
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.

Miklo

Cruz

Paco

Montana

Magic Mike

Bonafide

Red Ryder

Popeye

Wallace

Chuey

Frankie

Big Al

Lightning

Carlos

Dolores

Ivan

Geronimo

Hollenbeck Captain

Montana's Daughter

Coolaide

Rollie McCann

Carmen

Prison Librarian

Mano

Sgt. Devereaux

Realthing
Gill

Gato

Pockets
Cyclone

Smokey
Juanito

Lupe

Spider

Janis

Chivo
Alicia
Victoria

Cruz's Grandfather
Luisa
Clavo

Apache
Freddy
Perla
Belinda

Jared Levinson

Lois Levinson

Gallery Assistant
Gilbert
Frank Velka

Salesman
Councilman Snyder

Surgeon
Street Kid
Priest

Joker
Joker's Girl

Transvestite #1
Transvestite #2
Con
Old Con
Parole Board Member
Prison Escort
AV Inmate
Delano Guard
Landlady
Newscaster

Officer Young
PCP Kid

Mother of PCP Kid
Doctor to PCP Kid

PCP Intern
Tres Puntos Gangmember
Vatos Locos
Vatos Locos

Prisoner (uncredited)

Girl (uncredited)
Prison Guard (uncredited)
Vatos Locos (uncredited)

Prisoner