Lou Diamond Phillips, Esai Morales, Rosanna DeSoto

Biographical story of the rise from nowhere of singer Ritchie Valens whose life was cut short by a plane crash.

Flixster Users

75% liked it

46,861 ratings

Critics

95% liked it

20 critics

PG-13, 1 hr. 48 min.

Directed by: Luis Valdez

Release Date: July 24, 1987

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DVD Release Date: April 6, 1999

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Stats: 1,593 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (1,593)


  • September 29, 2009
    Lou Diamond Phillips's Ritchie Valens is a classic from my chidhood! Love it!
  • October 5, 2008
    The day the music died, huh? Lou Diamond Phillips couldn't never live this down. It was always gonna be the best he will ever do.
  • March 2, 2008
    LDP making his loudest statement, good film with good music.
  • August 13, 2007
    Biographical story of the rise from nowhere of singer Ritchie Valens whose life was cut short by a plane crash.
    hanky anyone?
  • June 29, 2007
    Classic
  • November 2, 2009
    name is peggy 37f
  • September 28, 2009
    One of Lou Diamond Phillips best movies. A great true life story film about singer Ritchie Valens. Lou Diamond Phillips as Valens was great. He was a great choice to play the lead in the film. I heard some of Valens songs before but didn't know much about his life. Who knows what...( read more) his career would have lead him if he didn't die in that plane crash. Well worth a watch for those who enjoy true life based film.
  • September 8, 2009
    Oh hay that's a song! Nvm.
  • September 4, 2009
    I ove this movie! It makes me almost cry everytime. The part where Ritchies mom says "Not my Ritchie!!" sad sad shit.
  • August 29, 2009
    R.I.P. Richie Valenz, Buddy Holly, and The Big Bopper

Critic Reviews


Comments


  • alicia2hot4u01
    August 1, 2007
    This is a greeeat movie its one of my favorite !! It's sooo sad when richie's mom finds out he died and she is screaming not my richie not my richie.. That part makes me cry every time!!!
  • MrGrimlock
    July 9, 2007
    Bob is too cool

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La Bamba : Watch Free on TV


La Bamba Trivia


  • Who played the role of Ritchie Valens in the movie La Bamba?  Answer »
  • In La Bamba Lou Diamond Phillips portrays Rock singer Ritchie Valens,who died in a plane crash that claimed the lives of two other rock singers. Which other rock stars died with Richie Valens  Answer »
  • The movie that portrays the life of Rock'n Roll star Richie Valens.  Answer »
  • In the movie La Bamba, what did the old man in Tijuana give Ritchie to help with his nightmares.  Answer »

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