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“In the Barrio the game is for keeps.”
Guns. Drugs. Violence. Gangs. Murder. The story of what happens when a young man trades his hopes and dreams for vengeance. To save his brother from the clutches of their drug-dealing uncle and a rival drug gang, Juan must make the ultimate sacrifice. Once Juan picks up his first gun, his plans of college, a girlfriend, and a future vanish as he becomes consumed by the darker side of the life his is fighting against. This is a GAME where you either win or lose your life!
Director
Writer
Status
Released
Original Language
EN

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.

Andy
A young street hustler attempts to escape the rigors and temptations of the ghetto in a quest for a better life.