La mission (2009)

Growing up in the Mission district of San Francisco, Che Rivera (Benjamin Bratt) has always had to be tough to survive. He's a powerful man respected throughout the Mission barrio for his ... See full summary »

Director:

Peter Bratt

Writer:

Peter Bratt

Stars:

Benjamin Bratt, Alex Hernandez, Christopher Borgzinner

2 wins & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Benjamin Bratt	...	Che Rivera
Alex Hernandez	...	Smoke
Christopher Borgzinner	...	Nacho
Jeremy Ray Valdez	...	Jes Rivera
Cesar Gomez	...	Gummy Bear
Neo Veavea	...	Kenny
Cathleen Riddley	...	Shell
Martin Cantu	...	Store Owner
Xochiti Guzman	...	Fine Mission Mamacita
Talisa Soto	...	Ana (as Talisa Soto Bratt)
Jesse Borrego	...	Rene
Tina Huang	...	Dr. Chang
Max Rosenak	...	Jordan
Ramon Ovando	...	Little Man
Anthony Santana	...	Young Jessie

Storyline

Growing up in the Mission district of San Francisco, Che Rivera (Benjamin Bratt) has always had to be tough to survive. He's a powerful man respected throughout the Mission barrio for his masculinity and his strength, as well as for his hobby building beautiful lowrider cars. A reformed inmate and recovering alcoholic, Che has worked hard to redeem his life and do right by his pride and joy: his only son, Jes, whom he has raised on his own after the death of his wife. Che's path to redemption is tested, however, when he discovers Jes is gay. To survive his neighborhood, Che has always lived with his fists. To survive as a complete man, he'll have to embrace a side of himself he's never shown.

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Plot Keywords:

lowrider | gay | recovering alcoholic | reconciliation | san francisco california | 

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Taglines:

...from the thorn emerges the flower

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language, some violence and sexual content

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 January 2009 (USA)

Also Known As:

Mission Street Rhapsody

Filming Locations:

San Francisco, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$3,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

5 Stick Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

117 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Goofs

The memorial in Che's garage indicates his wife died in 1985. The banners in the graduation scene read "La Mission High School Class of 2009". Since it is very clear Jess was a model student, it is doubtful he would be graduating high school at the age of 24 or higher.

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Soundtracks

"Be Thankful for What You Got"
Written by William DeVaughn
Performed by Andy Allo

User Reviews

La Mission - WELL DONE

Caught this flick with a choice of almost any seat. Weird because the theater is known for showing real life, low budget, "art" and eclectic films so I expected it to be well attended at the 2:10 showing. Someone judged that the religious elements in the movie were a distraction. I don't get the same read. They seemed to fit in culturally quite well. In fact I judge there was an intent to show a paradox between passion for worship / faith reverence and passionate violence. The central theme is the breakdown between single parent father and gay son. It left room for some play around other compelling life issues. If you are shy about the subject of gay men, go see Oceans. Two hours is too long for this movie (requisite love scene was useless), but the length did not detract from the story. The ending ... go see the movie.