Bound by Honor (1993)

Good movie but grossly overrated

It's funny watching the elements come together in this complicated scam. On one hand, the set-up isn't quite as complex as it seems, but there's an easy sense of fun in every exchange.

Yo, there's no way for me to review this film without saying, take your *insert ethnicity + "ass" here* to see this film,like now. You have to see it in order to know what you're really messing with.

Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

For 3 years, my wife wanted me to watch this movie and i hesitated. It sounded like just another gang movie and i wasn't interested in watching another movie like that. Then when i was sick one day it came on cable and i decided to watch it. As soon as the first 1/2 hour passed, I was sorry I didn't watch it sooner. This movie was well done! A very good depiction of street and prison gangs..(the fact that some of the actors and crew either were involved in gangs or had done time in jail helped make some of the roles more believable).The saddest character in the movie is the main protagonist Miklo Velka. despite his mother being a brown-eyed, blk haired Mexican, his white father's features constantly make him an outsider in his own community and his willingness to do whatever it takes to be accepted by his own people ends up having disastrous consequences for all involved in his life in the 12 years that the film takes place.One other thing I saw in the movie that really surprised me is when Popeye tells Miklo that he cannot get mad at another Latino in jail because they were both from rival gangs. In prison, they have to unite if they want to survive. I saw that as a unity born out of need to protect themselves.If you are Latin, regardless of type (cuban, Puerto-Rican,Peruvian,Mexican etc) see this movie.

A classic story from the Barrio, and the ascension of struggles.Survival alone isn't enough. It's all about character, granted it's a long movie, but the Paco, Cruz and Miklo characters are mesmerizing to follow.Damian Chappa got robbed - whatever happened to the rest of his career? Still going (latest, Vatos Locos). Jesse Borrego, excels as a bad guy character.And the standouts throughout their careers, Benjamin Bratt, Delroy Lindo, Billy Bob Thornton, Lupe Ontiveros, Danny Trejo. All these people, all that talent, great job.That's why I remember this film, the characters.Crying in my soup now...Not really...Was going for my Oscar...Not really.

I enjoy the crime/thriller genre and this really hit the spot. It had action, moral dilemmas, suspense, twists and drama. There is even emotion in this movie and not just a typical gangster movie.After watching this, It opened up my eyes to the life of Spanish/Mexican gangs and the troublesome lives they live. It is a story of innocence, revenge and betrayal. It is also a story of coming of age and learning. Most importantly it is a movie that can deliver powerful messages to the audience whom feels gangsterism is a symbol or status.I applaud the writer, the director and all the actors for producing such a accomplished piece of cinema. The acting is very genuine and all actors feel comfortable in their roles and helps the movies progression. The authenticity is also there and much research has gone into this. Although this is a lengthy film, over 2 hours long, it is well worth the time to watch the story unfold as it would in the real world. Viewers of the movie should be aware some scenes are not for the faint hearted and may cause you to gasp in shock. At one point I even shouted at the screen, but I wont divulge which scene this was.Please watch this movie, if you are thirsty for something different and not commercial, this is the pick.

bound by honor...or as i know it "Blood In Blood Out". A true story about 3 young guys whos fate is decided by the choices they make.I first watched this when I was 9 years old when my brother rented it. I watched it over and over again just to be sure that I didn't miss anything. Today, I can watch it anytime!Miklo, Paco and Cruz are members of an East L.A. Gang called "Vatos Locos". They struggle to survive in a place which is drowning from drugs and violent crime. A bloody thirst of revenge puts each of them on a different path that will change their lives forever...If you wanna see a gang movie thats gonna impact you in a way you couldn't imagine, then see "Bound by Honor".