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A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints (2006)

 -  Crime | Drama  -  13 October 2006 (USA)
6.9
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Ratings: 6.9/10 from 17,479 users   Metascore: 67/100
Reviews: 81 user | 109 critic | 25 from Metacritic.com

The movie is a coming-of-age drama about a boy growing up in Astoria, N.Y., during the 1980s. As his friends end up dead, on drugs or in prison, he comes to believe he has been saved from their fate by various so-called saints.

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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Diane (as Julia Garro)
Eleonore Hendricks ...
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Young Nerf (as Peter Tambakis)
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Anthony Tirado ...
Erick Rosado ...
Steve Payne ...
Beach Chair Guy (as Steven Payne)
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Tibor Feldman ...
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Storyline

Dito, a writer in L.A., goes home to Astoria, Queens, after a 15-year absence when his mother calls to say his father's ill. In a series of flashbacks we see the young Dito, his parents, his four closest friends, and his girl Laurie, as each tries to navigate family, race, loyalty, sex, coming of age, violence, and wanting out. A ball falls onto the subway tracks at a station, small things get out of hand. Can Dito go home again? Written by <jhailey@hotmail.com>

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Taglines:

In the end, he left everyone and everything... but no one really left him. See more »

Genres:

Crime | Drama

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for pervasive language, some violence, sexuality, and drug use | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Official Sites:

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Country:

Language:

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Release Date:

13 October 2006 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Tus santos y tus demonios  »

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$94,784 (USA) (29 September 2006)

Gross:

$516,139 (USA) (17 November 2006)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Dito Montiel was reluctant to cast Shia LaBeouf in the role of young Dito because Montiel was intent on casting an unknown. After the first rejection, however, LaBeouf pushed for one more audition. He came into the casting office, punched a hole in the wall, and convinced Montiel that he could bring a requisite amount of anger to the role. See more »

Goofs

In the scene where Antonio beats the Reaper with a bat in the store you can see Listerine Pocketpacks breath strips which didn't come to the market until the 21st century. See more »

Quotes

Young Dito: My friend just got fucking shot. You don't know what's happening.
Monty: It's okay. It's okay. I'm your father. I love you. I'm your father.
Young Dito: [crying] When were you ever my father?
See more »

Crazy Credits

At the very end of the credits, after the logo graveyard, there is a short bit with the real Monty. See more »

Connections

Referenced in Chelsea Lately: Episode #6.45 (2012) See more »

Soundtracks

"A Sunny Stroll"
Written by Jake Pushinsky
Performed by David Wittman
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

See more (Spoiler Alert!) »

User Reviews

 
Powerful and affecting... amazing debut
29 August 2006 | by (Los Angeles) – See all my reviews

I liked the direction and acting better than the screenplay, although Dito Montiel has written a very moving story. His use of different styles and techniques- most of which came from him just experimenting or not really knowing what "to do"- are at first somewhat jarring, but grow to fit the fractured lives of his characters perfectly. This movie is not for everybody, but should be seen by anyone who is despairing of the state of American Independent movies. And the cast- truly brilliant. Pros like Dianne Weist (she can truly do no wrong, and her character would be so weak in a lesser actor's hands) and Chazz Palminteri are mixed with relative newcomers and complete unknowns that Montiel picked up in casting sessions out in Queens. For me, the whole movie was worth seeing Channing Tatum, however. He is heartbreaking and scary and full of explosive energy. The screen can barely contain him. One of the best movies I've seen in quite awhile.


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God DAMN. banditaxis06
WOW has everyone lost their mind?!?!?! capitalgreen99
A 1986 movie placed in the 1970's was distracting? esboat1
Best Performance In This Film fallinep
I grew up in astoria and know about these guys!!!!! gravy31104
Weak Scottish Accent. Div_Muzza

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