Gangster and Crime Movies
American Me (1992)
In prison they are the law. On the streets they are the power.
Actors: |
Raymond Amezquita, Joe Aubel, Lance August, Javier Castellanos, Eric Close |
Directors: |
Edward James Olmos |
Writers: |
|
Producers: |
|
Rating: |
R |
Release Date: |
|
Running time: |
126 minutes |
Genre: |
|
Language: |
|
Format: |
Review: 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