José (2020): Cast, Ratings & Box Office
José is a 2020 drama directed by Li Cheng, starring Manolo Herrera as Luis, Enrique Salanic and Alba Irene Lemus. It runs 1 hour 25 minutes and earned $1.7 million worldwide. Critics gave it 86% on Rotten Tomatoes and 75 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.6/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 25m (85 min)
- Director
- Li Cheng
- Genre
- Drama
- Original language
-
Spanish
- Studio
- Outsider Pictures
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is José About?
The premise of José without spoilers.
In Guatemala City, 19-year-old José navigates a challenging environment and conservative societal expectations. He finds temporary escape through secret relationships and online connections, while his mother worries about his future. When Luis, a kind-hearted migrant, enters his life, José experiences unfamiliar feelings and must confront his deepest desires, ultimately facing the potential consequences of pursuing love and self-discovery.
José Themes & Keywords
· 35 tags- sex scene
- gay interest
- mother son relationship
- penis
- homophobia
- male full frontal nudity
- gay
- nudity
- street vendor
- restaurant
- closeted homosexual
- religion
+23 more Show fewer
- guatemala
- soup
- bread
- one word title
- wifi
- bus
- cigarette smoking
- love
- procession
- fireworks
- running
- church
- motorcycle
- salt
- no opening credits
- no title at beginning
- title at the end
- character name as title
- forename as title
- road trip
- grandmother
- prayer
- two on a motorcycle
José Cast & Characters
Manolo Herrera leads the cast as Luis, with Enrique Salanic as Jose and Alba Irene Lemus as Grandma. Directed by Li Cheng; 10 actors are credited in all.
- Director Li Cheng
- Manolo Herrera as Luis
- Enrique Salanic as Jose
- Alba Irene Lemus as Grandma
- Ana Cecilia Mota as Mom
Also Starring in José
· 6 more- Carlos Humberto Fuentes Maldonado Dancing teacher
- Cesar Lorenzo Yojcom Candido Manager
- Jennifer Cecilia Amoia Mota Sister
- Jhakelyn Waleska Gonzalez Gonzalez Monica
- Juan Andres Molina Cardona Juan
- Esteban Lopez Ramirez Carlos
José Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave José 86% on Rotten Tomatoes and 75 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.6/10. Our Echo Score gives it 75/100, strongest in sensory experience (85) and weakest in story & flow (55).
José Echo Score Breakdown
José delivers an emotionally resonant yet occasionally uneven experience that hinges on its humanist perspective. The film's deliberate pacing and intimate direction allow for moments of genuine connection, supported by subtle performances and striking cinematography. However, its episodic structure and modest narrative payoff can undercut momentum. Overall, José stands as a thoughtful coming-of-age portrait that resonates through its authenticity despite narrative gaps.
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 art and craft, José displays consistently polished visual design. The cinematography employs a restrained color palette and crisp framing to evoke the rural landscape, while production design subtly situates characters within their economic surroundings. Deliberate shot compositions and measured editing foster contemplative moments, though occasional structural irregularities suggest opportunities for tighter weaving. Overall, the craftsmanship reinforces the intimate tone despite sporadic pacing lulls.
- Character & Emotion 75
When it comes to character and emotion, José relies on understated performances to convey internal conflict. The lead’s nuanced portrayal of uncertainty resonates amid moments of tenderness and frustration, and supporting figures broaden the social context without overshadowing the protagonist’s journey. Emotional stakes are grounded in familial and romantic tension, though some secondary arcs lack resolution. Overall, the character work fosters empathy even as depth varies across roles.
- Story & Flow 55
In terms of story and flow, José unfolds through a series of loosely connected vignettes that chart the protagonist’s search for belonging. The narrative’s episodic structure highlights individual moments of hardship and connection but occasionally undermines cohesion and forward momentum. Pacing shifts can stall engagement, even as thematic consistency around identity and societal pressures persists. Overall, the story offers poignant glimpses yet falls short of sustained drive and narrative clarity.
- Sensory Experience 85
Regarding sensory experience, José immerses viewers through its atmospheric score and meticulous sound design. A measured soundtrack complements the visual style, which balances naturalistic textures with purposeful composition. Ambient sounds and musical cues subtly underscore emotional beats, enhancing the film’s sense of realism. While audio-visual integration remains compelling, some scenes feel less dynamically charged. Overall, the sensory fabric powerfully reinforces the film’s introspective tone.
- Rewatch Factor 70
For rewatch factor, José offers rewards in its thematic depth and contemplative pacing. Subtle visual motifs and emotional undercurrents invite repeat viewings to unpack character motivations and social nuances. Certain narrative dead ends and uneven pacing may reduce immediate replay desire, yet fans of intimate drama will find lasting appeal in its authenticity. Overall, the film retains modest replay value through its mood and thematic resonance.
-
IMDb 6.6 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 86% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 56%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 75 Metascore
User score 7.1
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 57% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.7 /5
376 ratings
See on Letterboxd
José Box Office
José grossed $1.7 million worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$1.7M
- International
- $1.7M
José Trailers & Videos
The trailer of José.
José Also Known As
37 alternative titles, including “Josée” and “Le Tigre et Les Poissons.”.
- Also known as
-
- Josée
- Le Tigre et Les Poissons.
- Joze to Tora to Sakana-tachi
- Josee to Tora to Sakanatachi
- Её заветное желание
- Джози
- Тигр и Рыба
- 乔西与虎与鱼
- โจเซ่ กับเสือและหมู่ปลา
- Жозе, тигр і риба
- Josee, the Tiger and the Fish
- Josie, der Tiger und die Fische.
+25 more Show fewer
- Josee, el Tigre y los Peces
- 喬瑟與虎與魚群
- Joze to tora to sakanatachi
- ジョゼと虎と魚たち
- Josee, el Tigre y el Pez
- 乔西的虎与鱼
- Її завітна мрія
- 조제
- 호랑이 그리고 물고기들
- Josée, le tigre et les poissons
- Josee, o Tigre e o Peixe
- 喬瑟與虎與魚群動畫版
- Josie, der Tiger und die Fische
- Josee to Tora to Sakana-tachi
- ג'וסי
- הנמר והדג
- Josée, la tigre e i pesci
- Josee
- Tigar i Riba
- Khi Nàng Thơ Yêu
- Josee, el tigre i els peixos
- Josee to tora to sakana-tači
- جوسي، النمر والسمكة
- 猶瑟與虎魚們
- Žoze, tigras ir žuvis
Seen José?
Movies Like José
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including To an Unknown God, Chico and Queer.
José FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, 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 January 31, 2020.
Who directed José?
José was directed by Li Cheng.
More films by Li Cheng Who is in the cast of José?
José stars Manolo Herrera as Luis, Enrique Salanic as Jose and Alba Irene Lemus as Grandma, among 10 credited actors.
How much did José make at the box office?
José grossed $1.7 million worldwide.
How is José rated?
José has 6.6/10 on IMDb, 86% on Rotten Tomatoes, 75 on Metacritic and 57% on TMDB.
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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