Summary
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.
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Cast
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
Teddy Wilson
Wallace
Raymond Cruz
Chuey
Valente Rodriguez
Frankie
Lanny Flaherty
Big Al
Billy Bob Thornton
Lightning
Geoffrey Rivas
Carlos
Karmin Murcelo
Dolores
Ving Rhames
Ivan
Danny Trejo
Geronimo
Steve Eastin
Hollenbeck Captain
Vanessa Marquez
Montana's Daughter
David Labiosa
Coolaide
Thomas F. Wilson
Rollie McCann
Lupe Ontiveros
Carmen
Richard Masur
Prison Librarian
Victor Mohica
Mano
Mike Genovese
Sgt. Devereaux
Luis Contreras
Realthing
Harold Surratt
Pockets
Gary Carlos Cervantes
Smokey
Jenny Gago
Lupe
Ray Oriel
Spider
Natalija Nogulich
Janis
Peter Vasquez
Chivo
Roberto Contreras
Cruz's Grandfather
Paulo Tocha
Apache
Gibby Brand
Jared Levinson
Elizabeth Austin
Lois Levinson
Daniel McDonald
Gallery Assistant
Michael Bofshever
Salesman
Robert Pescovitz
Surgeon
Michael McFall
Transvestite #1
Lindsey Ginter
Officer Young
Christine Avila
Mother of PCP Kid
Rio Hackford
PCP Intern
Thomas Rosales Jr.
Prisoner (uncredited)