The harsh realities of life on the street merge with the universal themes of youthful pain and exhilaration in director Dito Montiel's telling tale of one boy's struggle to escape the grim fate that awaits his aimless, trouble-minded peers. For most of Montiel's friends, the only means of escaping their bleak surroundings were drugs, prison, or death. In breaking the cycle and making a name for himself as a filmmaker, Montiel showed that there are ways to overcome the urban malaise that consumed the majority of his friends. He couldn't have done it alone, though, and with this film Montiel pays tribute to those he left behind by bringing their story to the screen so that their struggles may give others in similar situations the courage to pursue a more positive, creative means of overcoming their anger. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
This movie is not for someone who needs the fast-paced entertainment of mainstream hyped-up films. It requires you to think, stay the course, and appreciate the writer/director's message. I thought it was an excellent first film for a director, and the acting was well executed.
Any one of the actors in this film would be proud to list it on their resume. Absolutely suberb acting. It is true this movie is a bit slow at first. But, all great movies are carefully crafted to open up layers gradually revealing the truth and the message. I would watch this film again and again. What a wonderful cast!!! The directions is real and masterful. The film is a visual feast even though it is set in a tacky burrow of New York of the 70's. Great selections of background misic clips too.
Dito's own story - Robert Downey Jr does (his real life friend from back then) well in playing Dito. Amazing job. Chazz Palminteri as Ditto's father again was just amazing. Great peformances in a small story with a large message. I hope there is more to come from Dito.