The Perez Family Poster

The Perez Family 1995

★ 6.041 votes113 min📅 1995-05-12

"On the way to finding a family, she found love."

Directed by Mira Nair, *The Perez Family (1995)* weaves a heartfelt tale of love, identity, and resilience set against the backdrop of the 1980 Mariel boatlift—a chaotic exodus that brought Cuban refugees to American shores.

Director: Mira Nair

Cast

Marisa Tomei
Marisa Tomei
Dorita Evita Perez
Alfred Molina
Alfred Molina
Juan Raul Perez
Anjelica Huston
Anjelica Huston
Carmela Perez
Chazz Palminteri
Chazz Palminteri
Lt. John Pirelli
Trini Alvarado
Trini Alvarado
Teresa Perez
Ruben Rabasa
Ruben Rabasa
Father Martinez
Luis Raúl
News Photographer
Vincent Gallo
Vincent Gallo
Orlando
Celia Cruz
Celia Cruz
Luz Pat
Diego Wallraff
Diego Wallraff
Angel Diaz

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Perez Family (1995) about?

Set during the 1980 Mariel boatlift, the film follows Dorita, a Cuban refugee who is accidentally linked to Juan Raul Perez by an immigration error. Pretending to be married to secure their escape, the two grow closer, even as Juan's past collides with their present. Their journey becomes a mix of humor, romance, and tough choices in a new world.

Who directed The Perez Family?

The film was directed by Mira Nair, known for her emotionally charged storytelling and culturally rich films like *Mississippi Masala*.

Who stars in The Perez Family?

The standout cast includes Marisa Tomei as Dorita, Alfred Molina as Juan Raul, Anjelica Huston, Chazz Palminteri, and Trini Alvarado in pivotal roles.

Is The Perez Family (1995) worth watching?

With its blend of comedy, drama, and romance, *The Perez Family (1995)* offers a unique perspective on love and resilience. While unrated on IMDb, its themes and performances make it a compelling watch for fans of character-driven stories.

How long is The Perez Family?

The film runs for 113 minutes, offering a tightly paced story that balances humor and emotional depth.

🎥 Trailer

About The Perez Family (1995) — A Heartfelt Romance Wrapped in Cuban Exile Drama

Directed by Mira Nair, *The Perez Family (1995)* weaves a heartfelt tale of love, identity, and resilience set against the backdrop of the 1980 Mariel boatlift—a chaotic exodus that brought Cuban refugees to American shores. At its core, the film explores how chance encounters can forge unexpected bonds. Marisa Tomei stars as Dorita, a spirited woman whose path collides with Juan Raul (Alfred Molina), a Cuban exile mistakenly presumed to be her husband by an overzealous immigration clerk. As they navigate the challenges of starting over in a new land, their shared last name becomes a bridge to deeper emotions, complicating their journey just as Juan is reunited with his long-lost wife, Carmela. Blending comedy, drama, and romance, this emotionally rich film captures the bittersweet struggle of building a future while honoring the past.

Nair's direction imbues the story with warmth and authenticity, balancing humor and pathos as the characters grapple with love and deception in equal measure. The film's vibrant Cuban-American culture and the palpable tension of immigration add layers of authenticity, making *The Perez Family (1995)* a poignant exploration of family, fate, and the courage it takes to begin again.