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.
Damian Chapa
Jesse Borrego
Benjamin Bratt
Enrique Castillo
Victor Rivers
Delroy Lindo
Tom Towles
Carlos Carrasco
Teddy Wilson
Raymond Cruz
Valente Rodriguez
Lanny Flaherty
Billy Bob Thornton
Geoffrey Rivas
Karmin Murcelo
Ving Rhames
Danny Trejo
Steve Eastin
Vanessa Marquez
David Labiosa
Thomas F. Wilson
Lupe Ontiveros
Richard Masur
Victor Mohica
Mike Genovese
Luis Contreras
David Dunard
Jimmy Santiago Baca
Harold Surratt
Steven Anthony Jones
Gary Carlos Cervantes
Noah Verduzco
Jenny Gago
Ray Oriel
Natalija Nogulich
Peter Vasquez
Judith Verduzco
Sonia Rodriguez
Roberto Contreras
Evelyn Guerrero
Gary Tacon
Paulo Tocha
Freddy Negrete
Alina Arenal
Julie Zamarynov
Gibby Brand
Elizabeth Austin
Daniel McDonald
Adan Hernandez
Richard E. Butler
Michael Bofshever
Art Snider
Robert Pescovitz
Primitivo Tapia
Robert J. Juarez
Eddie Perez
Claudia Gabriella Colin
Michael McFall
Donald E. Lacy Jr.
Zandra Hill
George Pereyra
Angel Romero
Dr. Joe Schloss
Gill Montie
Martin McDermot
Martha Cardenas
Catherine Price
Lindsey Ginter
Victor Koliacos
Christine Avila
Robert Padgett
Rio Hackford
Rudy Barrios
Juan Charles
Charles Guillermin
Thomas Rosales Jr.
Roxann Dawson
Joe Casino
Wilfred Lopez
Thomas Rosales Jr.