Product Description A life of violence is traced from the Zoot Suit riots of the 1940s to the bloody streets of the 199os. Three homeboys Santana Mundo and JD born in a crucible of poverty create the capitalist dream in their own way as powerful gang members. Jailed in their youth they control the streets from the cellblock. After his release Santana wavers between the o. g. lifestyle and fresh beginning with a new love.An hispanic crime lord creates a position of power for himself and his comrades in prison that extends to the streets of east Los Angeles. At first he is elated by the control he wields but as maturity and a blossoming relationship affect his consciousness he realizes that his desire for social change is mired in his own cult of violence. Based on a true story.Runtime: 126 minutesFormat: DVD HD Genre: DRAMA Rating: NR UPC: 025193290526 Manufacturer No: 92032905

Amazon.com Actor-turned-director Edward James Olmos set out to spread the word against the destructiveness of gang violence with this 1992 gritty drama. Set in the barrios of East Los Angeles, he attempts to cover 30 years in the life of a family with strong gang ties. This brutally realistic story may not intentionally glorify violence, but it offers no answers. (Olmos actually shot the prison scenes in Folsom, which explains their harsh reality.) Great performances though, especially by Olmos and William Forsythe. Olmos plays a gang leader released from prison who is finally in touch with himself, only to realize it is too late. The one major problem with this well-intentioned flick is that it is rated R for violence, nudity, and profanity. Therefore, the kids who most need its message are not, in theory, the ones who will see it. --Rochelle O'Gorman