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.

The Hispanic prison gang "La Onda," depicted in this film, is a fictional creation of Jimmy Santiago Baca and Taylor Hackford, but the gang is based on the real-life Mexican Mafia prison gang.

Cruz:
For 10 years, I've been star-trekking through the Twilight Zone.

Crew or equipment visible: The sound microphone is visible in the prison scene when Miklo and guy are talking to Ryder.

Written by Severo Miron and Blanca Medel Calvez
Performed by Chelo Silva
Courtesy of Sony Music Entertainment Mexico, S.A. DE C.V.
By Arrangement with Sony Music Licensing