Quinceanera (2006)

86% of critics liked it
(94 reviews)
54% of users liked it
(18,097 ratings)

Magdalena is the daughter of a Mexican-American family that runs a storefront church in Echo Park, Los Angeles. With her 15th birthday approaching, all she can think about is her boyfriend, her Quinceañera dress, and the Hummer Limo she hopes will carry her on her special day. But, a few months… More Magdalena is the daughter of a Mexican-American family that runs a storefront church in Echo Park, Los Angeles. With her 15th birthday approaching, all she can think about is her boyfriend, her Quinceañera dress, and the Hummer Limo she hopes will carry her on her special day. But, a few months before the celebration, Magdalena falls pregnant. As the elaborate preparations for her Quinceañera proceed, it is only a matter of time before her religious father finds out and rejects her. Forced out of her home, Magdalena moves in with her great-great uncle, Tomas, an old man who makes his living by selling champurrado--a Mexican hot drink--in the street. Already living with him is Carlos, Magdalena's cousin, a tough cholo who was thrown out by his parents. Carlos does not disguise his disapproval of Magdalena's arrival. The back house rental where Tomas has lived happily for many years is on a property that was recently purchased by an affluent white gay couple--pioneers of gentrification in the neighborhood. Inevitably, worlds collide when they become entangled in the lives of their tenants. As Magdalena's pregnancy grows more visible, she, Carlos and Tomas pull together as a family of outsiders. But, the economics of the neighborhood are turning against them. Ultimately, this precipitates a crisis that threatens their way of life.

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Directed By: Richard Glatzer, Wash Westmoreland
Written By: Richard Glatzer, Wash Westmoreland
Genres: Drama, Art House & International, Comedy

In Theaters: Aug 2, 2006 Wide
Studio: Sony Pictures Classics

Critic Reviews

Geoff Andrew, Time Out
Touching, charming and very engagingly played, it offers perceptive insights into LA Latino culture as well as solid, slightly old-fashioned entertainment.
Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel
The setting and the people in it make Quinceanera a party worth an RSVP.
Randy Cordova, Arizona Republic
It feels awkward, both in the pat screenplay and the uneven direction.
Steve Murray, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
You realize that, while pretending to break ground, Quinceañera is ultimately stuck in familiar Hollywood formulas.
Stephen Hunter, Washington Post
[Has]courage to look realistically, instead of idealistically, at some dubious civic practices; and second, honesty about the painful feelings of kids coupled with their desperate need for love and guidance and their ultimate desire to do the right thing.
Terry Lawson, Detroit Free Press
Sweet, formulaic and forgettable.
Cynthia Fuchs, Common Sense Media
Smart coming of age drama for older teens.
Enrique Buchichio, Uruguay Total
(...) Un cuadro social que confronta no sólo tradiciones sino también tensiones raciales, de clase y generacionales en un barrio latino obrero en plena transición.
Michael Dequina, TheMovieReport.com
This celebrated Sundance prizewinner doesn't look quite so special. Actually, it seems Very Special--as in one of those Very Special Episodes of an ongoing television series.
James Plath, Movie Metropolis
A little film with a big heart.
David Noh, Film Journal International
The writing is not always as developed as one would wish it, but this seems almost paltry in light of the dramatic truth and rivetingly real performances which are elicited.
Kim Newman, Empire Magazine
This is a satisfying, spicy little picture.
James Sanford, Kalamazoo Gazette
(the writer-directors) fill their story with well-observed contrasts... Although 'Quinceanera' is full of distinctly Hispanic sounds and flavors, its themes of tolerance and understanding should apply to any culture.
Robert Roten, Laramie Movie Scope
The film is filled with heart and good humor, but there is a bit of edge to it as well.
Stuart Klawans, The Nation
Lovely and lovable.
Rob Thomas, Capital Times (Madison, WI)
The underwhelming drama contains echoes of so many other indie flicks that anything original is all but drowned out.
Phil Villarreal, Arizona Daily Star
Though it doesn't ride quite as smoothly as that Hummer limo Magdalena fantasizes over, the film succeeds as a heartfelt slice-of-life examining a culture too often ignored in film.
Matthew Turner, ViewLondon
Emily Rios is terrific as Magdalena, brilliantly capturing both her character's confusion and her determination to get on with her life.

Read all 18 critic reviews

See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

erika b

I like the plot but it was lacking something.
Lady D

Impressive acting all round, the story?s focus is on being an outsider within a community and is a pretty original idea, however my advice would be not to read the synopsis before watching, as it is a bit of a story spoiler. This is certainly not a movie made for teens, it will be… More
Impressive acting all round, the story?s focus is on being an outsider within a community and is a pretty original idea, however my advice would be not to read the synopsis before watching, as it is a bit of a story spoiler. This is certainly not a movie made for teens, it will be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys realistic Drama.
Leigh R

It was pretty good. I liked the ending.
Joey N

This movie was a lot more serious than i was expecting. Every minute is entertaining and full of heart. It was refreshing to see a gay latino thug on film handled so well. The ending is a little abrupt, but it makes sense. I love Mexicans!
Daniel P

Known as Echo Park LA in the UK, Quiceañera is the name given in some Spanish-speaking regions of the Americas to a girl's 15th birthday - traditionally seen as the age in which a girl makes the transition to womanhood, and indeed this change… More
Known as Echo Park LA in the UK, Quiceañera is the name given in some Spanish-speaking regions of the Americas to a girl's 15th birthday - traditionally seen as the age in which a girl makes the transition to womanhood, and indeed this change is what permeates the film. Emily Rios stars as Magdalena, who, on nearing her 15th birthday, discovers she is pregnant (though she insists she has never had sex), and is pretty much abandoned by her religious family. She finds refuge with her more open-minded and kind-hearted Uncle Tomas and her gay cousin, Carlos (Jesse Garcia), who is also making transitions of his own by exploring his sexuality. An unusual, important and perceptive movie, Quinceañera suffers from a horribly rushed ending that damages some of what has gone before, and has a few weak performances (though both Emily Rios and Jesse Garcia are terrific). Executive produced and promoted by Todd Haynes (Far From Heaven), this remains an entertaining film and is a marked improvement from joint directors Walsh Westmoreland and Richarder Glatzer's previous film, The Fluffer.
Donna D

This was a hit with me and my niece! We were totally surprised with how the story went. Pretty cool Independent film that is worth watching. Thumbs up! :)
Leo L

Fantastic!
Sarah P

An intrestingly intertwined story, great acting from unknowns.
Ina S

Entertaining but didn't really grip me.

Read all 9 featured audience ratings

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Cast

Emily Rios
as Magdalena
Jesse Garcia
as Carlos
Chalo Gonzalez
as Tio Tomas, Uncle Tomas
J.R. Cruz
as Herman
Johnny Chavez
as Uncle Walter
Jason L. Wood
as James
Jesus Castanos-Chima
as Ernesto
David W. Ross
as Gary
Araceli Guzman-Rico
as MarÃa, María, Mar
James L. Wood
as James
Teresa-Michelle Ruiz
as Herman's Mother
Alicia Sixtos
as Eileen
Lisette Avila
as Jessica
Hector Quevedo
as Dancing Boy
German Zavala
as The QuinceaÃ±era's Male Escort, The Quin...
Carlos Linares
as Videographer
Margarita Lugo
as Aunt Candy
Veronica Sixtos
as Young Girl
Valentin Martinez Medina
as Flower Seller
Bertha Flamenco
as Aunt Sandra
Jorge Ortiz
as DJ
Jasiel Flamenco
as Magdalena's Brother
Alexandra Escamilla
as Tiny Girl
Marlene Flamenco
as Young Mom
Martha Orloff
as Neighbour
Frankie Loyal
as Bouncer
Aris Taylor
as Jasmine
Rebecca López
as Wendy
Alex Sánchez
as Uncle Juan
Blanca Reyes
as Maria's Mother
Bob Murphy
as Flirty Guy
Micah Schifman
as Tony
James Claude
as Stephen
Dane Rosselli
as Simon
Daniel Vasquez
as Alejandro
Anthony Mendoza
as Bass Player
Danny Álvarez
as Drummer
Terah Gisolo
as Punky Girl
Laura Ann Masura
as Alternative Girl
Andy Bishop
as Dinner Party Guest
Ingrid Eggertsen
as Artsy Lady
Art Aroustamian
as Car Wash Manager
Angela Muller
as Frantic Lady
Yvonne Majica-Nelson
as Melancholy Lady
Johnny B.
as Slumlord
Joanie Tomsky
as Doctor
Arthur H
as Dog
Joey Maan Yee-man
as Dog
Nancy Badillo
as The QuinceaÃ±era Court, The Quinceañera ...
Leslie Campos
as The QuinceaÃ±era Court, The Quinceañera ...
Mario Galvez
as The QuinceaÃ±era Court, The Quinceañera ...
Mercia García
as The QuinceaÃ±era Court, The Quinceañera ...
Diego Pablo
as The QuinceaÃ±era Court, The Quinceañera ...
Jason Rodriguez
as The QuinceaÃ±era Court, The Quinceañera ...
Carmen Aquirre
David Ross
as Gary
Carmen Aguirre
as Aunt Silvia

See more (57)

Quinceanera (2006)

Critic Reviews

Featured Audience Ratings

erika b

Lady D

Leigh R

Joey N

Daniel P

Donna D

Leo L

Sarah P

Ina S

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