February 3, 1959 is known as “the day the music died,” when American rock pioneers Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper were killed in a plane crash. Valens was the youngest of the three. He was only 17, but made a tremendous (and lasting) impact on rock and roll. Written and directed by Luis Valdez, La Bamba depicts Valens’ (Lou Diamond Philips) life, including his humble beginnings as a California farm-laborer to his overnight success and rise to fame in the music industry. With a vibrant soundtrack that captures the spirits of the era and an inspired performance by Phillips, La Bamba takes viewers back in time to capture the essence of Valens’ musical legacy. A powerful film that not only honors a musical legend, but highlights Mexican-American achievements in filmmaking. — Keri Moe
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