MovieChat Forums > My Family (1995) Discussion > Surprised...

Surprised...

posted 20 years ago by disdained_heart
13 replies | jump to latest

That not that many people have seen or even heard of this movie. I lived in Mexico for a couple of years and you'd think they would be interested in a movie that has a very strong theme between mexican and mexican-american culture, but to my surprise they weren't.
I don't mean it as anything bad it's just that to me, this is one of those movies that grows on you, and it's funny how underrated it is. Personally i love it and i feel it displays it's themes quite adequately and above all, realistically.

[–] mikeymikec 19 years ago

I couldn't agree more. This is one of the most underrated movies of all time. It's unfortunate that Mexican culture is such a turn-off to mainstream America. People without any hispanic connections (like me) should definitely check this out. Standout performances by Jimmy Smits, Esai Morales, and a nice small performance by J-Lo. It's amazing how much story, character development, and emotion they crammed into this two hour gem. What a shame more people haven't seen it!

[–] 19 years ago

[deleted]

[–] lishol7-1 19 years ago

I'm really surprised. This is a classic in my house. We are not Mexican or Caucasian, but we all LOVE this movie.

I think it's because it is such an American story. A human three dimensional story of a family with real people flaws and attributes. The acting -- even JLo was wonderful. If she could find more roles like that -- when she was in the water... It gave me chills.

We watch this at least once a year. It has become a tradition.

[–] Janiedog 19 years ago

Beautiful film!!!!!!!! And thats all I have to say about that!!!!! Oh wait, I have somthing else to say, I personally think the film,"Tortilla Soup" was also wonderful,and I don't think it had the great reviews and recognition that they both deserved.

[–] kulerrro 19 years ago

This movie is very beautiful. The first story makes me feel such appreciation for my parents and many other parents of the hispanic youths today. The second story is a great example of what the young rebelious gangster influence can do to the hispanic youth in this society. The last story though is my favorite. Jimmy Smits is outstanding...Starts his life in a sad path toward disaster in la pinta and a sort of angered cholo attitude...yet in the end...he triumphs as a respectable and loving father. This film makes me proud and appreciative of my hispanic heritage.

[–] nmou 18 years ago

i just watched it !! it's a Wonderful movie, one of my all time favorit !

[–] VIP29 18 years ago

I liked the movie, but I personaly dont know any Mexican people that live in a house where each wall is painted in different kinds of bright colors. I remember in Fools Rush In, the house of the character that Salma played was also too too colorful. Awfully bad depiction of a Mexican home. I am one, and Im telling you, I dont know any like that.

Aaahh, my Precioussssssss

[–] partypooper2001 18 years ago

My grandfather was from Mexico and I was embarrsed by the fact that the ceiling was pink and that walls were blue. But now I think back that was part of my family. I cherish it now.

[–] lishol7-1 15 years ago

I think a lot of cultures express the joy and gaiety of different colored rooms.

There's a movie featuring an Australian family w/ similar family "properties" (for lack of a better term) If anyone knows the name of this movie, please let me know. I can't for the life remember the title. and, of course haven't seen it on cable .

[–] pleaseluvme53216 14 years ago

Just watched this movie last night on Encore.

I don't think this movie did badly at all. I think a lot of people love this movie and was interested in it. The budget was only 5 million and it made 3 times that. And that's not counting the VHS, DVD sales. I think a lot of people love this movie.

[–] leggycat-1 14 years ago

I don't think the movie had a wide release.I live in NYC and don't remember it in theatres at all. A friend in Chicago told me about it. I love it. I'm a college instructor and will be using it as a teaching tool in my research methods class. The strong cultural themes combined with the narrative may help the students better conceptualize how qualitative research might be done. Besides that, Jimmy Smits' performance was great and I really thought that it was one of Jennifer's Lopez's best roles.

[–] PetalsOfRose 14 years ago

I also love this movie and feel a strong,personal connection to it. My mother is a second-generation Mexican American who grew up in Southern Ca in a very large family similar to this movie. Sadly the family is spread out throughout the country and with my grandparents already passed on & everyone grown up, its rare we all get together for holidays and such. Through my experiences with people I've known in my life, it seems that a lot of modern American households lack the closeness and carrying on of traditions that families from other countries may have. I just seen the movie today for the first time in years, so it was refreshing and comforting at the same time =)

[–] Sweet_Canela1 13 years ago

Definitely one of my favorite movies. I had to watch it for Spanish class in high school and I learned a lot!