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.
Miklo
Cruz
Paco
Montana
Magic Mike
Bonafide
Red Ryder
Popeye
Wallace
Chuey
Frankie
Big Al
Lightning
Carlos
Dolores
Ivan
Geronimo
Hollenbeck Captain
Montana's Daughter
Coolaide
Rollie McCann
Carmen
Prison Librarian
Mano
Sgt. Devereaux
Realthing
Gato
Pockets
Smokey
Lupe
Spider
Janis
Chivo
Cruz's Grandfather
Luisa
Apache
Jared Levinson
Lois Levinson
Gallery Assistant
Salesman
Surgeon
Joker
Transvestite #1
Officer Young
Mother of PCP Kid
PCP Intern
Prisoner (uncredited)
Girl (uncredited)
Prisoner
Director
Screenplay
Producer