Mixed Blood (1984)

Brazilian drug dealers in the lower east side of Manhattan start a war with a rival gang of Latino drug dealers. Their soldiers are Latino kids all under 17 because, as Rita La Punta says, ... See full summary »

Director:

Paul Morrissey

Writers:

Alan Bowne (additional dialogue), Paul Morrissey

Stars:

Marília Pêra, Richard Ulacia, Linda Kerridge

2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Marília Pêra	...	Rita La Punta
Richard Ulacia	...	Thiago
Linda Kerridge	...	Carol
Geraldine Smith	...	Toni
Angel David	...	Juan the Bullet
Ulrich Berr	...	The German
Rodney Harvey	...	Jose
Álvaro Rodriguez	...	Herman
William Rodriguez	...	Carlos
Eduardo González	...	Jajo
Steven Garcia	...	Pedro
Edwina Ebron	...	Hooker
Andres Castillo	...	Macetero
Peter Cruz	...	Macetero
Richard Garcia	...	Macetero

Storyline

Brazilian drug dealers in the lower east side of Manhattan start a war with a rival gang of Latino drug dealers. Their soldiers are Latino kids all under 17 because, as Rita La Punta says, "They can kill and not go to jail." The war escalates to include their German heroin supplier, his sexy English girl friend, a Puerto Rican ex-cop, and the Japanese police captain. This movie is about racism, police corruption, junkies and drug dealing. There is plenty of killing and even a visit to a store dedicated to the Latino pop group "Menudo."

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Plot Keywords:

drugs | heroin | corruption | gang | german | 

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Taglines:

Drugs. Sex. Murder. All in a day's work for the kids of "Alphabet City".

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Genres:

Action | Drama

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Details

Country:

France USA

Language:

English Portuguese

Release Date:

18 October 1985 (USA)

Also Known As:

Cocaïne

Filming Locations:

Alphabet City, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Sara Films, Set Satellite

Technical Specs

Runtime:

98 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

John Leguizamo's feature film debut.

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Connections

References Week-End in Havana (1941)

User Reviews

This is a funny movie.

First up, Mixed Blood is no Citizen Kane (Personally, I think Citizen Kane is highly overrated, but you get my point). However, it is a very enjoyable, funny and entertaining. The acting on occasion is poor but in a strange way this adds to the sense of realism. Richard Ulacia is a dreadful actor but due to the fact that he is playing a retarded mummy's boy means that he is perfect for this role!

Marilia Pera is excellent as Rita La Punta (she starred in Central Station) and whilst she shows sincere motherly love for all her 'adopted' drug running boys, she still manages to exude a real air of menace for her rivals drug dealers.

There are some very funny scenes in this film. I suspect most of them were intentional, although some are not. However, be warned if you like Merchant and Ivory films you will not find any humour in this film! If you hate Merchant and Ivory films, you should have a rib tickling time.

On a more serious note, one of the plot lines involves NYC's finest helping the drug dealers eliminate their rivals. In the light of the Larry Davis case (where Larry, a teenager, was allegedly employed by South Bronx police officers to sell drugs) and the fact that, in retrospect, this film was shot in the same year, you really do get a sense of gritty realism.

The musical score is excellent and matches the style and look of the film perfectly. The fine use of latin classics from Hector Lavoe and Willie Colon will have you shimmying in your seat.

If you like Scarface and Carlito's Way, rent this film on a Saturday night (when there is nothing much on TV) and you will not be disappointed.