X
  • 2014
  • PG-13
  • Lionsgate Films
  • 1 h 42 m
  • 2014
  • PG-13
  • Lionsgate Films
  • 1 h 42 m

Summary Chronicling the birth of a modern American movement, Cesar Chavez tells the story of the famed civil rights leader and labor organizer torn between his duties as a husband and father and his commitment to securing a living wage for farm workers. Passionate but soft-spoken, Chavez embraced non-violence as he battled greed and prejudice in...

Directed By: Diego Luna

Written By: Timothy J. Sexton, Keir Pearson

  • 2014
  • PG-13
  • Lionsgate Films
  • 1 h 42 m
  • 2014
  • PG-13
  • Lionsgate Films
  • 1 h 42 m

Cesar Chavez

Metascore Mixed or Average Based on 26 Critic Reviews
51
User Score Mixed or Average Based on 19 User Ratings
5.5
My Score
Hover and click to give a rating Saved

Where to Watch

Summary Chronicling the birth of a modern American movement, Cesar Chavez tells the story of the famed civil rights leader and labor organizer torn between his duties as a husband and father and his commitment to securing a living wage for farm workers. Passionate but soft-spoken, Chavez embraced non-violence as he battled greed and prejudice in...

Directed By: Diego Luna

Written By: Timothy J. Sexton, Keir Pearson

Where to Watch

Top Cast

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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Mixed or Average Based on 26 Critic Reviews
51
35% Positive
9 Reviews
58% Mixed
15 Reviews
8% Negative
2 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

 View All
Metascore
Mixed or Average Based on 26 Critic Reviews
51
35% Positive
9 Reviews
58% Mixed
15 Reviews
8% Negative
2 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
83
Mar 26, 2014
In the title role, Michael Peña has a no-nonsense fire: He captures how Chavez borrowed from Martin Luther King Jr. but also fueled the struggle with his own improvisatory brilliance.
By Owen Gleiberman FULL REVIEW
70
Mar 27, 2014
It never quite takes off in a stirring, inspirational way, but moves steadily forward in solid fashion.
By Bill Goodykoontz FULL REVIEW

User Reviews

 View All
User Score
Mixed or Average Based on 19 User Ratings
5.5
47% Positive
9 Ratings
26% Mixed
5 Ratings
26% Negative
5 Ratings

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

User Reviews

 View All
User Score
Mixed or Average Based on 19 User Ratings
5.5
47% Positive
9 Ratings
26% Mixed
5 Ratings
26% Negative
5 Ratings

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
8
Thegodfatherson
Mar 28, 2014
Diego Luna's take on the Cesar Chavez story offers a gripping look at the struggle of the National Farm Workers Association and the many obstacles that beset them. While the story isn't particularly hard-hitting when it comes to Chavez's personal relationships, star Michael Peña shines as the leader of a modern American movement, with the film being presented in an accessible and honest manner.
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6
DawdlingPoet
Nov 27, 2021
[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]
Report
63
Mar 25, 2014
Not unlike Michael Peña's prior supporting roles, Chavez is marked by an explosive anger kept under a cherubic, sweet-natured mask, providing the surprise lacking in the story's text.
By Steve Macfarlane FULL REVIEW
50
Mar 27, 2014
It seems like a waste of talent, but worse still, Cesar Chavez squanders an opportunity to revisit a story worth retelling.
By Stephanie Merry FULL REVIEW
50
Mar 26, 2014
It’s too busy with feel-good slogans like “Si Se Puede.” The slogan may be nice, but it’s meaningless. So is the movie.
By Kyle Smith FULL REVIEW
42
Apr 18, 2014
The script by Keir Pearson is admirably restrained in many ways, but it is also almost completely devoid of anything that would give the film the feel of actual life.
By Drew McWeeny FULL REVIEW
30
Mar 25, 2014
The careless diminishment of every other character that isn't Chávez — including wife Helen, played by an utterly wasted America Ferrera in a grape-sized role — might be worth overlooking if the film provided any insights into its subject.
By Inkoo Kang FULL REVIEW
See All 26 Critic Reviews
6
TVJerry
Apr 2, 2014
If you're too young to remember the '60s **** boycott, this biopic will put it in perspective. Chavez is the labor organizer who led California farm workers in their 5-year fight for fair conditions and a living wage. The fact that he was a mild-mannered advocate doesn't help this film, because it's lacking in the fervor that would have made it rousing or at least moving. The conditions are never fully explored and even the villains aren't particularly fleshed out. Michael Peña is fine in the lead, but director Diego Luna never elevates this potentially powerful story above a competent history lesson.
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2
Will_R
Mar 29, 2014
Director Diego Luna took the under-told, inspiring, and compelling story of one of America's most important labor leaders and created a dull, cliche, and poorly crafted film. Simply put, Cesar Chavez deserves better than this. It's saddens me to think this will be the image that many people first see of him. Don't waste your money.
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See All 4 User Reviews

Details

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Production Company Canana Films, Equipment & Film Design, Imagenation Abu Dhabi FZ, Mr. Mudd, Participant
Release Date Mar 28, 2014
Duration 1 h 42 m
Rating PG-13
Genres
Tagline History is Made One Step At a Time
Website https://www.facebook.com/CesarChavezMovie
View All Details

Awards

Imagen Foundation Awards
• 3 Wins & 4 Nominations
SXSW Film Festival
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
ALMA Awards
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination

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