Mexican-American family in Texas. Her father, Abraham playing her dad is (Edward James Olmos), who 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, she would never complete. Tragically due to a thief lying and killing trader that she trusted.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/15/23

Full Review

lucas.

melhor filme biográfico mas tem algumas coisas no filme que me deixam com um pé atrás

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/03/23

Full Review

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Gregory Nava

Director

Jennifer Lopez

Selena Quintanilla

Edward James Olmos

Abraham Quintanilla

Jon Seda

Chris Perez

Constance Marie

Marcela Quintanilla

Jacob Vargas

Abie Quintanilla

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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
Screenwriter: Gregory Nava
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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