Bound by Honor (1993)
Kernel Score: 91% · 1,486 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Crime, Action, Drama, Thriller
Released: 1993-02-05
Runtime: 180 minutes
Overview
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.
Bound by Honor parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Bound by Honor (Blood In Blood Out) is an R-rated gang drama with gang violence, drug addiction, prison scenes, and strong language including racial slurs.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Depicts gang violence, police shootouts, and prison brutality across a decades-spanning story.
- Language: Strong — Contains strong profanity and racially charged language per reviewer references.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Strong — Heroin addiction is a central plot element with tragic consequences for one character.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Bound by Honor
If you liked Bound by Honor, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- American Me (1992) — 81%
- Menace II Society (1993) — 85%
- Boyz n the Hood (1991) — 86%
- Shot Caller (2017) — 75%
- End of Watch (2012) — 83%
- Assault on Precinct 13 (1976) — 82%
- Fresh (1994) — 80%
- Undisputed II: Last Man Standing (2006) — 81%
Director
Cast
- Damian Chapa as Miklo
- Jesse Borrego as Cruz
- Benjamin Bratt as Paco
- Enrique Castillo as Montana
- Victor Rivers as Magic Mike
- Delroy Lindo as Bonafide
- Tom Towles as Red Ryder
- Carlos Carrasco as Popeye
- Teddy Wilson as Wallace
- Raymond Cruz as Chuey
Bound by Honor FAQ
Is Bound by Honor good?
Bound by Honor has a 91% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,486 audience ratings.
Is Bound by Honor OK for kids?
Bound by Honor is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Bound by Honor (Blood In Blood Out) is an R-rated gang drama with gang violence, drug addiction, prison scenes, and strong language including racial slurs.
What movies are like Bound by Honor?
If you liked Bound by Honor, try American Me, Menace II Society, Boyz n the Hood and Shot Caller.