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American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez

Play trailer American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez 2026 1h 32m Documentary Biography Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 14 Reviews Popcornmeter 0 Ratings
From founding a revolutionary theater troupe alongside César Chávez to bringing the Mexican American experience to mainstream America with Zoot Suit and La Bamba, Luis Valdez has become the godfather of Chicano theater and film, breaking boundaries and expanding America’s story.

Critics Reviews

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Monica Castillo RogerEbert.com Feb 2
Alvarado’s documentary turns into a defiant reminder of our past struggles, a celebration of our successes and progress, and a call to remain proud of one’s roots. Go to Full Review Jordan Mintzer The Hollywood Reporter Jan 23
Understanding the life and work of Luis Valdez is a way to broaden one’s understanding of what it means to be American, perhaps now more than ever. Watching this enlightening and entertaining documentary is a good way to start. Go to Full Review Carlos Aguilar Variety Jan 23
As much as the doc is explicitly celebratory, its existence is inherently a political statement, just like Valdez’s oeuvre. To spotlight a Mexican American pioneer who still stands proud in all the nuances of his identity feels necessarily defiant. Go to Full Review Rachel Wagner Rachel's Reviews (YouTube) 3d
Very entertaining documentary. Tells the story of someone I didn't know anything about in an interesting way. Worth a watch Go to Full Review Alan French Sunshine State Cineplex 5d
6/10
There’s an unabashed celebration of Chicano culture on stage and screen, allowing American Pachuco to also serve as an important text in exploring the cultural context of Valdez's work. Go to Full Review Jason Gorber POV Magazine Feb 3
Provides a welcome showcase of a talent more than deserving of such a stylish, considerate, well-crafted portrait. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Cast & Crew

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David Alvarado

Director

Taylor Hackford

Self

Cheech Marin

Self

Lou Diamond Phillips

Self

Rose Portillo

Self

Linda Ronstadt

Self
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American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez

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Movie Info

Synopsis From founding a revolutionary theater troupe alongside César Chávez to bringing the Mexican American experience to mainstream America with Zoot Suit and La Bamba, Luis Valdez has become the godfather of Chicano theater and film, breaking boundaries and expanding America’s story.
Director
David Alvarado
Producer
David Alvarado, Lauren DeFilippo, Everett Katigbak, Amanda Pollak
Screenwriter
David Alvarado, David Alvarado
Production Co
Insignia Films
Genre
Documentary, Biography
Original Language
English
Runtime
1h 32m