Based on the true life experiences of poet Jimmy Santiago Baca, the film focuses on half-brothers Paco and Cruz, and their bi-racial cousin Miklo. It opens in 1972, as the three are members of an East L.A. gang known as the "Vatos Locos", and the story focuses on how a violent crime and the influence of narcotics alter their lives. Miklo is incarcerated and sent to San Quentin, where he makes a "home" for himself. Cruz becomes an exceptional artist, but a heroin addiction overcomes him with tragic results. Paco becomes a cop and an enemy to his "carnal", Miklo.
| Production | Jerry Gershwin | Producer |
| Production | Sharon Bialy | Casting |
| Writing | Floyd Mutrux | Screenplay |
| Costume & Make-Up | Shay Cunliffe | Costume Design |
| Writing | Ross Thomas | Story |
| Art | Marek Dobrowolski | Art Direction |
| Art | Bruno Rubeo | Production Design |
| Production | Taylor Hackford | Producer |
| Art | Cecilia Rodarte | Set Decoration |
| Production | Richard Pagano | Casting |
| Editing | Fredric Steinkamp | Editor |
| Writing | Jeremy Iacone | Screenplay |
| Writing | Jimmy Santiago Baca | Screenplay |
| Directing | Taylor Hackford | Director |
| Camera | Gabriel Beristain | Director of Photography |
| Sound | Bill Conti | Original Music Composer |
| Crew | Thomas Rosales Jr. | Stunts |
| Crew | Henry Kingi | Stunts |
| Crew | Gilbert B. Combs | Stunts |
| Directing | Josh McLaglen | First Assistant Director |
| Crew | Corey Michael Eubanks | Stunts |
