Manito (2002)

Fifteen years ago, their Washington Heights neighborhood was dubbed the crack-cocaine capital of the world, but today it is transforming into one of the most vibrant, Spanish-speaking ... See full summary »

Director:

Eric Eason

Writer:

Eric Eason

Stars:

Franky G, Leo Minaya, Manuel Cabral

8 wins & 5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Franky G	...	Junior Moreno
Leo Minaya	...	Manny Moreno
Manuel Cabral	...	Oscar Moreno (as Manuel Jesus Cabral)
Jessica Morales	...	Marisol
Julissa Lopez	...	Miriam Moreno
Héctor González	...	Abuelo
Panchito Gómez	...	Rodchenko
Lavidania Ramirez	...	Anita (Oscar's Wife)
Casper Martinez	...	Enrique
Lou Torres	...	Bartender
Adeal Irizarry	...	Hercules
Edwin De Leon	...	Roberto (as Edwin Morel DeLeon)
Jeff Knite	...	Ignacio (as Jeff Asencio)
Jay Dog	...	Mugger #1
Gilly Delgado	...	Mugger #2

Storyline

Fifteen years ago, their Washington Heights neighborhood was dubbed the crack-cocaine capital of the world, but today it is transforming into one of the most vibrant, Spanish-speaking communities in the United States. While the drug dealers continue to disappear, their violent legacy still casts a shadow over the neighborhood and its residents. Junior, an ex-convict struggling to get his life back on track, is a product of this legacy. His younger brother Manny, the salutatorian of his high school class, embodies the hope of the future. On the night of his graduation party, Manny finds himself faced with an ill-fated decision that could change his life forever.

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Plot Keywords:

graduation | new york city | bilingual | manhattan new york city | brother brother relationship | 

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Genres:

Drama | Family

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 January 2002 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Bronx, New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$24,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

7th Floor, The, Smashing Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

78 min 79 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Featured in The 2003 IFP Independent Spirit Awards (2003)

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Soundtracks

"El Colin"
Composed by R. Vargas, W. Rosa
Published by Dose Rocks Music & Rayana Music
Administered by Cutting Records Music & BMG Songs, Inc.

User Reviews

Involving family drama that refuses to be categorized.

Here is an involving family drama that refuses to be categorized. Is it a Dogme film? Is it an experimental work? Is it an offspring of Cassevettes? Of Scorsese? Of Sidney Lumet? Is it a foreign film shot in America? Is it a piece of verite filmmaking? Or is it more rooted in Documentary?

Set in a Manhattan Latino neighborhood, the story sets out with a very broad canvass, filled with the colors from all aspects of its world. The technique is at first documentary and little by little becomes something that feels more familiar. As if the filmmaker decided to trick you in to the story through some kind of visual artiface afterwhich you are so engrossed, you no longer are concerned with imagery but only for the characters.

The story has no less than ten very memorable scenes. My favorites were the big graduation party that seemed truly captured (and not staged). There is also a scene in a prison that was one of the most emotionally moving moments I've experienced in a long time.

If the film has a flaw, its that the story feels too unremittingly bleak in the end. I'm not suggesting that I wanted a happy ending. But, I did feel like the director was overally hellbent on proving his dark view of the world.

I give this film a 9/10 and highly recommend it to people who enjoy Art films and World Cinema. (If you are a glossy Speilberg, this film is not for you)