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.

Where to watch it in Canada

No streaming offer found in Canada for now (it may be in theatres or not yet available).

Cast

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

Damian Chapa — Miklo

Damian Robert Chapa (born October 29, 1963) is a Native-Latino American actor, film director and film producer.

Benjamin Bratt — Paco

Benjamin Bratt (born December 16, 1963) is an American actor. He is known for playing Paco Aguilar in Blood In Blood Out. He had supporting film roles in the 1990s in Demolition Man (1993), Clear and Present Danger (1994), and The River Wild (1994). From 1995 to 1999, he starred as Detective Reynaldo Curtis on the NBC drama series Law & Order.