Here’s 8 Movies You Need To Watch This Hispanic Heritage Month
Mi gente Latino, our month has arrived!
It’s time to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and highlight the rich cultural achievements of Latino and Hispanic creatives. In this month-long fiesta, from September 15 to October 15, Hispanic and Latino communities play a crucial role in promoting unity and celebrating one’s culture. Pop Culture Planet contributor Paola Cardenas shares eight movies you need to watch during this month.
La Llorona
La Llorona is a haunting and critically acclaimed Guatemalan film. The film, based on Latin American folklore and directed by Jayro Bustamante, is a chilling exploration of the country's painful history of genocide and human rights abuses.
The story follows a wealthy dictator Enrique Monteverde (Julio Díaz) on trial for his involvement in the atrocities committed during the Guatemalan Civil War, while his family bears the political consequences and paranormal events that unfold. The spirit and vengeance of La Llorona represents the grief and outrage of the victims. This film offers a powerful, thought-provoking Latin American cinematic experience that highlights Indigenous voices.
Watch La Llorona on Max.
Real Women Have Curves
Real Women Have Curves is a heartwarming and culturally significant film directed by Patricia Cardoso and based on the play by Josefina López.
The movie tells the story of Ana García (America Ferrera), a young Mexican-American woman, who faces the challenge of traditional values with her own aspirations while working for her mother in Los Angeles.
Ana struggles with wanting to pursue her dreams of attending college while noting her family’s tough economic situation — a sentiment felt across many Latin American families. This film resonates with audiences not only for its cultural relevance, but also for its universal message of the pursuit of one’s goals, body image, and self-acceptance.
Real Women Have Curves is available on Max.
Roma
Roma, directed by Alfonso Cuarón, is set in 1970s Mexico City following the life of Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio), a housekeeper who works for a middle-class family.
The film, shot in black-and-white, is an exploration of the personal lives of Cleo and her employer Sofia (Marina de Tavira) amidst the greater political upheaval. Sofia suspects her husband is having an affair during his long work trips and Cleo becomes pregnant with her boyfriend Fermin’s child.
In their journeys, Cuarón manages to capture the dynamic and deeply personal struggles of race, class, and Mexico’s turbulent political landscape by offering glimpses of ordinary people in the context of such greater forces.
Poetic and immersive, you can watch Roma on Netflix.
Viva
An Irish drama film directed by Paddy Breathnach, Viva is set in the vibrant landscape of Havana, Cuba. The film showcases the story of Jesús (Hector Medina), a young Cuban hairdresser who becomes a drag performer named Viva.
Jesús struggles with his identity and upholding traditional expectations of masculinity brought on by his long-lost father (Jorge Perugorría) who returns to Jesus’ life after 15 years. The film shows their complex relationship as they navigate feelings of acceptance, resentment, and love.
Viva brings an authentic portrayal of Cuba and its drag culture by showcasing the LGBTQ+ community's resilience towards a politically complicated atmosphere.
Viewers can capture the spirit of Havana, the street life, its music, and cultural history with Viva on Prime Video.
The Book of Life
Directed by the visionary Jorge R. Gutierrez, The Book of Life celebrates Mexican folklore, specifically the traditions of Dia de Los Muertos.
The animated film follows the story of Manolo (Diego Luna), a young bullfighter with a strong passion for music; Joaquin (Channing Tatum), a brave and charming soldier; and Maria (Zoe Saldaña), a beautiful and spirited woman that both men adore deeply.
When the spirits of the afterlife, depicted as lovely wooden puppets, gamble on the result of the love triangle, Manolo begins on an epic trip across the Land of the Remembered and the Land of the Forgotten to prove his love and discover his true destiny.
The Book of Life blends togethef humor, adventure, and romance in a colorful animation style while staying authentic to Mexican heritage and traditions.
Find out how Manolo’s story ends on Max.
Sayen
Sayen follows a Mapuche woman (Rallen Montenegro) seeking vengeance against the men who killed her grandmother.
She is a nature loving woman as she speaks to animals and plants like they are her friends. Enraged by schemes made from corporations that destroy her people’s land, she uses her skills to teach them a lesson.
In this action-thriller film, viewers follow her journey as she plans to take down every single man involved in ruining the land and bring justice to the people of not just her country, but other local ecosystems of Latin America.
Sayen is streaming on Prime Video.
Selena
Selena was a breakout role for Jennifer Lopez as the film showcased the life and career of the iconic Mexican-American Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla-Perez.
It shows Selena’s rise to fame from her humble beginnings in Texas where she formed a band that transformed the music industry. Through her struggles and triumph, she remains doing what she loves with the help of her family.
Selena is a movie that captures the essence and talent of the late cultural icon in an enchanting tribute. She broke barriers in a male dominated music industry and genre. The film remains a powerful message to young girls to pursue their dreams and for others to remember Selena for who she is to them.
Dance to “Como La Flor” and “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” with Selena, available on Max.
Instructions Not Included
Directed by and starring prominent Mexican star Eugenio Derbez, Instructions Not Included is a comedy-drama revolving around the life of Valentin, a free spirited playboy, who gets his world turned upside down as an ex-girlfriend reveals he has a daughter named Maggie (Loreto Peralta) and leaves her on his doorstep.
Not knowing how to handle this situation, Valentin goes on a journey of fatherhood, moving to Los Angeles and entering a professional career as a stuntman. With humor and emotion, the film explores Valentin and Maggie’s bond as he faces the challenges and joys of parenthood.
You’ll need some popcorn and tissues for Instructions Not Included streaming on Pluto TV and Prime Video.
