The Best Latina-Theme Movies in America

By José Alberto Hermosillo

The Best Latina-Theme Movies in America Festival in LA © 2018

 

In recent years, the stereotypical roles assigned to Latinas in Hollywood seem to be fading – the clichéd characters are becoming a thing of the past. No more nannies, naive women who marry wealthy white men, cholitas, gang members, housekeepers, aliens, robbers, drug dealers, or illiterate and unsophisticated immigrants from Latin America.

Optimistically, more visionary Latino and non-Latino directors are beginning to produce movies that can shift perceptions and foster a new perspective about Latinas in Hollywood. A place where, one day, race will no longer be an issue.

In the “New Latin Cinema,” Latinas now appear as lawyers, journalists, police officers, students, healers, explorers, hip-hop singers, renowned chefs, and dreamers.

 

In recent films, key Latina actresses such as Salma Hayek, Eva Mendes, Sofia Vergara, Kate del Castillo, Penelope Cruz, Jennifer Lopez, Zoe Saldana, Aimee Garcia, Gina Rodriguez, America Ferrera, Elpidia Carrillo, and many others have stood out.

Surprisingly, our research shows that many of these original Latina-themed movies need to earn more at the box office to recover their investments. The need for higher profitability is why studios and investors often choose not to continue producing these highly valued films.

Today, thanks to strong word-of-mouth from parents and teachers, as well as industry insiders, critics, and passionate movie lovers, Latina films are generating positive revenue through streaming platforms.

Nonetheless, we must continue creating those “marvelous gems” featuring Latinas, ensuring that these unheard voices remain heard.

A few months ago, to celebrate Mother’s Day in Downtown Los Angeles, the charming film “Luminarias,” directed by Jose Luis Valenzuela, was screened for free with the cast and crew present. This event prompts us to ask: why aren’t we producing a stunning all-Latina cast film like this every year?

 “Luminarias” trailer.

Maybe we can start a new tradition of making quality films like “Luminarias” that can inspire the next generation of talented Latinas to pursue careers in the film industry.

 

Latinos feel proud of the richness of their cinema produced in the United States, and this image is shared with a global audience.

 

The selection of Latina-themed movies features a diverse range of whimsical, vibrant, colorful, flavorful, and compelling films.

The Best

Latina-Theme Movies

in

America

 

     

     

    1. “Filly Brown” USA (2012). Directed by Youssef Delara and Michael D. Olmos.

     “Filly Brown” tells the personal story of young Maria Jose ‘Majo’ Tonorio, a talented hip-hop rhymer. Gina Rodriguez (“Jane the Virgin”) rose to fame with this breakthrough role. She plays Majo, a girl trying to break into the music industry, while her mother, Maria Tonorio, played by Jenni Rivera, is in prison.

    The film exceeds its well-written script, music development, and strong performances, featuring notable actors such as Lou Diamond Phillips, Emilio Rivera, Khool-Aid Rios, and Edward James Olmos.

    The lively film is regarded as a symbol of Latina empowerment. It sits somewhere between the musical style of Eminem’s “8 Mile” and the prison story in “American Me” by James Olmos.

   

    2. “Real Women Have Curves” USA (2002). It is directed by Patricia Cardoso and based on a play by Josefina Lopez.

    Exquisitely written by Josefina Lopez and George LaVoo, this highly praised coming-of-age drama breaks barriers of gender, generation, and stereotypes.

    Through its many layers, the heartfelt story recounts the life of a hardworking young Latina and the decisions she faces: whether to stay with her Mexican-American family and work alongside them or attend college like any other “American girl.”

    America Ferrera delivers a breakthrough performance, and Lupe Ontiveros (“As Good as It Gets,” “The Goonies”) plays a strict mother. Both are outstanding, and Ingrid Oliu is exceptional as the older sister.

3. “Luminarias” USA (1999). Directed by José Luis Valenzuela.

Charming and authentic, “Luminarias” has captivated audiences with its diversity and the richness of each character, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.

The feel-good comedy gently advocates for interracial marriage, equality, and women’s empowerment.

The all-star cast includes Evelina Fernandez, Marta DuBois, Angela Moya, Dyana Ortelli, Seidy Lopez, and the memorable Lupe Ontiveros. They joyfully portray four passionate, talented Latinas as they come together to discuss dating, love, and “Sex in the City of East Los Angeles.”

These lovable women open their hearts to everyone, including themselves.

   4. “Selena” USA (1997). Directed by Gregory Nava (“My Family,” “El Norte”).

    The biopic about Texas-born Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla depicts her rise to fame after her concert at the Astrodome in Houston. This features one of Jennifer Lopez’s best performances. The cast includes Edward James Olmos, Jon Seda, Jaquie Guerra, and Jacob Vargas.

   

5. “Frida” USA (2002). Directed by Julie Taymor  

    The biopic about the iconic Mexican painter Frida Kahlo won Oscars for Best Makeup and Best Original Music. It earned its first Oscar nomination for Salma Hayek, who delivered a superb performance as the world-renowned painter.

    

6. “María Full of Grace” Colombia/USA/Ecuador (2004). Directed by Joshua Marston (“Forgiveness of Blood,” “Come Sunday”).

    It is a vivid, provocative, heartless, and brutal work of art that will make you see life differently.

Oscar® nominee Catalina Sandino Moreno stars as Maria Alvarez, a pregnant young woman risking her life when the drug cartel hires her to smuggle drugs from Colombia to the United States.

As the film progresses, we see how women overcome oppression in two hostile, yet distinct and unrelated, countries.  

7. “My Sister’s Quinceañera” USA (2013). Directed by Aaron Douglas Johnston.

The minimalist coming-of-age story follows a family of five in rural Iowa as they prepare for their sister’s fifteenth birthday. The single mother works all day, while the older brother, Silas Garcia, takes care of the younger children.

Silas feels the pull to leave town for a better future, but he also promises to stay with his sister for her quinceañera celebration.

8. “East Side Sushi/Sushi a la mexicana” USA (2014). Directed by Anthony Lucero.

It is a beautifully crafted, independent film about the challenges faced by a single Mexican mother as she strives to achieve her dreams and provide a better life for her family in a male-dominated world.

 

Skillfully directed by Anthony Lucero, the “fusion drama” seamlessly blends Latino and Asian cultures.

 

Diana Elizabeth Torres gives a charming and memorable performance as a female sushi chef.

 

The U.S. distribution was less successful than in Mexico, where the film, shot in Oakland, California, became a massive hit after being cleverly renamed to “Sushi a la Mexicana” or “Mexican Sushi” in English. 

9. “Bread and Roses” United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Switzerland (2000). Directed by Ken Loach.

Maya (Pilar Padilla) and Rosa (Elpidia Carrillo) are two Latina cleaners in downtown Los Angeles who band together to organize the entire cleaning community with the help of Sam Shapiro (Adrien Brody, “The Pianist”).

The film is directed by British director Ken Loach, who has won the Palme d’Or twice.

    

10. “Tortilla Soup” USA (2011). Directed by Maria Ripoll.

    “Tortilla Soup” is an enjoyable family comedy about three sisters, Leticia (Elizabeth Peña), Carmen (Jacqueline Obradors), and Maribel (Tamara Bello). The household faces challenges as their father, Hector Elizondo, loses his sense of taste and smell, which is tragic for the renowned chef.

The feel-good film moves away from the original Ang Lee’s “Eat Drink Man & Woman” by blending Latin cuisine, Brazilian music, and the stylish Californian lifestyle—elements that make this movie a real treat for viewers.

11. “Woman on Top” USA (2000). Directed by Fina Torres (“Celestial Clockwork,” “Liz in September”).

Penelope Cruz looks stunning as she portrays Brazilian chef Isabella Oliveira. She left her husband in Bahia to start a new life in San Francisco. There, she will meet a young, talented American producer who will help her launch the successful cooking show “Passion Food.” 

The captivating trailer blends food, humor, and light sexual content. “Your mouth will water, your lips will burn, and your heart will race.”

    

12. “Beatriz at Dinner” USA (2017). Director Miguel Arteta (“Star Maps,” “Youth in Revolt”).

    Salma Hayek is a holistic, middle-aged woman seeking relevance in modern society. While stranded at an upscale dinner with a powerful political mogul, she realizes she has nothing to lose and much to gain. She tries to express her ideological and political views.

 

    The strong stereotypes and ambiguity of the main character were a major turn-off for many viewers. At the same time, some praised the film for being brave enough to address topics like ecology, inequality, personal growth, and freedom for all.

 

    This indie film gained significance as one of the first post-election movies of 2016 to openly reference the person in power.

    

    13. “La misma luna/Under the Same Moon” Mexico/USA (2007). Director Patricia Riggen (“The 33,” “Miracles from Heaven”).

    Kate del Castillo plays a domestic worker in Los Angeles, while her son Carlitos (Adrian Alonso) tries to reunite with her a few months later. In a deeply emotional border drama, the child’s epic journey across the desert unfolds with twists and turns, and he encounters other remarkable characters.

    The film highlights the struggles that migrant families face to stay together.

    The talented cast includes Eugenio Derbez, America Ferrera, Jesse Garcia, Maya Zapata, Carmen Salinas, Mario Almada, and Los Tigres del Norte. 

     

     14. “Quinceañera” USA (2006). Directed by Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmoreland (“Still Alice”).

    Magdalena (Emily Rios) faces an unexpected pregnancy on the eve of her Quinceañera. Her father, a strict preacher, forbids such conduct, forcing her to move out and live with her great-uncle Tomas. Her lively cousin Carlos (Jesse Garcia) lives there and does as he pleases.

   

    The naturalistic beauty of this coming-of-age story was recognized at the Sundance Film Festival for highlighting the dilemma of teen pregnancy and the illusion of a 15th birthday celebration. Meanwhile, her cousin Carlos faces a challenge: whether to continue his gay lifestyle or join the barrio’s gangbangers.

    The significance of this eye-opening teen drama lies in its observations, themes of intolerance, and generational confrontation.

    

15. “Nine Lives” USA (2005). Directed by Rodrigo García (“Last Days in the Desert,” “Mother and Child,” “Things You Can Tell Just by Looking at Her”). 

    Inspired by the director’s father, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, the magical realism in this minimalist collection of vivid vignettes offers a deep portrayal of the lives of nine intriguing women. They are separated by an invisible wall built by their fears and connected through the miracle of life and the essence of being a woman.

  

    The remarkable cast includes Glenn Close, Amanda Seyfried, Robin Wright, Holly Hunter, Molly Parker, and Elpidia Carrillo.

    

    16. “Trade” Germany/USA/Mexico (2007). Directed by Marco Kreuzpaintner (“Summer Storm”). Adapted by Jose Rivera (“The Motorcycle Diaries”).

     

 

    “Trade” is a visually stunning film that takes on remarkable courage. It is also known as “The Girls Next Door,” a vivid exposé on human trafficking. The gripping story follows a kidnapped girl named Adriana, played by Paulina Gaitan (“Sin Nombre,” “Narcos”), and her desperate brother Jorge, Cesar Ramos (“4 Moons”). He tracks the captors from Mexico into the U.S. to rescue her. 

    This ambitious film boldly confronts the global issue of human trafficking, where good and evil collide in an ongoing battle. Actor Marco Perez from “Amores Perros” delivers a powerful performance as one of the kidnappers. The cast is also outstanding, including Kevin Kline, Kate del Castillo, Kathleen Gati, and Guillermo Ivan.

    

    17. “Americano” France (2011). Directed by Mathieu Demi.    
     

    “Americano” is a beautiful and meaningful story that connects each character’s hidden past with an uncertain present, focusing on the lives of two incredible women and the man who can piece the puzzle together.

    After his mother’s passing, an American/French man embarks on a personal journey to find the truth. He returns from Paris to California to sell her apartment, only to discover his mother’s connection with Lola (Salma Hayek), an enigmatic woman from Tijuana.

    

    18. “Elegy” USA (2008). Director Isabel Coixet. (“My Life Without Me,” “Map of the Sounds of Tokyo”).

    It is a sophisticated and exquisite adaptation of Roth’s novella, The Dying Animal. “Elegy” centers on a relationship between a mature professor, David Kepesh (Ben Kingsley), and a young Cuban student, Consuela Castillo (Penelope Cruz).

    Consuela’s education and good manners are set aside for a compulsive sexual obsession between the student and the professor. The situation becomes an elegy for the lost causes of forbidden love, poetically speaking.

19. “Girl in Progress” USA (2011). Patricia Riggen (“The 33,” “Miracles from Heaven”).

    It is a heartfelt, captivating movie with universal values. Eva Mendez plays Grace, a single, hardworking mother who navigates her suddenly teenage daughter, Ansiedad (Cierra Ramirez). 

    As Grace falls for a married doctor, her daughter must find maturity on her own. In this story, we learn that children can make mistakes, and so can mothers.

    The outstanding cast includes Matthew Modine, Patricia Arquette, and Eugenio Derbez.

    

    20. “Go for It” USA (2011). Directed by Carmen Marron (“Endgame”). 

    “Go for It” tells the story of a young Mexican-American woman involved in hip-hop culture. The girl’s name is Carmen (Aimee Garcia), a junior college student in Chicago who must confront her family and society to pursue her dreams. Her best friend, Gina (Gina Rodriguez), faces domestic violence.

 

    Being underprivileged doesn’t mean they can’t aim higher. Whether right or wrong, it’s their lives.

 

    Young viewers will likely relate to the decisions the characters must make. 

21. “Bordertown” USA (2006). Directed by Gregory Nava (“Mi Familia,” “Selena”).

     This eye-opening film aims to reveal what happened with the murders of the “Women of Juarez,” offering a stark exposure of the truth.

     Jennifer Lopez plays a courageous American journalist from the ‘Chicago Sentinel’ who is working to uncover the story behind the killings by rape and torture of many young women in Ciudad Juarez-El Paso, on the Texas border. The talented cast also features Antonio Banderas, Maya Zapata, and Martin Sheen.

    

    22. “Bless Me, Ultima” USA (2013). Directed by Carl Franklin (“Out of Time,” “Devil in a Blue Dress”).

    Magical realism transcends borders and time through the beautiful adaptation of Rudolfo Anaya’s novella, “Bless Me, Ultima.” The controversial and forbidden book is linked to the Latino roots of many New Mexico residents, who consider it a modern classic.

In a small town in New Mexico, amid a battle between good and evil, a young man learns life lessons from an elderly and wise medicine woman, or “curandera.”

    The townspeople genuinely believe Ultima is a wicked witch. They want to bring her to justice while the family faces drama with many wounded soldiers returning from WWII.

    Miriam Colon is outstanding as Ultima, Dolores Heredia as Maria, Benito Martinez, Joaquin Cosio, Reko Moreno, and Luke Ganalon as young Antonio.

    

23. “La Guapa/Thou Shalt Not Kill” USA (2014). Directed by Kenneth Castillo (“Marigold the Matador,” “Counterpunch,” and “Confession of a Gangster”).  

    The film combines crime, family drama, and a thriller—all in one grand, low-budget action flick. The complex characters keep the audience on the edge of their seats.

    The talented cast includes Anthony L. Fernández, Grace Serrano, Al Coronel, Maria Kahlo, Cindy Vela, Mauricio Mendoza, and Gabby Pensiero.

    A desperate woman, Grace Serrano, will do whatever it takes to save her daughter, even if it means killing those who stand in her way. This original, artistic, and character-driven film has “mucho corazón.”

    

    24. “Mamitas” USA (2011). Directed by Nicholas Ozaki.

    This authentic coming-of-age high school drama is set in Los Angeles, where two distinct characters, the popular Jordin (E.J. Bonilla) and the nerdy Felipa (Veronica Dias-Carranza), fall for each other. As the romance develops, other essential themes in the story include friendship, school dropouts, parenthood, and family values. 

    Pedro Armendariz Jr., Joaquín de Almeida, Jennifer Esposito, and Jesse Garcia complete the cast of this charming Latin cinema gem.

    

    25. “How the Garcia Sisters Spent their Summer” USA (2005). Directed by Georgina Riedel (“Ana Maria in Novela Land”).

      

    It’s a timeless film that invites viewers to a scenic town in the middle of nowhere (Arizona) and into the heart of a lively Latin family.

    The Garcia family portrays three generations of Mexican-American women navigating emotional, social, and sexual awakenings. America Ferrera, Elizabeth Peña, and Lucy Gallardo give powerful performances.

    The story blends humor and magical realism, taking us to a place where we can spend a summer “bien suave” with the Garcia girls.

Related Note:

Latinas Tackle the “Latinx Issue” in Hollywood 

Related Articles:
Latinas Tackle the “Latinx Issue” in Hollywood

The World’s Best Female Lead Singer Movies
Roma: Anarchy and Repression in an Epic B&W Mexican Drama

10 The Best Latino Performances of 2016 And Their Absence From The Nominations

20 BEST GAEL GARCIA BERNAL MOVIES

Sonia Braga Receives a Lifetime Achievement Award in Hollywood

“A Fantastic Woman” Love, Grief, and Compassion in Santiago

“Endless Poetry” The Atypical Universe of Alejandro Jodorowsky

^{The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Opens at Last} 

Clara Sola: Defines Feminism with Magical Realism in Costa Rica

Ixcanul: Pursuits Guatemala’s First Oscar® Nomination

Undine: Dangerous Liaisons in Berlin 

Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom, Bhutan’s Hidden Treasure

Tigers Are Not Afraid: The Lost Boys & Girls of Mexico

Annette: Swings Between “La La Land” and “Moulin Rouge!” Beautifully

Laura Pausini: Pleased to Meet You, Recounts the Life of the Italian Megastar

Drunken Birds: Paradox and Poetry in a Canadian Immigration Drama

  IF YOU ARE READING FROM A MOBILE DEVICE, CLICK: view web version FOR OTHER COOL FEATURES SUCH AS TRANSLATE POWERED BY GOOGLE, AN INTERACTIVE FILM FESTIVAL CALENDAR, AND MORE.

Festival in L.A. ©2018