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.
as Miklo
as Cruz
as Paco
as Montana
as Magic Mike
as Bonafide
as Red Ryder
as Popeye
as Wallace
as Chuey
as Frankie
as Big Al
as Lightning
as Carlos
as Dolores
as Ivan
as Geronimo
as Hollenbeck Captain
as Montana's Daughter
as Coolaide
as Rollie McCann
as Carmen
as Prison Librarian
as Mano
as Sgt. Devereaux
as Realthing
as Gill
as Gato
as Pockets
as Cyclone
as Smokey
as Juanito
as Lupe
as Spider
as Janis
as Chivo
as Alicia
as Victoria
as Cruz's Grandfather
as Luisa
as Clavo
as Apache
as Freddy
as Perla
as Belinda
as Jared Levinson
as Lois Levinson
as Gallery Assistant
as Gilbert
as Frank Velka
as Salesman
as Councilman Snyder
as Surgeon
as Street Kid
as Priest
as Joker
as Joker's Girl
as Transvestite #1
as Transvestite #2
as Con
as Old Con
as Parole Board Member
as Prison Escort
as AV Inmate
as Delano Guard
as Landlady
as Newscaster
as Officer Young
as PCP Kid
as Mother of PCP Kid
as Doctor to PCP Kid
as PCP Intern
as Tres Puntos Gangmember
as Vatos Locos
as Vatos Locos
as Prisoner (uncredited)
as Girl (uncredited)
as Prison Guard (uncredited)
as Vatos Locos (uncredited)
as Prisoner
