Overview
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.
| Actor | Age then | Age now | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 29 | 61 | |
 | 30 | 63 | |
 | 29 | 61 | |
 | 43 | 75 | |
 | 37 | 69 | |
 | 40 | 72 | |
 | 42 | April 2, 2015 (65) | |
 | 44 | 77 | |
 | 49 | July 21, 1991 (47) | |
 | 31 | 64 |