Mi Vida Loca
Mi Vida Loca (also known as My Crazy Life) is a 1993 American drama film directed and written by Allison Anders, produced by Cineville. It centers on the plight of young Mexicanas and Chicanas (and their male counterparts) growing up in the Echo Park section of Los Angeles, who face the struggles of friendship, romantic entanglements, and motherhood in a neighborhood ravaged by gang violence. At the time of filming, most of the cast was made up of unknown actors, some of whom were actual gang members from Echo Park. It also includes the first film appearances  from Salma Hayek and Jason Lee, in small roles. Plot. "Mi Vida Loca" tells the story of young Mexican-American women in Los Angeles and the struggles they have in a life of poverty and early motherhood while being members of an infamous street gang. Mousie and Sad Girl are best friends from childhood, growing up in Echo Park, a neighborhood that had a significant amount of gang activity in the late 1980s and early 1990s era. They pride themselves for remaining loyal to each other and their gang. But when Sad Girl sleeps with Mousie's boyfriend (a member  of their neighborhood gang who is killed in a drug deal gone bad) and becomes pregnant, their friendship is ruptured. As dramatic and occasional comical situations unfold around them, some that would turn violent, they must try to stay together as friends despite the betrayals, heartbreak and tragedies. The film takes a rather independent look at a world where women seem to have no choice but to raise their children, involve themselves with gang activity, and survive by whatever means available. Soundtrack. A soundtrack containing hip hop and contemporary R&B was released on March 8, 1994 by Mercury Records. It  peaked at 70 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. Critical reception. "Mi Vida Loca" received positive reviews from critics. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reports that the film has earned a 74% based on 23 reviews, with a rating of 6.4 out of 10.