Lex 'El Animal' Vargas is a promising Portorican boxer in Queens, but lacks ambition to aim for the big career. That changes after his brother Paulie is accidentally shot dead by a teenager in an amateur hold-up on their late dad's shop, which he now closes to turn professional boxer. His star rises fast, but success brings its own problems, as he he lacks experience to handle professionals and resist the abuse they and his ghetto past entourage make of his generous nature.
Acting
Leguizamo brings authentic Queens swagger and wounded pride.
Direction
First-time director finds poetry in concrete and blood.
Writing
Paulie's death lands with devastating economy.
Director
John Leguizamo
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Leguizamo funded much of this himself after studios passed, shooting in actual Queens locations.
The film captures a specific moment in early-2000s Nuyorican cinema, between Juice and Walter Salles's Behind the Sun.
US
