The film "Quinceanera" depicts the life of a Mexican American family in Echo Park, Los Angeles by focusing on the emotional struggles of the main characters during a traditional Mexican ceremony called Quinceanera. The movie employs voice and music, the two most important elements of film sound, in order to enrich the narrative with familial, generational, and cultural differences. The characters' language, as part of the voice element, marks a variety of cultural and generational differences. For once, most of the characters are bilingual in Spanish and English, but the two languages are used by different generation of people. For example, Spanish is more often spoken by the elderly and the parents, whereas English is more frequently the choice of the adolescents. In many scenes, such as the one in which Herman and Magdalena chat at school, the youngsters favor English over their ancestors' language. Nonetheless, when the children engage in conversations with the parents, the former speak Spanglish, the combination of Spanish and English, while the latter only speak Spanish. This difference in linguistic preference represents the cultural differences that introduce tension between the generations. Most of the youngsters in the movie are of Mexican descent but were born and raised in America, contributing to their predilection for American ideas and customs. On the other hand, their parents are immigrants and thus subscribe to Mexican notions and traditions, leading to various conflicts with the youngsters. For instance, the conservative views of Magdalena's father's are evident in his unyielding attitude toward Magdalena's pregnancy.
In addition to the characters' language, music plays a significant role in conveying the character's' personality, motives, and emotions. To illustrate, the director inserts harsh, rapid "gangster"" music every time Carlos appears onscreen, effectively framing his role as tough troublemaker.
A Quinceañera is a big event in the Hispanic culture for many fifteen-year-old girls lives today. ... There are many ways to celebrate a Quinceañera. ... Over the years the Quinceañera has changed and is not practiced as before. Today a Quinceañera symbolizes that you are ready to date. You can now choose between a Quinceañera, some sort of large gift such as a car or a trip/vacation. ...
Each celebration is done differently according to the culture. ... Quinceañeras are held by the Spanish to celebrate their daughters' 15th birthday, these quinceañeras hold strong meanings for the Spanish culture. ... Although non-Hispanics learn from this event, that is not why quinceañeras are held; they are held because it brings them closer to their culture. ... Aside from the Filipino debut or cotillion or the Hispanic quinceañera other cultures celebrating the "coming of age-. ... Religion dominates the Jewish culture. ...
The Mexican culture encompasses a broad range of fascinating customs and traditions. ... Mexican culture has evolved over time and possesses a unique flavor. ... Language is an important aspect of Mexican culture. ... The history of language in Mexico gives a background into the creation of current day Mexican culture. ... The Mexican culture has various holidays and celebrations. ...
It may seem strange to compare the Arab culture with the Mexican culture, as their customs are obviously so very different; however, what is astonishing is how similar they are in certain aspects of family life. ... In Arab culture, it is a common practice to push and shove in public places, whereas this practice is considered a sign of aggression in the Mexican culture. ... The desire for and valuation of children is just as strong in Arab culture as it is in Mexican culture, which protect their children from harm. ... Specific gender roles, such as men working to support the family and women...
Mexico is a very wonderful place. ... Around here it is also said that death in traditional Mexican culture does not have the same meaning as it does among North Americans and Europeans. ... It originated in Mexico. Dance is very popular for celebrations or holidays Latin American dace has a strong identity in American culture. ... It hold's a special place in our Hispanic culture, also throughout the world. ...
Have you ever been to Mexico and wonder how their culture really is? ... I found out how unique Mexico culture is. ... So that's the life style of every Mexican culture. In the end the Mexican culture is very unique and different from the United States. ... Mexican culture has been the same from the past years till the present day . ...
This revolution influenced Mexican culture and politics for decades to come. ... The Mexican culture has a very rich heritage of both Indian and Spanish ancestry, which have great influence on raising children. ... In traditional Mexican culture the male is the disciplinarian and his wife and children both respect him. ... In every culture there are norms that differ from our own. ... Accepted practice in one culture may be prohibited in another. ...
Before I was able to experience Mexico on my own, I did not realize the grand differences of culture and family in the United States and Mexico. ... The culture of Mexico has opened my eyes to new ways of seeing the world. ... The cultures I have observed in both nations are at opposite ends of extremes. ... The two cultures look at other things, besides family, very differently. ... My opinions about most things can be interpreted as counter-American, even though I try no to come off sounding that way. ...
La fiesta de quinceañera, always known as a sweet fifteen, is a celebration of a girl's fifteenth birthday, celebrated by Hispanics or Latinos. The fifteenth birthday is a special time period for young woman, it is celebrated differently because it is the transition from childhood to womanhood...
