Down for Life

2009
R
1h 32m

IMDb RATING

6.9/10

377

YOUR RATING

Based on a New York Times article, inspired by a true story, DOWN FOR LIFE (aka POR VIDA) dramatizes a single fateful day in the life of Rascal, a 15-year-old Latina who comes of age as the leader of a gang. Rascal discovers that getting into the gang is easier than getting out.

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Drama

Based on a true story depicting a single dramatic day in the life of a Latina gang leader in South Central Los Angeles.Based on a true story depicting a single dramatic day in the life of a Latina gang leader in South Central Los Angeles.Based on a true story depicting a single dramatic day in the life of a Latina gang leader in South Central Los Angeles.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.9/10

377

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

User reviews8

Featured review

6/10

some powerful moments

In 2010 South Central L. A., Anjelica "Rascal" Soto (Jessica Romero) is Latina teen struggling with family life and a violent neighborhood. This is based on the true story of teen gang leader Lesly Castillo. The film style is cinéma vérité. The lead actress has her stoic non-professional acting style. The combination can make this a grind to watch. Then there are the moments of devastating explosions. The movie goes from 0 to 60 in a flash and back again. It doesn't get more shocking than Vanessa. Danny Glover and Kate del Castillo deliver good veteran performances. Snoop Dogg is in here too. The issue is the non-acting lead. It's a very indie move. It doesn't always work. It's like catching lightning in a bottle. In a perfect film, Jessica becomes an exciting new acting prodigy. This is her one and only acting credit. There's a reason for that.