Original subtitles

- Around the world LA is viewed as the land of dreams.

Surf, sun,

beautiful women.

Hollywood, Rodeo Drive.

Fame, glamour, and movie stars.

I call LA the Big Facelift.

Before all the homes with their fine trimmed lawns

and their golf courses,

and their high rises...

this place was a desert.

What you see isn't all there is.

In LA, you don't have to be cool.

You just have to act like you are.

Don't take anything at face value.

Here, image is king.

The people who run the show,

that make the rules,

that have the education,

are no more moral

than the guy rummaging through your trash

looking for cans and bottles.

They just have a way of making it sound like they are,

and then they end up buying their own bullshit

and con themselves into believing they are.

The packaging is more important than the product.

Consider the state's three strike law.

One the outside it sounds pretty fair, like baseball.

Three chances and you're out.

Of course, that depends on what side

of the street you were born.

- Juanito?

- Juan?

Juan!

Juan!

- Juan!

What happened, Juanito?

Talk to me, Juan.

Juan?

- Hands, hands!

What's going on?

- Talk to me Juan! - Hey, back away.

Back away from the door! Back away!

- What's going on?

- Stay calm, stay calm. - He's my brother.

Juan? Juanito?

- It's the truth, that's what happened.

- Come on, bro, tell me, tell me what happened.

- It's the truth that's what happened.

- You put yourself on my side of the table,

and you listen, listen to your story,

and then you take into consideration that the bank

payroll and the second suspect are still at large.

- But you know me.

- I thought I knew your uncle Manny, too.

That was a long time ago.

- Please, Jimmy, I don't want to lie to you.

- Well it wouldn't be the first time

I was wrong about somebody either.

- I'm sorry, but what can I say?

It's the truth. I swear to you.

- I understand...

but I don't know if anybody else will.

- Pop the trunk.

Come on out.

Here, you hold this letter.

- That's a pretty nice jacket. - Shut up.

Mail this letter over there.

- He thinks he's Kobe.

- But he's cute.

♪ The life chose me

♪ No cameras

♪ Realest ever soul captured

♪ Street manners

♪ No question why it's all captured ♪

♪ The magnitude The cool the first to go ♪

- Go, let's go. Fire it up!

Get the fuck out, come on!

- Manny is dead. I'm a ghost.

- Shh.

I don't have time for that.

Manny is gone, but you me, mama, Diana,

we're still a family.

- What does Diana think?

- She misses you.

She's curious.

I'm just trying to find an opportunity

to tell her in the best way.

Let's talk about you.

- Fucking public lawyer said they can blame me for Manny's death.

- And?

- They say I can get a better deal.

If I rat myself out.

- We need to find someone who cares.

- Why don't you get one of those lawyers that work with you?

- They're contract lawyers.

It's complicated.

Look I don't have time to explain.

Did Manny ever mention a lawyer named... Alan Hartford?

- No I don't think so.

- I found his card in Manny's wallet.

You sure you don't know him.

- I only know two things, Manny's wallet and the lawyer.

And you need to get him for me now.

- You can't understand what you fear

by labeling it and putting it in a box.

Any fool who's been to the zoo,

can see an animal in the cage

is less than half of what it is.

You'll never know a man's heart,

when you first rob him of his youth.

- Otherwise driving the get away car.

He's related to the registered owner,

deceased Manny Garcia,

so a car jack defense is implausible.

Had some priors as well,

mostly minors, but...

enough to destroy wrong time, wrong place defense.

- You have to understand, he's just a kid.

- The law regards him as an adult.

The county has a 78% conviction rate for jury trials

plus 93% when you factor in plea bargains.

- Sounds like you don't want the case.

- This deck is stacked. If you expected to win.

No lawyer in their right mind would want the case.

- How much do I owe you for your time.

- Angie, please sit down.

- Really, Mr. Hartford.

- Please call me Alan.

- Look, Alan, I don't want to waste your time.

- Angie, I'm just trying to be honest.

Ms. Garcia,

could you please just sit down for a moment.

Please.

- Angie.

- As I told you, your uncle was a client of mine

and though I never knew him a a friend,

I did find him to be a man of his word.

Frankly, the news of his involvement

in this bank robbery shocks me.

- It's a simple case of relapse.

- I don't think it's that simple.

- Once a criminal always a criminal.

You'd understand that if you lived where I lived, Alan.

- Tell me you understand this.

It's a $10,000 retainer from your Uncle Manny.

Postmarked on the day of the robbery.

I believe your brother's story.

- But I thought you said no one in their right mind

would want this case.

- When I went to bat for your Uncle Manny,

he was facing his third strike, a life behind bars.

Manny walked out of state in less than 11 months.

- Hi Juan.

I'm Alan Hartford,

your sister Angie has retained me to represent you.

- Yeah I know.

- An unusual series of events and circumstances

has thrown us together, and I'm believing,

knowing your uncle, for a good reason.

Now, you're preliminary hearing is tomorrow.

- Are they gonna ask me any questions?

- The prosecution will call certain

witnesses to testify in front of the judge.

Take it easy.

I won't be calling you or any of our potential witnesses

to testify at any of the prelim.

- These mother fuckers are gonna ring me up like...

- A prelim is only so the judge can decide

if there's enough evidence to actually have a trial.

Now, you don't have many priors.

A couple of FI cards but, no convictions.

- FI?

- You ever tell the cops who you ran with?

- Yeah.

- You see them filling out these little green cards while you talked?

- Yeah, but that was a long time ago.

- How long?

- Like four or five years ago. Like when I was 12.

Did I mess up? - Not as bad as I have.

Look, Manny was a solid dude.

I respected him, we got to worry

about your ass right now, okay?

- I told them fools, I don't know shit.

My Uncle Manny said I could drive.

- You'll get 20 years for this punk.

- Juan, is someone at the door?

- It's just me.

- You're the baddest actor ever.

- Shut up man, that was a piece of shit.

- No way, that's the greatest flick I ever seen.

- Shut up, come on let's go.

- I told you, dick, I don't have my license yet.

- So what, come on let's go.

♪ Los Halos

♪ Out here we play the angles

♪ Everybody getting money, everybody gamble

♪ Hard to handle

♪ Los Halos going our things

♪ Stick your neck out ♪

- You said honor always comes first.

- Never mind what I said, just listen to me now.

- When you get respect?

- Respect and winning at life are two different things.

- Well, the homies they're in.

- Hey look, you go in, you never get out.

Make a right here.

Angie, your mom, Diana, that's your family.

Fifth Street Muertos preach brotherhood,

us against them.

That's all bullshit unless you're in the joint.

And them guys preaching, they're all lifers.

So they ain't got nothing to do.

The most important thing to them

is having a little money on their books

or some homegirl to write em.

They're just using us.

And I'm going back there to be with them.

- I don't understand.

- I've been a criminal all my life.

And they're not letting me forget it.

- But you're an actor now.

- I'm not an actor, I'm just playing the thug that I am.

They say I gave up big secrets to get that part

in "Gang of Five," and they wanted a piece of it.

That's just their angle to keep me in.

Smile boy, your uncle's got a plan.

It's your big day behind the wheel.

That shit smells sweet.

Booyah.

- I know he's a good kid.

But he's got the FI cards,

the field identification cards from several years back.

A long time ago, I know he still isn't innocent.

But it's almost a moot point.

He claims allegiance to the Muertos which,

fortunately is consistent with his only tattoo.

- You have to understand, he's just a kid.

- I understand, but that little green card

leads to a very big word, gang.

Choices, choices.

Where I grew up, the way I grew up,

my future looked as bright as the bottom of a well.

A slave cutting someone else's lawn.

Cleaning someone else's toilet.

Breaking my back to put food on someone else's table.

And in the end for what?

Someone else's table scraps.

Me, I made the only logical choice.

Live for today.

All that matters is now.

- What's up man?

- Where you going man?

- I'm going with Harvey, dawg.

- I can't let you in, dawg.

Sorry man, I can't let you in.

- Fuck, homey.

- Hey.

You're cute.

- Get out!

- Get they fuck out.

- Yeah.

- Hey, foo', check it out, I think the one in the pink,

I think she likes you.

- Naw, Ace, she just laughs at you.

- Dig, she was laughing at you.

Go over there and talk to her

if you gonna be a pussy about it.

- I will, foo', the night is still young.

Plus I got a lot of catching up to do, homes.

What the fuck?

- I don't know foo', but that fool

got all the hoes standing in line.

- Javier? - Yeah.

He must have hit the lottery or something.

- No foo' that inking.

That's what get the bitches heated up dawg.

- Oh, Adolf is calling us.

- What's the scene, Javi? What's up.

- These are my boys.

You know Juan don't you?

- No.

- Sure you do, you know Manny right?

That's his little nephew.

- You're Manny's nephew?

You don't look like him, schoolboy.

- Yeah he got a lot of catching up to do.

Shit but you gone be losing some sleep tonight baby.

- Oh?

I'm thirsty, let's go get something to drink.

- Yeah, boy.

- Man, I'm a get Marty two tattoos, you down.

Before you get the stinky, you got to get the inky first.

- Damn, woman.

Those are some nice papusas.

Damn.

Baby don't do that to me, come on.

That's new. Sukiyaki style, baby.

Damn.

- Hey, Ama.

- Hello, mijita.

- Hey, Grandma.

- How was school?

- Fine. We claydoughed and played cooking.

- Is Juan home?

- Yes, he got home about half an hour ago.

- Juan!

Juan!

Tell Juan I need to speak with him,

not to go out anywhere tonight.

- He's not home?

- No it seems he disappeared again.

- Is something wrong?

- I have to go into class a little earlier,

so I'll see you guys later, okay?

Be good.

- Okay, mommy.

Can I have a cookie? - Yes, you know where they are.

I'll be in in a minute.

- Do you have a three?

Oh... Yes.

- I win, I win, I win.

- Not fair, not fair, I had you.

- I'm the bestest. Right, Grandma?

- Yes. My princess are the bestest.

- Ma call a doctor.

- You need medicine big or small.

- Big.

- Andale, Doctor, Adele. Looks like he's a goner.

You remind me so much of your Uncle Manny.

Yup.

Do you see anyone else here?

Call him.

Maybe I should say the way he used to be.

You done it again, Doc.

Thank you.

- See grandma I saved him.

- You'll be the best doctor ever.

- Can we play dolls now?

- Mm-hmm, go on and set them up, I'll be right in.

- On my bed? - Mm-hmm.

- Mama? - Hmm?

- What do you mean he used to be?

- Your Uncle Manny was your Aunt Helen's guardian.

Oh he loved taking care of her.

He used to have little games, just like you and Danita.

Good thing too huh, cause I wanted

nothing to do with your tia.

I was so boy crazy.

Pendeja.

- Was that right after your mom died?

- Yes, thank goodness for your Uncle Manny.

He was only 16 years old then, your age,

but it was as if he knew what your Tia Lynn needed.

And he wasn't much into fighting back them.

- Now that's hard to believe. - It's true.

He was a really sensitive boy.

He would even help our mother cook

when he saw that she was really tired after work.

And he didn't even care that our father would tease him.

- Mama, Manny really?

- Really.

- So what happened?

- This is a tough barrio, mi hijo.

You know that.

And your Uncle Manny would get beat up.

He'd come home with tears in his eyes.

And then your grandfather would beat

him up again for crying.

- What's the matter?

- I just get mad at myself for not doing anything.

- He's drunk, he's still.

Forget about that.

So what happened with Manny?

What changed him?

- Your Uncle Manny, mi hijo, was fast

and he would always run away.

One day your grandfather caught him.

Manny was crunched down on the floor.

And your abuelo punched and punched and punched.

Your tio curled himself up into a little ball

and covered himself with his arms.

He never fought back, and he just

punched and punched and punched.

Manny's arms got so bruised,

he couldn't hold them up anymore.

And when they fell to his side, he didn't stop.

His face, I'll never forget it.

I couldn't recognize him.

The stitches, he looked like Frankenstein.

We're all going to be alright, mi hijo.

Shh.

- Life is a game, but there are rules.

Rules are supposed to make the game fair.

Second place don't mean shit.

So that winning becomes the only thing that matters.

Then life becomes about bending and breaking the rules.

- Yeah.

- Hey, hey, back up.

- You lost the battle, you keep this

shit up you're gonna lose the war too.

- We can go right here right now, puto.

Right the fuck now.

- Come on Smiley, what you got?

Come on.

- You only right 'cause you got a badge, pussy.

- Best get to getting.

- Bye, Smiley.

- Thugs like that are only dangerous amongst the pack.

All bark and no bite.

You ever seen or smelled that scumbag before?

- Naw.

- Really? - Yeah.

- The way he was riding you all game,

I thought you guys had some history.

- He's gonna be history, dude.

- Maybe he's just sweating over our best player.

- Thanks, bro, but you still got game, old man.

- Well, at least my jimmy still works.

But you, bro, you were born to play point.

- Not born, just taught by a pretty cool coach.

- I'm telling you, try out again.

So you took a year off, they could use you at point.

- I'm not into this shit anymore.

You know, I'm tired of people telling me what to do.

All right? - All right.

All right.

I'm sorry, you're right. I'm gonna shut up.

I just like having you back out here, bro.

It's good to have you back.

- Back home. It feels good.

- Being part of a team always does.

- Hey, Sarge!

- That's why these chumps will be playing

for second place all day long.

- All right let's go, d-up, d-up, you check him out.

Let's go, let's go.

- Hey school boy. - Hey working girl.

- That's cold.

- Come on it's tip off time playa.

- Just count me out coach. - Better get going.

- Never knew you were such a stud.

Nice moves out there.

- You ain't seen nothing. I'm better one on one.

- Come on, Juan.

- Are you gonna be at the mall tonight?

- Better make it quick.

I have some other things for a girl like me to do.

- Come on, youngster. Let's go man.

Okay here we go. Hold up! LAPD is in the house.

Hey, yo, give me the rock!

Let's go! Let's go!

- Yo!

Let's go!

Hey! Come on, Juan!

Yo, what's up?

Come on, James!

- Time, time, time.

- 51-50, 51-50. - Gotcha.

- Listen this is the ball, not her ass.

Can't you see she's just playing you.

Come on, pick at the top of the key.

You got that shot, you take it. Come on.

Alright, ball in. Ball in. - Ball in.

- Can I give you a lift? - Naw I'm all right.

- You kicked some ass, bro.

You didn't need us out there, you don't need her either.

- Hey you're in line to be the man.

- Young stud.

-Stay up, dawg.

- Bring us some donuts.

- I'll take a bran muffin.

- You sure I can't give you a lift?

- Naw I'm alright, I'll catch up later.

- Come on. Hurry up, puto. We have a lot of catching up to do.

- Yeah homes I heard Rosa's throwing a party, we should go.

- Man you and I both know there's no way in hell

we're getting into that party.

- Maybe you two can't get in but I know I can get in.

- This one wants to go all the way to Rosa's house

to a party that we may not even get into.

- You're a stupid ass fool.

- We're already have beers. We just kick it

with the homies and get a little 10 sack.

Oh shit.

- Don't get scared, fucker. I'm not your mom, fool.

- What's up foo'? - Man but that weak shit away,

foo' man look what I got though.

- Hey this is some strong ass shit foo' look.

100% liquor and Hecho en Mexico.

- Oh you can read fucker.

- You're be more on top of girls

when you get your fucking tattoo.

- Hey you guys don't want to smoke or what?

- Hey that's all you, don't even trip on it.

Once you get to the strip club,

you'll see what real bitches are.

- You like that huh? - Shit hell yeah.

Veritas, homies.

- All right, I'm a take a quick smoke break.

I'll be back in a little while to finish you guys up.

- All right do your thing.

Hold that mother fucker in, you know that shit hurt.

You little bitch.

- Let me check this out. I like that shit.

Don't cry, stupid asshole. What's up right there?

Ya, next stop, coochie town.

- You know what foo, we're gonna be the next generation.

Walk tall or don't walk at all.

- Last man standing, baby, show what you got. Marco for life.

Los tres amigos riding proud and riding high.

Wait up. Wait up.

- What happened, who that?

I don't know what happened. What's up with this one?

- Man, what the fuck.

Not now, man.

Know what I'm saying, dawg.

All right. It's Manny, man. It's my bad.

Homie, 911.

Bounce homey, my bad, catch you guys later man.

- Glad you answered your phone, dawg.

- Yeah man.

- Look.

- Ya what's up. That mother fucker just flaked out on us, dawg.

- Got him.

- You know what to do dawg, get back to me later, all right.

- Fucking pigs. - Relax.

Think about it, if we smoke this little punk,

shit's gonna hit the fan homey.

Better to keep Manny in the pocket, you know what I'm saying?

I got a plan, homey.

I got a plan.

Let's go.

- Perfect form, two dribbles, one point.

I think I can take credit for that.

- What are you doing here?

- I'm working.

What are you doing?

- Nothing.

- Reconsidering what I said about joining the team?

- Yeah. - Such enthusiasm.

- Naw really.

- You know it's not such a bad thing,

not being able to lie well.

- I wasn't trying to. - I know.

Girl troubles.

- Maybe.

- You remember when I asked you if you knew

them bangers in the stands?

- Yeah. - Well, they're Muertos.

Not from here. Higher up like your uncle.

She's their property.

- What is it with you and Manny?

- There's some things in life you can walk away from.

Not them.

- I'm tired of people telling me what to do.

Advice, advice, advice, fuck it.

- You're right.

You're right, who am I to tell you what to do?

Whether you like it or not, you're gonna be a man.

And a man is responsible for his choices.

It's your choice boy, be a man or a slave.

Choose well.

- Whatevers man.

Be a man or be a slave.

Fuck.

- All right, don't even trip, don't take it personal.

- What's this?

Okay cut, cut.

- Okay, let's take 10.

All right, and by 10 that means, you know, not 15.

Ah, Mr. Garcia. - Call me Manny.

- Okay, Manny, listen you're a bullshit guy, okay.

And so am I.

And so I feel like I would be remiss if I didn't tell you

that your character needs just like way more rage.

Because you're a fucking street gang killer, right.

Right, okay, so the audience needs to see his rage

to feel the fear, right.

Okay look, you're standing toe to toe with your rival,

and you want to intimidate him, so I need

your arms just flailing wildly.

Maybe some screaming, maybe some finger poking,

maybe some chest thumping if you've got it because

the audience can not experience the fear of you if

you're just standing there in some silent stare down.

Now I take this time with you, only because

I think you've got a lot of potential.

But trust me when I tell you that if I'm not afraid of you,

the audience isn't gonna be.

- Barking dog's a dead give away.

Why should I shove or threaten some punk in my way?

If he disrespects me, I'm gonna turn him inside out

by taking everything that's important to him in his life.

Then I'm going to come for him.

And by that time, he'll be begging me

to put him out of his misery.

Now that's real. I'm not acting.

Now, get your camera, get it up close,

and you let me do my stuff.

- Yeah, you're right, you're the real deal.

That's why I hired you, okay, okay.

But just do me a favor, go back to your trailer

and think or rather rehearse the scene as I said.

Okay just a minute, just a minute, just a minute.

We're just doing a rehearsal for the other guy

while the cameras are still set this way

and I kinda wanna see how he reacts.

- It's gonna look fake.

- No, no, no, don't worry about that.

We're gonna reset the cameras and we're gonna do it

exactly the way you described it, okay.

So why don't you go off and come back in 10 minutes.

And we'll shoot it.

Probably about six minutes now but whatever okay.

Really mean, really angry, really crazy.

- I guess you straightened that fool, uncle.

- Yeah some days are better than others.

- I want you to reload the whole mag

and run the camera when I say over the top rehearsal.

That was scary though right.

Too scary for TV, all right.

Juice, I want juice.

- Can't wait till you straighten Angie out.

You got me off the shots, tio.

- Well she's right sometimes.

She's playing the odds, she's right more than she's wrong.

- She's always making noises how me and the homies

are taking a one way trip to Loserville.

That's bullshit.

This bus, naw this limo leads to Hollywood pussy.

Settle down homes.

It's a dog eat dog world out there.

And without an education you just howling at the moon.

And you know what happens when the man gets tired

of hearing you howling.

He puts your ass to sleep.

Nasty little girl.

I'll be there, don't get started without me.

- What you say about howling at the moon?

You getting on that? - Maybe.

- Come on, ese, you got to learn to share.

- Just know, every woman wants you to command them.

Weakness never tolerated.

- I get it, confidence. - And perpetual motion.

Even a shark can't stop swimming or it'll die.

Now Hollywood and the barrio, they're different worlds,

but believe me, they're both shark tanks.

- Me, Norman, and Jose been doing some swimming, homes.

- What about your sister, she dating anybody.

She never tells me shit about what she's doing.

- She got some pretty high standards, believe it or not.

- That's good. She's smart.

And that scares dudes.

But she gotta stop getting down on herself

about getting pregnant with that white dude.

She's gonna end up a bitter old woman

if she don't start having some fun.

- Yeah but work is good.

- I know but I wanna have some fun too.

- Fine ass coochie too.

- Manny.

Like what you done to the place.

- Wait outside.

Ain't no need for that, we all family.

- Sure homes, it's about time you got to know us.

- Go get me a soda.

And don't rush.

- I been missing you.

It ain't polite to leave your family hanging.

- Sure smells like home, homes.

- Always count on Manny for a laugh.

Even when the shit's gone hit the fan.

- Or standing downwind.

- You're right, he's the right man for the job.

- Yep.

- I know you're up there.

I know you're up there.

Pretty smart when you wanna be.

- Only half a point down.

- Add it up from last year, Juan,

you've gone from a B to a C student.

What's the matter? - Nothing.

- If you don't talk to me,

how am I supposed to help you out.

Can't you see you're setting up your patterns.

They'll shape everything you do.

They'll shape your whole future.

- The future, the future, the future!

Who cares!

If you ain't living now, you ain't ever gone live!

- Sounds like something your uncle would say.

- So what, what if he's right!

I ain't interesting in breaking laws for the next 50 years,

watching all the hot bitches go by.

Wondering where my life went with a bunch of

- It's funny, he shows up a year ago

fresh out of prison, your grades fall,

you're nowhere to be found.

What's he trying to do, mentor his protege?

- Bullshit! You don't know nothing, girl.

All he ever says is don't do the mistake he did.

He told me to listen to you.

- I can see you're really listening.

- You're just like everyone else.

You only know what you think you see.

- You're young.

I'm just trying to help you out.

- Help me, you don't know me.

You just want me to be like you.

- You're a boy, about to become a man.

You see you're uncle, he's a man.

I know he's a type of role model me and mama could never be

and I know he means well.

But he can't help who he is.

I just don't want his lifestyle to start rubbing off on you.

And I know you think it can't happen, but it can.

I'm sorry but until your grades shape up,

you can't hang out with Manny on the set anymore.

- What!

- You can chill with Manny as long as

it's in the right atmosphere.

- Like here? - Yes.

- What's wrong with me kicking it at work with him?

- Hollywood is all about money.

They glorify criminals, violence, sex, and drugs.

They totally misrepresent our people to be some

uneducated gang banging peasants, mojados, so on and so on.

Other than prison, that's the last positive place

to find a role model.

♪ I'm a freaky bitch

♪ Come and fuck me when you want to

♪ Watch me break it down, Daddy

♪ Then do what you supposed to

♪ I'm a freaky bitch

♪ Come and fuck me when you want to

♪ Watch me break it down, Daddy

♪ Do what you supposed to ♪

From Oklahoma City that was Andy.

Okay fellas, don't forget to tip your girls.

Next up, we got Nightingale.

- Record time, homes.

You better not have any enemies

because you're becoming predictable.

- I used to think you were funny.

But that was a long time ago.

- Maybe you need a drink.

- I still ain't laughing.

- I'm not joking.

I'll have another.

Call it a condemned man's last pop

at the nostalgic place where he become a man.

Salud.

- Where you took your first step

and a 1000 more that could lead you to only one destination.

Where you arrived.

- Judge not, lest he be judged.

- We had an understanding.

What the matter, cat got your tongue?

- Only a dreamer would expect a blind hunting dog

to stop barking or drooling.

- I see everything, punk.

And even a blind dog can smell shit in his own backyard.

It's just you and me, but you still better think hard.

What does the script say, Hollywood?

Or you can't recall?

- You better pay attention to your cop videos.

Mr. Hollywood's got his big closeup mañana.

And I don't need no tear tracks crying over hurting you.

-Shhhh.

- How long have they been asleep?

- I don't know they started watching the movie around 8:00.

Mijita it's just his pride.

- Mr. Night owl goes to bed at 8:00, three nights in a row.

It's more than that.

I just don't want him to hate me.

- He just wants to be a man. - I want him to be a man too.

I feel like I'm doing the complete opposite.

- Shh.

- I'm just tired, Ama.

- I know, I know mijita.

And I'm so proud of you.

- Thanks, Ama. With work and school.

- You're a good example for Juanito.

- I hope so.

- Why don't I put this away and you go get some rest.

- No, I have to start on the sauce tonight.

Can you put Diana to bed.

- No one knows what the future will bring.

But we can all see our past.

With all it's joys and sorrows, triumphs and defeats.

One thing shines bright, family.

When you betray those you love,

you go against the law of blood.

- So how are your grades?

- Dessert? - Yeah!

- Yes, mijita, that would be nice.

- Yeah sure.

- So what did your mama make for us?

- It's a surprise.

- It's a surprise. - Good I like surprises.

Ohhhh!

- Wow.

Ooh!

- Oh I'm sorry. - Thanks a lot.

- You know I'm sorry for laughing.

- You ought to be ashamed of yourself Manny.

- It's a natural reaction.

- She's been cooking all day pobrecita..

- I'm sorry she's upset but you know what,

I'm not ashamed.

- You don't have to defend me, Ama.

- Since when was I attacking you.

- Was it that funny?

- You know what, in case you haven't noticed,

the air is so thick in here you can cut it with a knife.

Is it just me or are you always this pissed off?

- Just because I don't smile or laugh

doesn't mean I'm pissed off.

- I didn't even come here to eat.

- Then why did you come? - To hang with Juan.

Your rules remember.

Manny...

- Let's just clean up, Grandma.

- Let's clean up. Come on, baby.

- Can't you get over yourself for one second

and see what I'm trying to do.

- You know what, go back inside.

- No. We need to talk.

- Then you better stop disrespecting me.

- You can't solve the world's problems with your fist.

- Can't you see I want what's best for him.

I can teach him things.

- About what. - About laughing, for one.

- Life's a big joke, huh?

The bottom line is Juan's grades are suffering.

- And that's my fault? - Yes it is.

Listen to me.

- No, you think I want him to be like me?

I wouldn't wish my life on anyone.

But I didn't have a choice. - Bullshit.

We all have choices.

- That's easy for you to say.

You're smart, you're beautiful.

- You're smart too. - Not in books.

- You can't keep making excuses, tio.

- I'm not. - Yes you are.

You always are. - You can't ask for respect.

You have to earn it.

In your world, you can use your brains.

Here you need your fists.

- Is that the world you want for Juan?

- Look around, I didn't ask for this.

- Precisely my point, if we don't change it then who will?

- What do you want from me?

- Juan needs to see that there's other ways besides violence.

- You know what, you're a woman.

You don't understand what it means to be a man.

We're competitive, we compete.

Whether it's with money or fists.

It's gonna be a long time before we can compete

in a white man's money world.

- And so you cop out for the quick route?

Put your fist in the white man's mouth

for your precious respect.

Is that worth the price? Jail.

- A coward dies a thousand deaths.

Ask Veritas, we had two ways out.

You could either be a cop or a criminal.

And believe me, my way was hard.

Don't worry Mijita, I'm gone.

- On my street, when you turn the other cheek

all you got was a matching black eye.

Violence was everywhere in my barrio.

And when I got home and turned on the TV,

it was more of the same.

Get your ass kicked enough,

you do whatever you have to, to make it stop.

But it isn't until you join,

you learn your choice affects all those around you.

Losing those you love, hurts a thousand times more

than any ass whipping.

And you'll sacrifice anything to make it right.

- Hey!

Come on back, putos.

- Hey, wasn't that Norman and Jose?

I thought they were your partners.

Hey, if this fight's about coochie,

there's plenty to go around homes.

Come on look at me when I talk to you.

- They say you a rat,

they say you dropped a dime on the homie.

No way right?

- It all depends on who you asking.

From where I standing, all I did was tell

a couple of Hollywood producers, about my life.

And not so much for the coin,

but to let people know how shit happens.

- The stuff in the movie true?

Shot callers in the joint, they think I sold out.

They say I let the man know about our operation.

I didn't mention no names, give no details.

They think I broke the rules.

But see they make the rules to suit themselves.

Just like it is out here.

Whoever's in charge, makes the rules.

- What's gonna happen?

- To me shit, nothing.

Anything they throw at your tio, I can handle.

You did this for me huh?

You know what I'm proud of you today

but I still don't want you to be like me.

You got to make a better life for yourself.

You know what, I'm a' owe you a shirt.

Oh man, Juanillo.

Now they own a piece of you, homes.

- We are all hungry for a life we can't afford.

It's a line from a song,

but it has nothing to do with money

or whether you're rich or poor.

- Yo, brother. - 'Sup, man. How's it going?

- You're looking at a man that's been in the desert

a long time looking for a drink of water.

- Man I'm telling you, it's good to see you again.

- Is this the bomb? - It's even better.

- Cool man, I'm going to be hitting you up often

so be ready, buddy.

- Just watch TV, life is so exciting.

Life is like Disneyland,

until you turn your TV off.

- Pop the trunk.

Get out of the car!

Here, mail this over there. - That's a pretty nice jacket.

- Shut up! Mail this over there.

♪ The life chose me

♪ No cameras ♪

- Let's go! Burn up!

Get the fuck out! Come on!

- If Manny could testify, I could get him off.

- I don't understand, Manny's dead.

- No prior knowledge, means no conspiracy

in the commission of the robbery.

- I don't get it.

- People versus Michelle Jordan.

Now Michelle, she's driving her boyfriend

and a couple of his friends around.

The boy friend tells her that they're hungry.

Why don't you pull up to this local restaurant,

we're going to get something to eat.

Keep the car running, we're going to get it to go.

Well they go in, they proceed to rob the place.

They come running out and they dive in the car.

The boyfriend tells her to punch it.

He's the person in authority, physically dominant

so she listens.

- You think that was a part of Manny's plan?

- I do know that Manny's gang the Muertos

had it our for him.

Manny's just a decoy and drawing the heat

so his partner can sneak out the back with the cash.

- But why would he put Juan in that situation?

- Manny was a loose cannon.

Didn't think he'd make it to 30, let alone 40 or 50.

How do you control that?

You go after what he loves more than himself.

It's no secret.

That's how the lifers in the joint control the streets.

- Sergeant Veritas, he knows all about the Muertos.

When he was just a kid, he lived

right across the street from Manny.

I think Manny even dated his mom or something.

I should have known.

They're from the same neighborhood.

Look this could be good news.

I got to get going,

why don't I walk you to your car?

- Thanks for coming out here to meet me.

Like I said, not a problem.

I was in the neighborhood to meet another client anyway.

- Al, we're approaching the gates of Heaven.

I need a yes or a no because our offer

is withdrawn at the door.

- For my client, your offer is

a highway to hell, devoid of compassion.

- Compassion, it would be mercy for it's own sake

to reduce this offer because the facts

are gonna wipe your boy out.

Al, you know I don't want to do that.

- What's the difference between five and 10 years.

In six months he'll no longer be a boy

but the product of society's ignorance.

- I've always admired your idealism,

but your vision is myopic or at least clouded

by your desire to help this kid.

Al, this case is solid as stone.

- You know as well as I do, if we strike the motion

to compel gang evidence, your solid-stone case

will sink into the swamp it was built on.

- I know you hate when I speak like a telegram reads,

but, A, your client was at the wheel speeding

from the scene with his uncle who is clearly identified

brandishing his AK in the bank only moments prior.

B, dead uncle, co-conspirator, the only person

who can corroborate your client's story is long time

ortho shot caller.

C, clients claim of ignorance lacks credibility

due to uncle's strapping up with numerous fire arms

while still in client's presence.

D, client's motive, likely financial opportunity

at that crime scene is a payroll depository

on that last day of every month.

- You got a future as a computer generated

automated customer service recorder if you decide to go that way.

A, the prelim generated more questions than answers.

B, the second perp is still at large with all the cash.

C, your IO is just mailing this one in.

And D, you are scared shitless I'll pull a rabbit

out of my house and put you in the DA doghouse

when you choke on your open and shut case.

- We could have a problem.

It would be helpful if Veritas were present.

- Judge Morris is scheduled to be back in court

in about 10 minutes.

- Do you really want that post in Malibu?

- Good afternoon everyone.

Defense council I believe now moves to suppress

evidence of the defendants gang affiliation

from the people's case in chief.

My tentative is to allow the jury to hear said evidence.

Code 402 requires this court to articulate

the basis for it's ruling.

For the record, Sergeant Veritas' unrebutted

testimony at the prelim provides sufficient basis

to allow said evidence to be heard.

People?

- Your Honor, the people wish to reiterate the severity

of the felony charges levied against Mr. Garcia,

in congruence to the $4 million payroll still unrecovered.

We also wish the court to take into consideration,

Mr. Garcia's reluctance

to facilitate any information toward

the apprehension of the second perpetrator in the robbery.

We cite Sergeant Veritas' testimony

as to the code of silence instituted in the gang

initiation rituals practiced by the Fifth Street Muertos.

- Is there anything else?

- Where is Veritas? - I don't know.

- I've asked you four times.

This is your job to deliver.

- Submit, Your Honor.

- Mr. Hartford, I imagine you'd like to be heard.

- I do Your Honor.

To start I'd like to complement the voice of the people

for his eloquent reiteration of said speculative evidence.

I know I can't, nor would I dare speak for His Honor,

but I now feel newly refreshed.

And to dare again feel justified of said

speculative evidence, should ever,

if they were to begin with be taking for granted.

- Proceed.

- Your Honor, I'll hang my hat on the P test.

Will gang evidence be more prejudicial than probative?

If the jury hears gang once, it will echo throughout

this trial at the expense of any other relevant evidence.

Very prejudicial, yet not remotely probative

of his guilt or innocence.

They're hear gang, they'll see Hispanic,

he'll be guilty until proven innocent.

- Well counsel I imagine your defense will be

wrong place, wrong time.

Your client was fleeing the scene of a bank robbery

with a convicted felon gang leader.

But that seems probative of guilt or innocence to me.

- Your Honor, our neighborhoods, our experiences, shape us.

Juan thought his Uncle Manny had been caught

in the bank parking lot by some rivals

from the old days and so he punched it.

- Counsel, the court's rationality would be to concur

with the gang expert's conclusion that the boy

grew up without a father figure in his life

and looked up to his uncle in blind faith.

- Your Honor, Sergeant Veritas, can also opine

to great extent about the fact that Manny

had actually distanced himself from the Muertos

to pursue an acting career since his release from Cochran.

He was a respected actor in the Hollywood community.

Everybody in the neighborhood knew it,

he was successful, why would he steer his nephew

toward something he was trying to get away from?

- Your client was steering the get away car after a robbery.

Now if you have evidence of this change of heart,

then you'll be able to bring it

to the attention of the jury all you like.

- Your honor, that's what I intend to do.

However, if the jury is allowed to be pigeon holed

into the narrow minded perspective that our

media describes of the gang life,

my client will be seen as a gun slinging

character in a movie script, rather than

the confused teenager that he is.

- Counsel, your client has a single tattoo

that aligns him with the same gang that his uncle

was not only participating in, but led.

- That tattoo was only one-day old

when this robbery occurred.

Besides Juan only had the base gravestone

of the tattoo without the Muerto insignia.

And without the insignia, a perspective initiate

cannot earn any stripes, i.e., the rising ghosts.

- Sergeant Veritas testified that wannabe gang members

commit serious crimes in order to create gang status.

- Sergeant Veritas can also testify to the fact

that without being jumped in and without the insignia

one cannot participate in any high-level crimes.

- We have FI cards that state that your client

was affiliated with the same gang.

- Your Honor what would happen if say a pre-teen kid,

11 or 12 years old were to deny allegiance

to the Muertos in front of his friends

from the same neighborhood.

The code of this neighborhood is not based upon

the honor of the intellect but that of the bicep.

Your Honor in our world, power is intellectual,

financial strength. In theirs, it's physical.

- Your precepts are more sociologic than legal.

However, I disagree in regards to your assumptions that

financial desire preclude those of less financial means.

- A big distinction between financial desires

and outright robbery of a bank don't you think?

- Mr. Hartford, let me reiterate,

Sergeant Veritas' testimony with regard to bank robbery

being an off used method of financing gang activities.

- If easy money is exclusively a gang objective,

there's a pack of optimistic gorgeous girls

wearing short skirts and false smiles

over at the Polo Lounge that Sergeant Veritas

and his anti-gang unit could be rousting right now.

- Mr. Hartford, defense motion to suppress is denied.

We are not here for the philosophical debate

of the nature of human perception.

- Sure we are. Prejudice is a perception.

Put a blue bandana on a black man in Compton

and he's a Crip. Red a Blood.

- Council. - Put a turban on an Arab and he's a terrorist.

- Council.

The defensive motion to suppress is denied.

I've made my ruling.

Now if the jury decides that this young man

made his bed, it is only fair that he be made

to lie in it for a good long time.

If not, then he'll walk.

Now that's the system.

- They don't care if I did it or not.

They can't find the guy that did it.

They're gonna fry me.

- It's not that simple, Juan. - It is that simple.

Manny was right, these gringos make up the rules as they go.

- Gringos? - Yeah Gringos.

They're afraid of us, they gotta keep us down.

- The system drops a hammer on us night and day

and everyone of you joked up muscle head vatos

are preparing to endure it rather than beat it.

Be a bad ass, for what, to call the shots in the joint?

Man, if Manny developed his mind along with his body,

maybe he could have avoided jail.

Proved to us that it could have been done.

- Oh yeah, then what your college degree get you.

Working 24/7 for shit.

You're going to wait your whole life waiting for

those Gringos to see you as an equal.

The only way they want to see you

is you bending over the water cooler.

I don't understand you, defending them

especially that white dude, that get you pregnant.

A real man huh?

- Are you through?

- You don't know the rules of their skyscraper world.

So you gotta fake it, at least I know the rules of mi barrio.

- Oh you know them all huh?

Say you get convicted of this bullshit?

Certified badass right?

- Damn straight.

- First week out some punk challenges your rep, what now?

- Easy fuck that nigga up for everyone to see.

The rules of the street.

- They'll rat on you. You know they will.

Aggravated assault, battery,

second strike for Mr. Badass.

Double the base sentence, eight years, state prison.

Doubled equals 16, Juan.

You serve a mandatory 85%

even if you shine the warden's shoes.

California penal code punishes the rules of the street.

If you ever get out... ever,

you best not spit on the sidewalk

or pop a beer can on the corner.

Otherwise, strike three...

you're out.

Life.

- On the street, man to man,

you can talk all you want.

It doesn't matter what you say,

it's what you do.

But in the skyscraper world,

you have to deal with structure,

organization, made up of ideas.

Ideas are built on words.

So what you say you did,

becomes as important as what you did.

- Getting that check by the middle of next week,

so I'll have Ducketts discover the rest of the back rent.

- I'm gonna need somebody competent

to make a few more appearances.

I can always call the lackey but I'd rather send

someone that knows what the hell they're doing.

You still working out of the back of your car?

- For the record, business materials occupy the front seat.

My pillow, blanket, and girly mags are back.

Is that what you think? - You know what I think.

I think you're an underrated talent.

- To personal injury...

I mean civil rights.

- And to criminal law, for which we both know

there's no money in

unless you represent a successful criminal.

- If they're successful, they don't need a lawyer.

- That's right.

- You know, for well over 20 years

I've been representing primarily Latinos.

You'd think by know I should know 'em.

They'd just as soon cut off their arm,

than sacrifice their pride.

- Is this the gang expert you were telling me about.

- Yeah, Veritas.

Sergeant Veritas is like 10, 11, 12 years old

when my client's Uncle Manny, takes Sergeant Veritas' mom

Eva Veritas to a Fifth Street Muertos party.

Where she gets whacked in a drive-by.

- Veritas, the truth.

- If only, his truth was ours too.

I mean...

I respect him, I do,

but this kid's life hangs in the balance

of just a few compassionate words or omissions,

a few less expert conclusions, anything.

- Al the prison are filled with guys who are not guilty.

- You ever think about all the borderline shit

we used to pull when we where his age?

We'd be where he is right now if we didn't

grow up in such a forgiving neighborhood.

- It's not that easy, if it was we could redline by zip code.

- In essence, isn't that what we do?

I mean a loaded gun in this neighborhood is simply

a mistake of youth, but the same loaded gun

in this neighborhood will get you 15 to life.

- Okay so the kid gets out what happens?

He goes right back to the same neighborhood.

Right back to the same shit. And where are you?

Right back where you started from. Wake up!

I'm sorry.

- You ever wonder why the first thing

that they send you after you pass the bar

is all those drug and rehab pamphlets?

- Are you all right?

- I mean this kid.

- You're not.

You're just hard on yourself.

You've always been.

Let me ask you something.

The pyramid, which is the most important brick?

Just bear with me for a minute.

Which is the most important brick on a pyramid?

The top or the bottom?

Neither?

The top brick gets all the glory,

but the bottom brick, that's the structure...

the strength.

You take that away and the pyramid collapses.

That's the law.

- Mommy I missed you.

Juliana said you would be home soon.

- She did gorgeous.

Silent Bunny wasn't so sure.

- Sounds like Silent Bunny spent to much time in the Sun.

Let mommy change and then we can play okay.

- When's Juan coming home?

- I want you to grow up slowly,

if you worry too much you'll miss all the fun out of being a kid.

I only tell you grown up things when it's necessary

because sometimes it's not that much fun.

- Is Juan lost?

- No.

Some people who don't know your uncle think

he did something wrong but know he didn't.

They'll know pretty soon too.

- I can save him, I can give him medicine.

- You could if he was sick mijita but he's not sick.

He's in trouble with the law so we have a lawyer.

- Is that a law doctor? - Yeah, you're so smart.

- If I have the dream that that law doctor saves him,

it always comes true.

- Let mommy change and then I'll read you a story.

- I wanna go to bed now.

- It's only 7:30. Are you as tired as I am?

- No, but I want to hurry up and have my dream

so I could tell you.

- Faster! Faster!

Go right. Go right here!

- What happened? What you do?

- Never mind just a little further.

- Please, please, what happened?

- Trust me everything's gonna be okay.

You don't know nothing. All right?

Turn left.

- I don't know what? I don't understand.

- That's the plan, I'll do all the explaining,

you just tell the truth.

- Why, tell them what? Why?

- I did it because I had to.

- For who? - Just shut up.

I did this for you.

- What an interesting young lady.

- You look like you're right at home.

- I feel old enough to be in a home.

- Speaking of arresting, I'm guessing

you're not here for the show.

- Your neighborhood.

- Was, I'm trying to keep it that way.

Quick to judge aren't we, attorney Burney?

- Well it seems the "Ba-da-bing" is to Tony Soprano

the "coochie coo" is to Sergeant Veritas.

She should be proud.

- We're not here to discuss my motivations.

Ain't I can't enlighten every sarcastic Ivy League punk.

- I'm not being sarcastic.

'Cause I truly admire the position you've carved out.

I could use some enlightenment

or at least illumination from you,

as to what values you employ in judging

what is the appropriate behavior in your neighborhood.

- I like your style, counselor.

But you and I, we both know that won't mean shit

when I up in the stand.

Now let's cut to the chase.

Fact, initiates need to prove their salt

to move up in the ranks.

Fact, the Muertos are the leading gang

when it comes to bank robberies.

- You know Juan, personally.

- I'm the gang expert, not the character witness.

You wanna know a person's character,

you look in their home.

- So one bad apple spoils the whole bunch.

Angie, their mom, they don't count?

- They're women.

- Yeah I know.

- Let me spell out the facts when it comes to kids,

and you could talk all you want

but it's what they see that counts.

Now they may not know what it is,

but they can see racial classism.

He's a boy, he wants the cars,

the money, the pussy.

- How did you make it?

- Just lucky I guess.

- I disagree.

I'd say you're one of the exceptional ones.

- I'm just your average Joe.

- My opinion, in this neighborhood,

guys like you and Manny are a cut above.

- Don't ever mention my name and his

in the same sentence.

- You don't think you're letting your grudge with Manny

cloud your vision?

You guys hung out, you're from the same neighborhood.

Two nights before Manny hits the bank,

he breaks an age-old truce and trespasses here in your back yard.

You think that was a coincidence?

- Fact,

it wasn't the first time Manny was on the other side

of the teller's window with all the money.

Fact, Manny has always been about himself.

Fact, the Muertos are the leading gang

when it comes to bank robberies.

Number one.

- Fact, you can't just quit the Muertos.

Fact, Manny waits a full two minutes in the bank

after the second perp leaves with all the cash.

Fact, the supposed wheel man Juan...

- Come on!

- Doesn't even have a driver's license.

I'm just asking you to consider those aspects

of a boy's character to make him a victim

of his neighborhood.

- My job is not to judge.

Bye, counselor.

Don't let them titties hit you on the way out.

♪ The life chose me

♪ No cameras

♪ Realest ever told captured

♪ Street manners

♪ No question why it's all captured ♪

♪ Yeah the life chose me

♪ Got my hands dirty ♪

♪ Squeeze hammers

♪ So touch your toes had to do the magnitude

♪ First to go

♪ The life chose me

♪ Got my hands dirty ♪

Get this bitch started.

Come on!

Let's go. Let's go. Come on!

Faster, faster!

- What happened? What you do?

- Trust me, everything's gonna be okay.

- I don't understand. - I did this for you.

- Manny. Manny.

Manny!

Manny.

- Clear gate.

- Gate opening.

- We're all equal in the eyes of the law.

That's why the women who hold

the scales of justice is blindfolded.

Not a convincing argument, when you're talking

from one side of the city to the other.

What would your future look like,

if after your first strike,

they sent you to a graduate school for criminals.

- All right, foo'. - Okay.

- We assume that the law is fair.

We assume that prisons are for criminals.

We assume that bankers agree, lawyers are sharks.

That the old guy in the Maserati is rich,

or that the blond bombshell sitting

next to him is a bimbo gold digger.

We assume a lot of things.

What you see isn't all their is.

And what you assume, hardly ever is.

In the end, things become clearer.

In the end, things make sense.

Open your mind, open your heart,

love your neighbor

as you love yourself.

♪ The life chose me

♪ No cameras

♪ Realest ever told captured

♪ Street manners

♪ No question while it's all callus

♪ Squeeze hammers

♪ Slush touch your soul added to the magnitude

♪ The few first to go

♪ Harder roads

♪ Yeah the life chose me

♪ Got my hands dirty

♪ You cowards chose to bleed

♪ Work the pain

♪ Everybody know the scheme

♪ My thoughts precise

♪ As my piss invested dreams

♪ What you think we on, we on the block

♪ Hit the road, hit the gas

♪ It's a low laying rubber on the floor ♪

♪ Oh yes

♪ Ain't no looking back for me

♪ I've got to keep it moving, moving on

♪ Never giving up this is my life

♪ There's no right or wrong, your nose is strong

♪ And I believe in miracles so I'm a just hold on

♪ Say my life for me

♪ You'll never take that away from me

♪ You can't take it away

♪ You can't take it away

♪ Yeah it's time to step forward with it

♪ The high court for saw over

♪ Well being, still master the game

♪ Balling on they ass after the pain

♪ Opposite lanes

♪ Ain't no looking back to the suffering

♪ Cause love is half and half

♪ Double the standard

♪ It's a lot to question

♪ They ain't ready for

♪ You'll never take

♪ That away from me

♪ You'll never take that away from me ♪