Blood In, Blood Out (1993)

Based on the true life experiences of poet Jimmy Santiago Baca, the film focuses on step-brothers Paco and Cruz, and their bi-racial cousin Miklo.

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 step-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:

mexican | barrio | gang war | 1980s | 1970s | 

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Taglines:

From the Director of An Officer And A Gentleman and the Producer of La Bamba.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

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

Did You Know?

Trivia

The Pino, the iconic tree shown throughout the film and symbolized the brotherhood, still stands and is now considered a historical monument and will not be permitted to be cut down for any reason.

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Goofs

When Paco goes to fight Spider, he takes out a balisong (butterfly) knife. After he's done with the incident, he clearly folds a folding lockback knife (different type of knife altogether).

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Quotes

Popeye: White bitch, give me some chon-chon.
Miklo Velka: Get away from me.
Popeye: You get NOTHING for free in here punk!
Miklo Velka: CHINGA TU MADRE!

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Crazy Credits

"The bloody era of prison gang warfare, which characterized much of California's prison system during the decade depicted in this film, is now under control."

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Alternate Versions

UK theatrical release was edited to secure a 18 rating and removed shots of a butterfly knife being twirled. For the video release further 21 sec. were removed. Director's cut runs ca. 10 min. longer.

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Connections

References The Twilight Zone (1959)

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Soundtracks

Little Wing
Written and Performed by Jimi Hendrix
Courtesy of Elber B.V.

User Reviews

probably my favorite

I've seen this movie about twenty times and would gladly watch it again anytime.Literally.Damian Chapa has been robbed of any real recognition for what I think is one of the best performances ever to be put on film.Miklo rules.I've never seen the extended laserdisc,but I'm sure it kicks even more ass. This movie will survive the test of time.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Spanish Arabic

Release Date:

30 April 1993 (USA)

Also Known As:

Blood In, Blood Out

Filming Locations:

St. Mary's Catholic Church - 400 South Chicago Street, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$35,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$1,002,548, 2 May 1993

Gross USA:

$4,496,583

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$4,496,583

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