American Me
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Eric Close, Javier Castellanos, Joe Aubel, Lance August, Raymond AmezquitaBrand: Universal Studios
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); Spanish (Subtitled); English (Original Language); English (Published); French (Published)
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, NTSC, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.85:1
Running Time: 126 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2003-01-07
Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Studio: Universal Studios
Movie Reviews of American Me
Movie Review: Uncommonly absorbing, introspective movie about cliques, clans
Summary: 5 Stars
American Me (1992), is an uncommonly absorbing, introspective
movie, not so much dealing with gangs, as dealing with the subject
of one's own identity in face of other individuals, other groups,
other cliques. At length, creating or joining a clique or gang
may facilitate or solve the problem of seeking one's own
identity, purpose in life, and place in society at large.
Clearly, to a lesser or greater degree, viewers will relate to
peer-pressure scenarios, whether as part of the military, working
for a company, an association, a community organization, etc.
Edward James Olmos, plays the leader of the eMe, spotlessly
portraying the leader who is highly sensitive and aware of what
constitutes leadership, which is the importance in creating,
maintaining a particular image for success in the clique, which is
to say in controlling perceptions at large, to command as well the
respect of rival group members.
He is great at this, having graduated to the boss position from a
"professional" track record, extending from youth to adulthood,
always with the same particular type of people or members
comprising his organization, or those of rivals.
William Forsythe, (also seen in Gotti, for example) has an equally
fascinating appearance throughout the movie, as a no-nonsense
gangster.
The cinematography is impeccable, as is the case with the sound,
and musical accompaniment or soundtrack, with subtitles and a true
wide-screen.
There is a fair bit of gang jargon throughout, despite the
subtitles will mystify viewers.
There are a few eyebrow raisers, such as the thousands of junkies
scattered across cities, that rely on the toxicity of the
substance they consume, or the horrific scenes.
In gangs or cliques, nobody is above the clan's or clique's
commandments, including the top dog, as the disciplined members
are pigeon-holed into a lifestyle (they often know of no other)
and as such, become dependent professionals in both behavior and
conduct after a period of time - their reactions to any deviance
being mechanical, and automatic. This upbringing and lifestyle, or
belief system, can be larger than life, larger than what humans
sometimes can control themselves.
The gang aspect, from an educational point of view, is perhaps
overdone, by specifically underlining rival factions, of La
Primera St., 18th St, Hazard, Nuestra Familia, the Whites, the
Blacks, Italians.
There is also a litany of detention centers listed, such as
Folsom, Chino, Soledad, Vacaville, etc. The business motives are
clearly explained, from extortion, sex, gambling, substances.
Perhaps the downfall of a leader is being out of touch with
members, either for love, passion, lack of experience in dealing
with distractions, resulting in a shaky adherence to gang
commandments.
A strenth of the movie, is the historical accuracy and concern
for an entire community in face of other communities that were
well established in USA, the resulting tensions and the challenges
for acceptance.
It also is highly original and brave in not shying away from
showing the ugly reality as it is.
The movie is perhaps too specific, in demonstrating the inmate
lifestyle in various aspects.
Summary of American Me
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