very realistic
I watched this movie years ago and it always stuck with me. I recently purchased it and watched it with my 14-yr-old step-daughter who is obsessed with gangs. There are times when the acting isn't the best, but the characters are believable and the scenarios presented could happen in Echo Park or any other barrio. While most movies like this focus on men, this movie shows the women coming together in some unexpected ways. It also shows male characters who are well-rounded in their range of emotions. All parents of inner-city youth should watch this movie with thier kids as a way to discuss gang culture, teen pregnancy, violence and other important topics this movie raises.

Top shelf
A fantastic piece of work that does for latina gang life what Boogie Nights did for the porn industry, which is the thorough humanization of its protagonists. It has wonderful character nuances and takes you far off the conventional path. This is clearly the most honest and sympathetic gangster film ever produced, but it's also lyrically cinematic, even semi-mythical at times. It really stays with you and features many wildly and subtly attractive women, particularly Angel Aviles, and Salma Hayek (in a rather brief but captivating cameo). It makes a nice counterpart to Takeshi Kitano's 'Brother', but this has a strange and unique life all its own. You will never forget Sad Girl or Whisper or Giggles. A really great smaller film that will take you places major studios never will.

street classic
I had seen this movie about 8 years ago, and was looking for it ever since. It is a little exaggerated, but all movies are. I like it because it is based on reality. I enjoyed it!

ORALE!! IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT THE BOYS NO MORE!!
this movie is an A man strait up. it's one of the best representing the life of the poor homegirls from the barrio. it could have been better, but those were the ways, and that's how things were in those times in the streets. two homitas down for life, then they get jumped in, then damn here comes a vato. messes it all up. here comes betrayal, hardships, and parenting. you got to run the streets and do your thing at home. it's hard in a place like that, and even harder to get out. that's the way of the world you got to do what you must to survive. just goes to show how men come and go. sometimes you got to let it go and grow up for your kids sake, and move on. head up, fight for yours, and don't let no one get you down, even if you have to go at it alone. you know. great movie, chicks all thugged out, makeups down too, great job. do recommend.

Mi Vida Loca
Interesting story. I enjoyed seeing this story from the young women's point of view; seeing what they had to go through. Great film.