A confident young cop is shown the ropes by a veteran partner in the dangerous gang-controlled barrios of Los Angeles, where the gang culture is enforced by the colors the members wear.
Acting
Duvall's weary humanity versus Penn's volcanic arrogance.
Direction
Hopper's documentary-realist eye for LA gang culture.
Writing
The script was researched with actual LAPD CRASH unit officers.
Director
Dennis Hopper
Sean Penn
Danny McGavin
Robert Duvall
Bob Hodges
María Conchita Alonso
Louisa Gomez
Randy Brooks
Ron Delaney
Grand L. Bush
Larry Sylvester
Don Cheadle
Rocket
Gerardo Mejía
Bird
Glenn Plummer
High Top
Rudy Ramos
Melindez
Sy Richardson
Bailey
Trinidad Silva
Frog
Charles Walker
Reed
Damon Wayans
T-Bone
Sherman Augustus
Officer Porter
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Real gang members were cast as extras; the set required constant security presence from both Bloods and Crips to prevent actual violence.
This film directly influenced the creation of actual gang peace treaties in LA, with community leaders screening it to broker negotiations.
US
