Quinceanera

This is a nice view into a Mexican-American family's life in Echo park. It starts out with a Quinceañera and then leads in to the main character's quinceañera and how it will not be as fancy as her cousin Eileen's. The film is more about the family dynamics than the quinceañera festivities (which is fine, but if you want to use this for teaching your Spanish class, it is not the best for that purpose). The film also deals with sexuality issues which are not too graphic but again if you are a HS teacher, you probably can't show this film in class. Most high school are pretty tricky with what one can show in the classroom. On the whole I liked the movie, although it was a bit slow in the beginning but it ends very well and covers many interesting issues that affect Latin Americans, especially in LA. I think it would be a better film to show university students where you could discuss a variety of issues from immigration, living in between two cultures and the gentrification of immigrant neighborhoods.

I wanted this DVD since the first time I seen this movie when it came out. I am of Mexican heritage and this movie was like looking at my own family I guess most of us have these issues pitting one side against the other side. I really thought about growing up and hating getting together with my dad's side of the family they always thought they were so rich and there kids where so much better than the kids from the other side. It is a very emotional movie and it brought it home because event though none of us had a Quinceanera we still suffered the drama.

*Quinceanera* is a gem...at least, for me. Like *Real Women Have Curves*, this film captured the true interactions and dialogues among Hispanic families. It just made me miss home even more.Magdalena is up next for her quinceanera. She wants hers to be just like her cousin's who just recently had hers. She wants a new dress and a rented Hummer limo. The problem is her family's financial limitations and her preaching father. She may just have to stick with her cousin's hand-me-down gown.When she's being fitted for the gown, suspicion arises that Magdalena is pregnant. When confirmed, her family is upset, especially her father. Magdalena claims she's a virgin. Her father believes that this is an impossibility and kicks her out of the house.She only has one place to go...her Tio Tomas' house. Tio Tomas is also housing another black sheep, her cousin Carlos. Carlos has been banished from his family because he is gay. Tio Tomas is that one person that everyone in the families and in the communities love.From there, the film focuses on Magdalena and Carlos' personal coming-of-age journeys. Magdalena addresses the whole pregnancy issue with her boyfriend. Her boyfriend proclaims to love her but feels pressured by his family to succeed academically. Carlos explores his sexuality with a gay couple who lives next to Tio Tomas. Carlos falls for one of them, even though he puts on a tough act that he really doesn't care about anything.Just when things seem like it'll be alright, something bad happens. Well, not just one thing but several things. However, Magdalena and Carlos come out alright. The bond between them becomes stronger.I just simply love *Quinceanera* for showing the interactions between family members. I just love how one aunt turned to her sisters and hissed "fourteen years old!" when Magdalena is suspected to be pregnant. I was like...my mother and my aunts would so do that and have done that as well.There are many aspects of the film that I loved. The pressure and encouragment for Hispanic children to succeed academically to pursue and live that American dream. The dialogues between adults and children, alternating in Spanish and English. The assimilation of American things in Hispanic rituals. The diversity of religious beliefs instead of just showing that everyone is Catholic.Lastly, it was wonderful to include a gay Hispanic character. It is very rare to see like this. I love that fact that the directors didn't pick one that is stereotypically effeminate and is into dragging. They picked someone thuggish and macho. It was just...perfect!The photography and sceneries here are just authentic. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the film. You are seeing the real thing of the Hispanic world.Simply, it was a gem of a film.

I think families of middle and high school students should watch this movie together. It will provide a platform for many discussions: same sex attractions, sex and pregnancy, stigma and rejection, overcoming family disinheritance of favor, and a venue for the decisions and consequences of behavior. One's view of many things will be challenged and an opportunity to revisit our values will appear after watching this movie. The actors and actresses are profoundly endearing, especially the uncle and his wisdom. I bought this movie so I and others could watch this over and over.

I Found out about this movie, Then waited and waited, and then some more waiting. it never came out anywhere near me. So I was left to wait.. For the dvd release. yesterday at long last I rented it, sat myself down and got ready to love it. I did. Quinceanera was everything I hoped for and more.Believable,genuine and full to the top with heart.Emily Rios as spirited determined Magdalena is refreshing and real.Jesse Garcia is intense and amazing as Carlos, I mean it, you can't take your eyes off this guy.Chalo Gonzalez is endearing perfection as Tio Tomas, You want him in your family.For the most part the rest of the cast is great, and the few exceptions,and little problems within the movie don't hurt the film as a whole.one like this is rare, see this movie.

Buena película, trata de la adolescencia, la sexualidad, la familia, es muy emotiva.... y hace que te metas en ese ambiente.