Blood In, Blood Out: Bound by Honor (1993)

VHS COVER/SIDE

Length of film: 180 Minutes (Directors Cut: 190 Minutes)

Rated: R

Genre: Crime, Drama

Director: Taylor Hackford

Starring: Damian Chapa, Jesse Borrego, Benjamin Bratt, Enrique Castillo, Victor Rivers, Danny Trejo, Billy Bob Thornton

IMDB Rank: 8/10

Part 1 Time: 115 Minutes (Directors Cut: 122 Minutes)

Part 2 Time:  65 Minutes (Directors Cut: 68 Minutes)

Where does the first part end? Detective Paco Aguilar (Benjamin Bratt) speaks to another police officer about the details of the La Onda gang.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “Hey Aguilar, that con you blasted just got out of surgery, it’ll be a whole lot easier to catch him from now on.” another LAPD detective speaks to Paco.

First line of dialogue on the second part: “Nurse could you give me a minute. ” Paco Aguilar speaks to the nurse attending to the needs of Miklo Velka (Damian Chapa) who has just had his left leg amputated.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Somewhat, the bound between Miklo, Cruz and Paco is severely damaged due to events portrayed in part one of the film. Each character maintains a respect for one another due to their adolescence pasts, but fate is drifting them father apart.

Which part is better? This film displays a side of society unfamiliar to many, a society based on loyalty, respect and fear. This film shows the cruelty faced by those who are retained into the prison life or apart of a pact. Throughout the film, their adaptability, struggle and return to society is showcased in various narratives. The first part of the film shows not only the strength of an adolescent allegiance, but also the pitfalls many criminals can potentially fall into when attempting to escape the illegal lifestyle. Part two digs deeper into the various gangs represented in the prison system and their attempt to control the prison system. Both parts stand out for multiple reasons, but the edge goes to part two where the narrative explains that although Miklo, Cruz and Paco explored different paths that they are still connected and should always forgive and support one another.

Academy Awards: None