Based on the true life experiences of poet Jimmy Santiago Baca, the film focuses on step-brothers Paco and Cruz, and their bi-racial cousin Miklo.Based on the true life experiences of poet Jimmy Santiago Baca, the film focuses on step-brothers Paco and Cruz, and their bi-racial cousin Miklo.Based on the true life experiences of poet Jimmy Santiago Baca, the film focuses on step-brothers Paco and Cruz, and their bi-racial cousin Miklo.
- Awards
- 4 wins & 2 nominations total
Featured reviews
This is one of those most people saw by mistake, late one night on cable. I did too, and found myself talking about it for weeks. The only thing that keeps this movie from being rated higher is its length. At times it is too drawn out, but for the most part it is well acted, beautifully shot considering the settings, and tells a good story.
I have yet to to find a person who doesn't fal in love with this movie.
I have yet to to find a person who doesn't fal in love with this movie.
I am quite often moved to comment when a movie has a wide range of good to bad reviews. This movie is a classic case. Several people called it the worst movie they had ever seen, or words to that effect. Is it? Hardly. It also isn't the best movie ever made. It is long, I'll grant the complaints about that, but one of the beauties of video is you don't have to watch it all at one time. Over-acted? I think that has to do with the genre.
Okay, it isn't the best movie ever made. But I can sum up all of its shortcomings with one contraticting word. It is compelling. I can very much relate to the reviewer who mentioned getting hooked on it on tv in the middle of the night. It is a compelling movie in spite of its shortcomings. Even if it seems overacted, it is compelling because it seems so real in spite of the overacting.
Okay, it isn't the best movie ever made. But I can sum up all of its shortcomings with one contraticting word. It is compelling. I can very much relate to the reviewer who mentioned getting hooked on it on tv in the middle of the night. It is a compelling movie in spite of its shortcomings. Even if it seems overacted, it is compelling because it seems so real in spite of the overacting.
10wigz
I've seen this movie about twenty times and would gladly watch it again anytime.Literally.Damian Chapa has been robbed of any real recognition for what I think is one of the best performances ever to be put on film.Miklo rules.I've never seen the extended laserdisc,but I'm sure it kicks even more ass. This movie will survive the test of time.
I first saw this film a few years ago when my brother stumbled across it in a bargain basement basket bin! What a travesty for a start that it had not made a bigger mark at the box office and had been consigned to a cheap basket! I'm sure if released with more fanfare this time it would reach the audience it deserves! It is a story of rival gangs, family, love, betrayal, loyalty, acceptance - every film cliché you could think of.
It thoroughly explores the destiny of its 3 young stars as they struggle to make their way with the life path they have taken. I won't give away the plot as I believe anyway who truly loves films should see this film in its full glory with no knowledge of the plot or how the film eventually plays out.
I have been reading the postings, and many negative comments have been made about this film, but I believe this film stands up to much of its unfair criticism.
I will admit though, that I did squirm at some of Miklo's earlier expressions in the film, but a 3/4 of the way through he really picks up the baton and completely takes over. In fact, he is a revelation.
There are some cheesy bits of dialogue, but I don't think this takes away from the piece in any way.
It is a long film, but it needed to be. I don't think there are ANY scenes they could have done without - it is very effective, just the way it is.
Anybody who has seen it and didn't like it first time round, I employ you to rent it/buy it again and give it another try.
I purchased another copy of it again just a few days ago. I watched it yesterday and was still moved - as if it was the first time I saw it.
Its definitely TOP TEN best film material! MUST SEE!
It thoroughly explores the destiny of its 3 young stars as they struggle to make their way with the life path they have taken. I won't give away the plot as I believe anyway who truly loves films should see this film in its full glory with no knowledge of the plot or how the film eventually plays out.
I have been reading the postings, and many negative comments have been made about this film, but I believe this film stands up to much of its unfair criticism.
I will admit though, that I did squirm at some of Miklo's earlier expressions in the film, but a 3/4 of the way through he really picks up the baton and completely takes over. In fact, he is a revelation.
There are some cheesy bits of dialogue, but I don't think this takes away from the piece in any way.
It is a long film, but it needed to be. I don't think there are ANY scenes they could have done without - it is very effective, just the way it is.
Anybody who has seen it and didn't like it first time round, I employ you to rent it/buy it again and give it another try.
I purchased another copy of it again just a few days ago. I watched it yesterday and was still moved - as if it was the first time I saw it.
Its definitely TOP TEN best film material! MUST SEE!
It's an awesome epic worth your time and patience. Some viewers complain that this an American Me rip off and its way too long, yes there are similarities but it is told in a different manner, I thought the 190 minutes(Directors cut) flew by. There are numerous cheesy lines, racial stereotypes and the acting can be over the top, sometimes wooden but its what makes this epic work and enjoyable. A must watch for those who enjoy hood/barrio movies.
Did you know
- TriviaDamian Chapa, Benjamin Bratt and Jesse Borrego lived with real gang members in East Los Angeles for three months in order to help the actors develop the characters they were portraying and perfect their roles in the film.
- GoofsMiklo had two parole hearings, supposedly several years apart, but all the members of the parole board are wearing the same outfits and sitting in the same places for both hearings.
- Quotes
Miklo Velka: Vatos Locos forever, ese!
- Crazy creditsDuring the end credits we see helicopter shots of Los Angeles. The movie ends with shots of the big tree (pina).
- Alternate versionsUK theatrical release was edited to secure a 18 rating and removed shots of a butterfly knife being twirled. For the video release further 21 sec. were removed. Director's cut runs ca. 10 min. longer.
- SoundtracksComo Un Perro
Written by Severo Miron and Blanca Medel Calvez
Performed by Chelo Silva
Courtesy of Sony Music Entertainment Mexico, S.A. DE C.V.
By Arrangement with Sony Music Licensing
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Languages
- Also known as
- Sangre por sangre
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $35,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $4,496,583
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $1,002,548
- May 2, 1993
- Gross worldwide
- $4,496,583
- Runtime
- 3h(180 min)
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1
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