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.
Acting
Jesse Borrego's Cruz breaks your heart slowly.
Cinematography
East L.A. glows with gold-hour nostalgia and prison grime.
Practical Effects
San Quentin shot on location with real inmates as extras.
Director
Taylor Hackford
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Jimmy Santiago Baca, whose life inspired the film, was illiterate at 21 before teaching himself poetry in prison.
The 'Vatos Locos' culture depicted spawned real gang copycats; some theaters banned the film for inciting violence.
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