Sangue misto

The most interesting aspect of this movie, by far, is the fact that it was directed by longtime Andy Warhol cohort Paul Morrissey. But unlike his stuff from the 70s, like Flesh for Frankenstein and Trash, Morrissey's Mixed Blood is rather mundane. It's a pedestrian story about rival drug gangs in NYC, one Latino and one Brazilian. There's a fair amount of action and fake blood, and the overall look is one of grime and grit and other traits typical of 1980s New York. And if you look real hard, as I did not, you might spot John Leguizamo in his film debut. He's part of the Latino gang, the Maceteros. But other than that, there's not much to say about this movie. It exists, it's directed by Paul Morrissey, and then it ends. Sure, it feels realistic, but so does a root canal.

This film should be given more credit. Parts of this film has been copied in many Drug/Gangster Films after this film's release. Example:In the beginning of the film were they throw the kid off the roof. This act is copied in the movie Above The Rim. Scarface may be the only other drug movie that has been copied more. I be the first to admit that the acting is not up to par and in my opinion that really gives the film a more sense of realism. By the acting being that way it is it has given the film a documentary feel in my opinion. It makes you wonder whether or not a film crew was following around real drug dealers. Ricahrd Ulacia as Thiago in my opinion was okay. But Marlia Pera was excellent. The part were she breaks out in song was over the top but it enhanced her character in the movie. That part really showed the characters dual personality. Watch the movie and you will understand what I'm saying. The problem is that this movie will never become mainstream because of how real it is. Scarface was fantasy with some realism, Mixed Blood was all real. It gives you sense on how it was in the ghetto at that time. It shows how dirty some cops are. The Spanish was on point. The soundtrack was excellent. To me that made the movie. They're better films out there but this unique in it's own way

Paul Morrisey's Mixed Blood (1985)is a grim and bleak look at life on the streets of New York City. Morrisey shot the movie on grainy film stock.

By doing so he gives the film a newsreel type aura. This is no Hollywood movie folks. The acting feels real and so does the situations. He pulls no punches in showing how these people survive day by day. The action scenes are abrupt and to the point. There's no staged or choreographed action set pieces. Everything about this film has a feel of true life. Many people will be turned off because of this. What do they know? Mixed Blood is great film that will sadly fade away into obscurity. A shame a great film maker like Paul Morrisey has never gotten his due.

Highly recommended. Not for all tastes.

A film about a Latina henchwomen and her mob of kid gangster as she tries to keep afloat her fledging drug business AS their supplier, the "German" tries to make his changes.

Personally liked it better than most of Morrissey's narrative films, which I found to be too amateurish. This is a bit better presented and feels less pompously done. I also love how it really have that sense of random narrative swings that reminisce his earlier, and more abstract work. No kidding but there is a literal Menudo Fan Merch Gang Violence scene in this film that goes for a minute.

Though I feel that the vast amount of stuff that he tried to pack in this film was not all made well. I do not think it necessarily succeeds in making a narrative of the racial component of the film. I also felt that the first half of the film feels far too unfocused on whatever it was trying to do.

Though the very end really amps the film. It goes haywire (including a failed bullet hit squib with the main actress lol) AND became a Mommie Dearest situation - which was better realized plot point to be honest.

I gave this film 9 out of 10 but on reflection it really should have been 10 as I can't imagine how anything could ever be better. "Mixed Blood" has a magical quality all of its own. The key ingredients are: hilarious dialogue, cool New York City vistas, fine soundtrack and, most notably, mesmerizing performances. This is not some crappy so-bad-it's-good exploitation film - it is the work of an artist with a unique and sophisticated sensibility and a great sense of humour.