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