American Me , is directed by Edward James Olmos's. He also played one the major roles in the film . The film was actually film with in the walls of Folsom Prison. The movie is inspired by real life experiences. It begins in the 1943, in the anti-Hispanic tension period. It all started off with the "Zoot Suits Riots". In that time, Mexican American men were beaten and stripped of their clothing and Mexican women were rapped and group by Marines. This brought up rage among Mexican Americans. As a result brought on the famous riots (that are not mentioned to much today in our American History). .
American Me, is a movie of choice, because it give an example on how prison life was back in the 1940s until present. The movie reflects the Hispanic lifestyle, culture, behaviors and also shows a the dark side to the prison lifestyle. Sexual behaviors is one of the behaviors that is showed through in the movie. Although the movie is based on Mexican American gangs, it also shows the behaviors of other gains like the Aryan Bother hood and the Black Guerilla Faction. With that in fact, the movie also show the criminal justice system playing a role. Staff members do there jobs by breaking up prison riots and fights. The most realistic footage is when you see how the drugs are smuggled in to prison. It shows how drugs are transferred from one person to another by the creative use of the prison's own facilities. Despite of the differences between each gang they all follow the same rule. And all belong to a different "click". Loyalty and respect is one of the main rules that go by with in the walls of the prison. It reflects the way they function in and outside of prison. The impact of the world with in the walls of the prison also reflects the life out on the streets. .