Selena (DVD, 1997)

Jennifer Lopez is supreme in the story of the Tejana performer, Selena Quintanilla Perez, who was just about to take the USA by storm when she was murdered by a woman that she trusted completely.

The story begins with Selena's father Abraham Quintanilla (played wonderfully by Edward James Olmos) and his frustration with having musical talent that just wouldn't take off. After a marriage and 4 children, he is still playing his songs on his guitar and singing on the back porch of his home in Texas.

Imagine his surprise when his second daughter starts singing with him; and he thinks that even at the age of nine, she really has talent. After that point everything revolves around Selena. Abraham buys band instruments, creates a family band, opens a restaurant with the children entertaining, starts going to state fairs, and finally on tour. Yes, Abraham loved his family and especially his daughter. She manages to get her way with him about everything: she wears bras (bustiers) when she performs, she convinces her father to play in Mexico when he has tremendous reservations, and she runs off to marry the guitar player in the band, Chris Perez (played by John Seda in a wonderful performance). I suppose, though, that any father would love such a great daughter as Selena--and especially one that made him rich.

Jennifer Lopez wears all the clothes worn by Selena and does the musician proud. We are so entertained that we get up and dance in our living rooms to the Mexican music especially. We even want to learn Spanish. My personal favorite song was "Como La Flor" (Like a Flower), which propelled Selena to #1 on the Mexican-American music charts. But don't forget "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom" and "Amor Prohibido" (Forbidden Love).

As the movie reaches its conclusion, we hear the two hits that Selena made in English: "I Could Fall in Love With You" and "I'm Dreaming."

This movie will make you happy when you see the love that she had for her mother, father, brothers, and sister--and they for her. You will be even happier as you see the romance develop between Selena and Chris Perez. And then you will be taken to the depth of sadness to realize that such a talented girl's life was so tragically ended at 23 years of age.

This movie is a marvelous movie for the family. You will want to take up salsa dancing when it is over--or at least to buy Selena's album--"Dreaming of You."

What happened the day the music died?? Everyone wants to know, but sadly will never know! In this film you find out what Selenas early years were like..We get to watch as the cute little Mexican American played, laughed, cried, sang, danced and grew up..At the tender age of 9 Selena showed her Father how talented she really was and a star was born..We watched as Selena somewhat shy at a early age overcame that shyness to become one of the brightest stars to ever shine in the publics eye..Sadly just as she was about to realize her dream of a crossover album a single shot silenced her heart and her voice..while Selena still lives on through her music she left behind and the legacy of love she left her Family, Friends and Fans we will never know just how far her star would have risen..this film covers everything from her childhood, to her young adult life which sadly she never made it past..dead at the age of 23 just 2 weeks shy of her 24th Birthday Selena was cut down in her prime..what laid ahead for the Tejano beauty?.. superstardom, she already achieved that, Children? Grandchildren? We will never know..This film shows just how special Selena really was...I would have preferred to know more about her tragic murder and the consequences her killer faced during and after the trial, but in this film her Family chose to concentrate on only one thing the celebration of Selenas all too short life..a must see funny, engaging, sweet and oh so sad story about a beautiful Lady with true heart and soul who was taken from us far too soon..RIP Selena we love you!

I have first seen this movie about 4 years ago and was very touched by this talented latina singer. Her father always had a vision of making it into the music scene and involved his family into making them a traveling band that started out in many small venues. When he realized his daughter had a beautiful voice, she fronted the band. It is also a love story and the struggle of young love. It is unfortunate that her life was cut short by her supposed best friend who was the president of her fan club. I enjoyed her music so much, I bought two of her cd's I wish I had known of her when she was alive. Incidently, her story inspired Jennifer Lopez to venture into singing after playing the role of "Selena" in the movie. Jennifer, although of Puerto Rican descent, did an excellent job of playing Selena. My niece also has a copy.

Jennifer Lopez gives her best performance to date in this heartfelt story of the late and great Selena. The store develops as the father of a middle class hispanic family growing up in Texas. He involves his family in music finding out his youngest daughter is a singing sensation. He develops her and through her he lives his dream of being a musical star. Even though the story is widely known and told, the development of the characters is amazing and you really feel all the emotions of this magical movie.

I have always loved this movie, it is one of my personal favorites. I had borrowed the VHS version from a friend, and it accidently got broken. So to replace it, I purchased the DVD for her on Ebay. The movie explains a sad tragedy in a talented young woman's life, who was right on the edge of stardom. Jennifer Lopez plays the part perfectly, and the music is beautiful. LOVE this movie!!! I recommend it to all!!