Overview
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.
Trailer
Crew
DirectorTaylor Hackford
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
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Keywords
street gangghettojuvenile prisonartisttragedyjaileast los angelesyouth ganghoodgangracismdrugsmexican americanpolice shootoutchololowrider
Details
Budget
$35M
Revenue
$5M
TMDb Votes
1,515
Added May 14, 2026Updated Jun 4, 2026