Bound by Honor
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.
Critics Sentiment
Miklo orchestrates murders of both Aryan Vanguard and BGA leaders
Cruz becomes addicted to heroin due to his back pain
The film rises from Cruz's tragic addiction storyline to Miklo's shocking betrayal of all prison factions.
Critics praised the film's epic scope and complex character development, particularly the prison sequences and Miklo's transformation. While some found the acting occasionally over-the-top and the runtime excessive, most appreciated the realistic portrayal of gang and prison life. The ending divided critics, with some finding emotional resolution while others felt it lacked clear purpose.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 79
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
Valente Rodriguez
Frankie
Lanny Flaherty
Big Al
Billy Bob Thornton
Lightning
Geoffrey Rivas
Carlos
Karmin Murcelo
Dolores
Ving Rhames
Ivan
Danny Trejo
Geronimo
Steve Eastin
Hollenbeck Captain
Vanessa Marquez
Montana's Daughter
David Labiosa
Coolaide
Crew
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