AllMovie

When an East Los Angeles gangbanger makes the mistake of killing a respected gangster, he winds up being pursued by one of the most powerful drug dealers in the entire city. Luis is a tough guy who's daily regiment of stealing and fighting is fast earning him a fierce reputation. When Luis kills a "veterano" by the name of East Side Tony, however, he quickly discovers that out on the streets, one false move can easily be your last. Desperate, Luis turns to his older brother Big Mike to help him out of the jam, but it isn't long before both realize that they're in way over their heads. From that point forward, Luis and Big Mike realize that they're not staying alive, just delaying the inevitable.