I've seen it five or six times, and never get tired of it. The music was great, so was the acting.
shareSaw it when it was new. The rock band Los Lobos gained popularity by re-doing this song back then. Saw LL in Ann Arbor at at a medium sized venue waay back in the 70s or maybe early 80s. I'm honored to be on the ground floor.
shareI love this movie too!
But I have to say, it's too hagiographic, I don't know this kid's real life story but from this movie he seems too good to be true. And I feel it every time watching the movie.
I recall reading that some things were really played up. Especially making the brother such a screw up. I agree that Richie was perhaps portrayed a little more angelic than he really was. I always get a chuckle out of the scene in the brothel/dance hall where he is more interested in playing guitar with the band then choosing one of the women.
shareI saw this at the cinema as part of a high school excursion! No idea what educational value it had as we never studied it or Valens etc. I still enjoy the film now have probably seen it a dozen times at least.
shareI saw this film for the first time today (January 2022). I loved the movie. Great acting, beautiful visuals.
Surprised no Oscar noms