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.

• DirectorTaylor Hackford
• Release5 February 1993
• Genre
  Crime / Action
• Duration3h
• Budget$35,000,000
• Revenue$4,500,000
• Rate
  

  8.136
  1473 reviews
• Productions

  Hollywood Pictures