José

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2:02

José

2020

1h 25m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

86%

Tomatometer

21 Reviews

59%

Popcornmeter

50+ Ratings

A 19-year-old's life in Guatemala City is routine and aimless, until he finds passion, pain and self-reflection through a relationship with a Caribbean migrant.

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Critics Consensus

José takes a sensitive yet clear-eyed look at a young man exploring his sexuality in a fraught cultural environment.

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Lisa Kennedy

Variety

Feb 18, 2020

"José" brings to light the promise of a director as compassionate as he is observant.

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Peter Rainer

FilmWeek (LAist)

Feb 15, 2020

It's an evocative movie... The big problem I have is that José as a character is a bit of a blank.

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Godfrey Cheshire

RogerEbert.com

Feb 7, 2020

3.5/4

The satisfactions of "José" as a whole offers are considerable, and they begin with the human element.

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Josh Parham

Next Best Picture

Jun 5, 2022

7/10

The direction is quiet yet striking in the way it captures the emotional bonds made throughout the film, particularly in its intimate scenes of passion between José and Luis.

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Filipe Freitas

Always Good Movies

Apr 4, 2021

3/5

This portrayal of romantic disillusion still resonates with a good slice of honesty in defiance to an imperfect editing and some forgivable structural irregularities.

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Diane Carson

KDHX (St. Louis)

May 14, 2020

José's familiar dilemma invites empathy through newcomer Enrique Salanic's complex, subtle performance.

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Edisson

Feb 17, 2020

The most bad movie I ever seen on my life . I feel like the stole my money i wish can got my money back

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Lito L Juarez

Feb 8, 2020

This movie shows you life for a gay in a third world country. Also it shows you that sometimes you only have one chance in life to go for it or forever regret it.

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Kevin

Feb 3, 2020

The movie takes gay liberation to the developing world where religious and political intolerance combined with poverty make sexual expression so difficult.

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John W.

@RT41179890 May 16, 2026

Beautiful, intimate, and brutally honest.

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Peter K

@Vacadoug Jul 5, 2025

Li Cheng has done it again . . .Brutally honest in capturing how difficult life can be when you are forced to accept the harsh reality of everyday life over your dreams.

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Jun 29, 2020

Excellent film that captures life in Guatemala so authentically. The cinematography is beautiful. The dialogue is excellent, and and the acting is natural and organic. I especially loved the conversation Jose has with his grandmother. Well done on everyone's part.

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Li Cheng

Director

Enrique Salanic

Jose

Manolo Herrera

Luis

Ana Cecilia Mota

Mom

Jhakelyn Waleska Gonzalez Gonzalez

Monica

Esteban Lopez Ramirez

Carlos

Sollers Point

85%

58%

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Synopsis

A 19-year-old's life in Guatemala City is routine and aimless, until he finds passion, pain and self-reflection through a relationship with a Caribbean migrant.

Director: Li Cheng
Producer: Li Cheng, George F. Roberson
Screenwriter: Li Cheng, George F. Roberson
Distributor: Outsider Pictures
Production Co: YQstudio LLC
Genre: Drama
Original Language: Spanish
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 31, 2020, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 28, 2020
Box Office (Gross USA): $26.6K
Runtime: 1h 25m

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