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 Mural of Miklo, Paco and Cruzito seen at the end of the movie when Cruzito and Paco are reminiscing, still stands to this day. Corrosion has damaged most of the facial expressions and colors but from a distance the base is still clear.

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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

Miklo Velka: When you expect nothing and get everything, that's destiny.

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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 Putty Tat Trouble (1951)

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Soundtracks

"Mal Hombre"
Written by Roger Velasquez

User Reviews

Pleasantly Surprised.

I saw this movie by chance and was expecting it to be some low budget flick with gang fights in it, but I was pleasantly surprised at how good this movie was. I put the DVD in and was planning to only watch a few minutes before going to bed, but the movie was so good and interesting that I watched the whole thing.

I'm also surprised this movie didn't win many awards. I notice it only won best director in Japan. This should have at least been nominated for best picture (Schindler's List won that year).

And speaking of surprises, the plot has some good twists and surprises of its own.