Blood In, Blood Out (1993)
"Bound by Honor" (original title)

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... See full summary »

Director:

Taylor Hackford

Writers:

Ross Thomas (story), Jimmy Santiago Baca (screenplay),

Stars:

Damian Chapa, Jesse Borrego, Benjamin Bratt

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Damian Chapa	...	Miklo
Jesse Borrego	...	Cruz
Benjamin Bratt	...	Paco
Enrique Castillo	...	Montana
Victor Rivers	...	Magic Mike
Delroy Lindo	...	Bonafide
Tom Towles	...	Red Ryder
Carlos Carrasco	...	Popeye
Teddy Wilson	...	Wallace
Raymond Cruz	...	Chuey
Valente Rodriguez	...	Frankie
Lanny Flaherty	...	Big Al
Billy Bob Thornton	...	Lightning
Geoffrey Rivas	...	Carlos
Karmin Murcelo	...	Dolores

Storyline

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.

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Plot Keywords:

gang | artist | heroin | car chase | bare butt | 

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Taglines:

An epic story of three brothers. Bound by blood. Divided by fate. Driven by destiny.

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Genres:

Action | Crime | Drama | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong violence and language, and for sexuality and drug content

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Arabic Spanish

Release Date:

30 April 1993 (USA)

Also Known As:

Blood In, Blood Out

Filming Locations:

2600 Paradise Dr, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$35,000,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$4,496,583 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hollywood Pictures, Touchwood Pacific Partners 1, Vato De Atole Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

180 min 190 min (director's cut) 330 min (original cut)

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The Hispanic prison gang "La Onda," depicted in this film, is a fictional creation of Jimmy Santiago Baca and Taylor Hackford, but the gang is based on the real-life Mexican Mafia prison gang.

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Goofs

When Miklo shoots Spider, he falls down a hill, and lands dead on the road, in the first scene his arms are at his sides, in the second scene his arms are stretched above his head, then back at his side again.

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Quotes

Paco: What a dick
Rollie McCann: Dick and Asshole that's all you ever call me. What is my name Dick Asshole?

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Crazy Credits

During the end credits we see helicopter shots of Los Angeles. The movie ends with shots of the big tree (pina).

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Connections

References Twilight Zone (1959)

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Soundtracks

"Cafe"
Written by Arcalio Garcia, Pablo Tellez and Jorge Santana
Performed by Malo
Courtesy of Warner Bros. Records Inc.
By Arrangement with Warner Special Products

User Reviews

Interesting watch

I've seen this movie a couple of times and its got its good points and its bad. It's an interesting story, though generally, it perpetuates the "East L.A. gang member" stereotype. However, it also addresses something I haven't seen before in a movie of this type, and something that was perfectly illustrated (unintentionally) by some of the unfavorable reviews posted here. I'm referring to the character of Miklos, and how stereotypes within his own community about "what is Latin" contribute to the person he becomes. There have been a few reviewers here who feel that the character of Miklos was not believable as Latino, as he was "too" white looking. As I understand, that was exactly the point. He was always having to prove himself as 'more latin than thou' because of his fair skin. Somehow being 'more latin than thou' became akin to being a hardest of the hard gang member. I think that was the most compelling idea out of the movie because that sort of thing happens quite often. Many Latinos subscribe to the stereotype that "all latinos are a sort of medium brown". Forgetting that "Latino" is not a race. It refers to ethnicity. You can be of any race and still be Latino. Those who don't fit into the stereotype of appearance sometimes try to find another way to 'be more Latin', and become susceptible to other, more insidious stereotypes. I've known my fair share of blue eyed blond "Miklos" who felt compelled to prove their "Latin-ness" by being a thug. So despite what has to be a record usage of the word "ese", I found this movie a worthy viewing due to the addressing of this topic.