Once Upon a Star

Rodrigo is a young man whose life changes overnight when his parents die, leaving him to take care of his younger siblings. The film follows his daily grind as he tries to hold the household together, juggling work, school, and the small moments that test him emotionally. He negotiates sibling squabbles, scarce money, and the town's expectations while trying to protect a fragile sense of normal. The story focuses on small choices and quiet sacrifices, showing how responsibility reshapes his plans and relationships without relying on melodrama or big plot turns.

Released in 1989, Once Upon a Star was directed by Sergio Véjar and stars Pedro Fernández as Rodrigo, with David Reynoso, José Elías Moreno, Anahí, and Blanca Lidia Muñoz in supporting roles. It fits within late 1980s Mexican cinema and draws on familiar family drama motifs.

There are no widely reported major awards or international nominations linked to this film. It doesn’t appear in major awards records, which suggests it remained more of a national or regional release than an awards contender.

While it never reached broad international fame, the movie has a modest place in the filmographies of its cast, especially Pedro Fernández, who was transitioning between music and acting at the time. Viewers who follow Mexican film from that era often recall its straightforward depiction of working class family life, and some scenes have circulated among fans as examples of sincere, low-key domestic drama.

Critical response is limited, with a vote average around 6.0 out of 10 based on a small number of ratings. Viewers tend to note the film’s focus on responsibility, grief, and growing up under pressure, rather than sensational plot devices. The tone balances moments of warmth with struggle, and the themes center on family duty, resilience, and the everyday compromises people make to protect those they love.