American Me
Seen it?1992 | 125 min | Crime, Drama
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It earned strong reviews (73% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it's still drawing plenty of interest, despite a box office loss. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for crime-drama fans. If you loved GoodFellas or Sleepers, start here.
- The mood
- Dark and gritty.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 5 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
During his 18 years in Folsom Prison, street-gang leader Santana rules over all the drug-and-murder activities behind bars. Upon his release, Santana goes back to his old neighborhood, intending to lead a peaceful, crime-free life. But his old gang buddies force him back into his old habits.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
73% on Rotten Tomatoes, 66 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.5 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$13 million worldwide on a $16 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 283K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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GoodFellas
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed prison crime drama.
Sleepers Saturday SpecialAnother prison crime drama, and a Saturday Special.
Bad Boys Saturday SpecialAnother prison crime drama, and a Saturday Special.
The Unforgivable Sunday Safe BetAnother prison crime drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Edward James Olmos
- Edward James OlmosMontoya Santana
- William ForsytheJ.D.
- Pepe SernaMundo
- Panchito GómezYoung Montoya Santana
- Steve WilcoxYoung J.D.
- Danny De La PazPuppet
- Sal LopezPedro Santana
- Dyana OrtelliYolanda
- William SmithDeacon
- Evelina FernándezJulie