Based on the true life experiences of poet Jimmy Santiago Baca, the film focuses on half-brothers Paco and Cruz, and their bi-racial cousin Miklo. It opens in 1972, as the three are members of an East L.A. gang known as the "Vatos Locos", and the story focuses on how a violent crime and the influence of narcotics alter their lives. Miklo is incarcerated and sent to San Quentin, where he makes a "home" for himself. Cruz becomes an exceptional artist, but a heroin addiction overcomes him with tragic results. Paco becomes a cop and an enemy to his "carnal", Miklo.

Damian Chapa
Miklo

Jesse Borrego
Cruz

Benjamin Bratt
Paco

Enrique Castillo
Montana

Victor Rivers
Magic Mike

Delroy Lindo
Bonafide

Tom Towles
Red Ryder

Carlos Carrasco
Popeye
1,517 ratings. The score is reasonably stable but could shift up to 0.07 as more ratings come in.
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Release Date
February 5, 1993
Runtime
3h 10m
Rating
R
Genres
Crime, Drama, Thriller
Director