Maze of Fate

Movie critics try to evaluate the complete context of a film before putting text to screen. They ask themselves: who made it, what was the motivation, was it successful? In the case of first-time filmmaker Attila Korosi, Live and Die in East L. A. was a success, despite its, at times, indolent dialogue and impuissant performances from two of the main characters: Ishaan Bahri and Korosi himself (which he admitted to of his own acting during Q&As at the Sony Studios premiere).

Korosi's own personal back-story makes watching this film so fun! Thousands of independent directors set out every year to make cinema but few, for example, are capable of funding features with acclaimed actors such as Richard Cabral (Mayans M. C.), Robert LaSardo (The Mule) and Cesar Garcia of Breaking Bad. It is reported that Korosi used his earnings (and charm) from ride-sharing proceeds to co-produce this film - knowing this before watching his complex storyline play out, sets the viewer up for a good time (and don't get me started on the cleaver scene - gasps could be heard in the audience at the theatrical screening I attended)!

Now ask yourself this: how did this unknown writer/actor/director/producer get this film off the ground (shot in difficult-to-access East L. A.) and get it sold even!? The answer is attributed to his talent for using natural charisma to entice pros to work with him - i.e: an Emmy-nominated actor, an Emmy-nominated supervising sound editor, additional music from an award-winning songwriter (who was former staff at Hans Zimmer's music studio no less) and A CAST OF OVER 100 ACTORS!

Maybe this won't win any awards but Korosi has proven himself to be a veteran producer right from the starting line - which is fitting, because he came to the States by utilizing a running scholarship to move from a war-torn country with the dream of making movies in America and he crossed the finish line with an Amazon Prime release - won and (not) done.

Attila Korosi's film is a production that competes with those big budget films, those films called super productions. It is a film made with a small budget, but it looks like one of those in which a lot of money was invested. And not because of the special super effects, which abound in those Hollywood productions. Attila's movie doesn't have any special effects, you won't see any explosions or anything like that. Instead, you will see exceptional acting performances, both from some professional actors and from others who are not actors. There are some men in this movie who look fiercer and more convincing than in any other Hollywood gangster movie. And that's not because of the impressive tattoos and the fact that they have shaved heads. No, first of all what matters is the level at which the actors live their characters, the way they speak, the way they look, the body language. Robert LaSardo is the most dangerous looking. Followed by Richard Cabral, Lee Coc and Michael Flores. Cesar Garcia is very believable in the role of the trafficker executed in the bathtub, one of the shocking scenes of the film. Another extremely shocking scene is the one where we see how another trafficker's hand is cut off. Anita Korosi, the sister of the character played by Attila, the one because of whom we see almost everything that happens in the film, is a very sexy presence, especially in the scenes where she appears only in a bathing suit. The film is filmed with great attention to detail. The only thing I would have preferred not to be in the movie are the cartoon sequences. Otherwise, the film is a success.

"Live and Die in East LA" is a gritty, modern-day crime noir that authentically captures the underbelly of East Los Angeles. Directed by Attila Korosi, the film stands out for its creativity, action, and engaging storyline. The narrative is deeply rooted in the concept of choices and their consequences, which cleverly parallels the journey of a caterpillar navigating through a forest-symbolizing the varying options and crossing paths of life.

At its core, the film delivers a powerful message about family, survival, and the blurred lines between right and wrong. The commendable performances, particularly from non-professional actors, add a layer of realism to the film. Attila's vision comes to life depicting its harsh realities, including moments of intense violence.

"Live and Die in East LA" is a must-see film that offers a fresh perspective on the crime-thriller genre, and it leaves me eagerly anticipating what Attila will bring to the screen next!

Live and die in East LA

life presents many choices the choices we made in past will determine the present and the choices we make today will determine our future

what we think or what we know or what we believe is in the end of little consequence the only thing of consequence is what we do

as a first movie the director Attila did his best in this movie, his work is very natural without any propaganda, we should support new people with creative ideas such as expressing what they really wanna share also with a message to the people from a movie.

Director Attila shared a valuable message through this movie about choices and consequence

political involvement turned thousands of Hollywood movies into effective propaganda so as a freedom of film making we should appreciate people who making their own like director Attila.

A Poignant Meditation on Destiny and Identity

"Live and Die in East LA" is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film that asks one of the oldest philosophical questions: Is our fate written in stone, or do our choices truly shape our lives? The film centers around an immigrant nurse and a young dreamer from a Chicano neighborhood who aspires to become an astronaut. Their stories interweave across three alternate timelines, each showing how small moments-and powerful, unseen forces-can lead to vastly different outcomes.

The narrative structure is ambitious but handled with care. Each timeline feels unique yet connected, exploring themes of systemic barriers, cultural identity, resilience, and hope. The performances are heartfelt and grounded, especially from the two leads, who bring depth and vulnerability to their roles. The cinematography captures the soul of East LA with authenticity, and the score subtly enhances the emotional undertones without overpowering them.

Though at times the pacing can feel uneven and some plot points could have used more development, the film's core message shines through: the delicate interplay between destiny and choice is more complex than we imagine. "Live and Die in East LA" is a bold, moving story that lingers long after the credits roll.