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.
| Release Date | February 5, 1993 | |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Released | |
| Original Title | Bound by Honor | |
| Runtime | 3h 0min | |
| Budget | $35,000,000 | |
| Revenue | $4,500,000 | |
| Language | Spanish, English | |
| Original Language | English | |
| Production Countries | United States of America | |
| Production Companies | Hollywood Pictures | |