This film is now older then Ritchie was when he died and although there is one major inacuracy (which had no doubt came to light since) over the coin toss. It remains the best and most accurate biographical film of one life that was lost on 3rd February 1959 or 'The Day The Music Died'. Had he lived Ritchie Valens had it within him to equal or rival Elvis. He modeled himself on Eddie Cochran (come on film makers where is the Eddie Cochran Story) who after the crash recorded his tribute song 'Three Stars' and only 12 month later died himself in a car crash while touring England. The only complaint I have of this film is the coin toss for the seat on the plane at the end. It was not in fact flipped by Buddy Holly at the airstrip but by a DJ working at the ballroom at 'The Winter Dance Party Tour'. Tommy Allsup never went to the airport. But apart from that this one of the best films in my collection and I strongly reccommend you buy this. The film draws you into Ritchies life so much that by the end if you don't cry, you have no heart. The biggest film of 1997 and features a cameo of Ritchie Valens real mother 'Connie' who sadly died herself shortly after seeing the memory of her son honoured in this fantastic movie. MUST SEE AGAIN & AGAIN by any music fan.

very inspiring, a trip to memory lane, a sad ending, "the day the music die" so goes the famous song....wow and awesome, you must also buy the buddy holly story to get the most out of it!!

la bamba is 1 of the best life stories ever to be recorded on film its ritchie valens whole life from when he was a poor boy picking fruit to his rise to fame and trgically his death this film is a must buy its got everything i have just watched it with a cracking soundtrack to boot brilliant dvd