I found that this film has some very interesting exposition about the lifestyle of the Chicano in the 70s and 80s in East LA much akin to what The Godfather did for exposing the lifestyle of the Mafia, of course the latter doing so in a much wider range.
However, I also found too many instances of simplicity and stereotyping of races to rate is anywhere near The Godfather, even though it was nearly as long. I suspect that The Godfather was on the minds of some involved in this production while it was being made. Certainly, the character of Miklo is as tragic a figure as Michael Corleone, and also shows he is a traitor to himself and his mentor, much the way Corleone betrayed his own brother. Also, "The Family" has utmost importance in both films, but this film falters in places where Godfather excelled, and so it does not deserve the same consideration.
However, I also found too many instances of simplicity and stereotyping of races to rate is anywhere near The Godfather, even though it was nearly as long. I suspect that The Godfather was on the minds of some involved in this production while it was being made. Certainly, the character of Miklo is as tragic a figure as Michael Corleone, and also shows he is a traitor to himself and his mentor, much the way Corleone betrayed his own brother. Also, "The Family" has utmost importance in both films, but this film falters in places where Godfather excelled, and so it does not deserve the same consideration.