American Me [DVD]

Nothing

Can’t go wrong with this classic. La primer lives

One of the most realistic movies I've ever seen .

Good movie

This was a Four Star film in my opinion but the hour long documentary boosted it by half a Star. The beginning shows you how racist America was towards Mexican Americans. The so-called "Greatest Generation" was the most racist of generations. Seeing what airmen, marines, sailors and soldiers did to Mexican Americans during the Zoot Suit Riots sets my guts afire. It has me rethink the so-called "honor" of the American forces and their generation. thugs in uniforms is what they all were. They may have been no different than the Nazis & Fascists!While this film subject matter had been covered before in other films it had never been detailed from the Mexican American point of view. Kudos to Mr. Edward James Olmos. He pulled things off very well. Janet Maslin said the film was dark, slow and solemn. Violent as it is, American Me is seldom dramatic enough to bring its material to life. She's right about that. However, the film does convey its message enough for the viewer to learn about Mexican Barrios. Without being preachy or pedantic, Olmos's film pulls this off and shows us how the gangs in East L.A. are merciless--even to those within their ranks.I look at this movie and realize that that could have been me coming up as a kid had I come up in the barrio. You gotta be tough in the 'hood because if you are not you will be considered a "punk" and any and everyone will walk all over you. This is where I realize how women have it so much easier than men. They never have to join gangs and there is never any pressure on them to be "tough". Machismo exists only for men.Unfortunately for Santana he gains wisdom too late and is slain by members of his gang. Buy this film and you will like it. I want to recommend some other films like this. Colors, a Robert Duvall film discusses gangs in detail. The Warriors is another film that details gang life from the East Coast, however. As an extra, see the 21-Jumpstreet Episodes: Loc'd Out. It will show you the gangs Seattle style.I'm the 277th person to Rate this fine film. Buy it and you won't be disappointed.A. Nathaniel Wallace, Jr.

I used to work as a correctional officer so I know about the prison life

IF YOU HAVE THE DVD DONT BOTHER BUYING THE BLU RAY. VERY DISAPPOINTING HD TRANSFER. SHOUT COULD'VE AND HAVE DONE BETTER

Decent film, was told to watch it. Wasn’t really my cup of tea.

American me ok I seen blood in blood out and fell in love with that movie of you like blood in blood out you will like this bit slower but but I seen a documentary on gangland and thou I had to get this moive just coz its a true story but like 5 people were going to get killed over this movie but Danny drajio the guy who play merchete look on you tube he now the top leadership for the Mexican Mafia and he explained that 5 people were on a hit list coz they put things in that wasnt really correct so I had to have it for history but a good film blood in blood out better but same thing really nbut injoyed the film

I Love this film. I worked in the Corrections for a period of my life and granted this film has taken 'artistic license' to the story of the Mexican Mafia-La eMe, it is a fairly good story line to follow of their history.I also recommend " Blood In,Blood Out". Mix the two films together and with knowledge of "The Black Hand"-Sureno's-La eMe,you get a good look at their history.

This is not only a story about criminal gangs, it is also an interesting look about the way ethnic groups (here, Hispanic) first develop those gangs as a way to protect themselves against surrounding violence, also about how those gangs keep living and growing in prison. The film is based on the life of authentic characters, and raised many reactions (see Wikipedia about it).

I first watched this movie back in the early to mid nineties, and didn't see it on any station again. After checking Amazon to see if it could be found, I am delighted to have it in my collection. If any one is interested in this movie, be warned, it is definitely not for the faint hearted..

Item arrived in excellent condition. Thank you very much