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Drama

José (2018): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

José (2018) movie poster

José is a 2018 drama directed by Li Cheng, starring Enrique Salanic as José, Manolo Herrera and Ana Cecilia Mota. It runs 1 hour 25 minutes and earned $26,563 worldwide. Its Echo Score is 73/100.

worldwide gross
$26.6K
Echo Score
73
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José (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 25m (85 min)
Director
Li Cheng
Genre
Drama
Original language
Spanish
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is José About?

The premise of José without spoilers.

Living a difficult life with his mother in Guatemala, José finds solace in fleeting moments and his phone. His days are spent delivering food and navigating a challenging environment marked by poverty and religious conservatism. Considered his mother's favorite, José's world is transformed when he encounters Luis, leading him on a journey of intense passion, emotional pain, and profound self-discovery.

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Cast & crew

José Cast & Characters

Enrique Salanic leads the cast as José, with Manolo Herrera as Luis and Ana Cecilia Mota as Mom. Directed by Li Cheng; 16 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Li Cheng

One more film directed by Li Cheng: José.

Full filmography
Ratings

José Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 73/100, strongest in art & craft (80) and weakest in story & flow (60).

73 /100

José Echo Score Breakdown

José presents a nuanced, modestly effective portrait of gay life in conservative Guatemala. Critics commend the director's quiet yet observant style and the film's honest depiction of sexuality, while several reviewers note structural and narrative unevenness that hampers cohesion. Users echo admiration for performances and visuals but point to a meandering second half and an unsatisfying conclusion. The film succeeds in atmosphere and emotional resonance, though its storytelling flaws limit its broader impact.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 80

    In terms of direction and visual execution, José is widely praised for its understated yet striking composition. Critics highlight the director's quiet, observant approach and the cinematography’s beautiful, documentary‑style framing, while a few note imperfect editing and occasional structural irregularities. Overall, the film’s artful aesthetics contribute strongly to its mood.

  • Character & Emotion 78

    When it comes to character and emotional depth, José benefits from nuanced performances, especially from newcomer Enrique Salanic, whose subtle portrayal draws empathy. Critics and users alike commend the human element and the authenticity of the actors, though one critic describes the titular character as somewhat blank. The overall character work is solid, providing an engaging emotional core.

  • Story & Flow 60

    The film’s narrative presents an honest, neo‑realist glimpse into gay life, earning praise for its originality and emotional resonance. However, several reviewers point to an episodic structure, meandering pacing, and an inconclusive ending that weaken coherence. Consequently, while the story is compelling in moments, its uneven flow detracts from overall engagement.

  • Sensory Experience 78

    In terms of sensory experience, José delivers a compelling visual and auditory palette. Reviewers highlight its beautiful cinematography, atmospheric score, and a documentary‑style aesthetic that enhances realism. Though the sound design is not heavily discussed, the combined visual‑sound elements effectively immerse the viewer in the film’s somber setting.

  • Rewatch Factor 68

    The rewatch factor of José is moderate; its honest portrayal and strong performances invite repeat viewings for deeper appreciation. Critics and audiences find the emotional truth compelling, yet structural weaknesses and an ambiguous ending may limit its lasting appeal. Thus, the film offers modest replay value for viewers drawn to its atmospheric realism.

Box office

José Box Office

José grossed $26,563 worldwide.

2018 box office

Worldwide gross

$26.6K

US & Canada
$26.6K
Videos

José Trailers & Videos

The trailer of José.

JOSÉ by Li Cheng | Trailer | GeoMovies
Details

José Also Known As

5 alternative titles, including “Χοσέ” and “Хосе”.

Also known as
  • Χοσέ
  • Хосе
  • 荷西的十九歲
  • 호세
  • 何塞

Seen José?

FAQ

José FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, post-credit scenes and language of José, each answered in a sentence.

How long is José?

José runs 1 hour 25 minutes (85 minutes).

When was José released?

José was released on September 6, 2018.

Who directed José?

José was directed by Li Cheng.

More films by Li Cheng

Who is in the cast of José?

José stars Enrique Salanic as José, Manolo Herrera as Luis and Ana Cecilia Mota as Mom, among 16 credited actors.

How much did José make at the box office?

José grossed $26,563 worldwide.

Does José have a post-credit scene?

No. José has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is José in?

The original language of José is Spanish.

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