It knows these worlds. The language, the clothes, the attitudes, are all shown with the understated conviction of a director who is sure of his material.

Olmos's directorial debut provides a window to the experiences a gang member faces. Giving a rare complexity to its protagonist gives a layered in-depth look into why this vicious cycle continues & perhaps a possibility to break this wheel.

At 125 minutes, American Me is long, and feels longer.

Throughout, Olmos dominates the film with an impassive, yet inwardly tormented performance as he wears the implacable mask of power.