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
as Miklo
Jesse Borrego
as Cruz
Benjamin Bratt
as Paco
Enrique Castillo
as Montana
Victor Rivers
as Magic Mike
Delroy Lindo
as Bonafide
Tom Towles
as Red Ryder
Carlos Carrasco
as Popeye
Teddy Wilson
as Wallace
Raymond Cruz
as Chuey
Valente Rodriguez
as Frankie
Lanny Flaherty
as Big Al
