Mi Vida Loca (My Crazy Life)

A rare and harsh gem of a film, Mi Vida Loca tells the story of young Hispanic women in Los Angeles and the struggles they have in a life of gangs, drugs, and personal betrayal. Mousie (Seidy Lopez) and Sad Girl (Angel Aviles) are best friends from childhood, growing up in gang-infested Echo Park and remaining loyal to each other. But when Sad Girl sleeps with Mousie's boyfriend (a drug dealer who is killed) and becomes pregnant, their friendship is ruptured. As the violence of their neighborhood erupts around them, they must try to stay together as friends despite their betrayals. This is an unforgiving look at a world where women seem to have no choice but to raise their children, deal drugs, and survive by whatever means necessary. Director Allison Anders ( Gas Food Lodging ) structures the film as a series of unflinching and vivid anecdotes, bringing insight to a tragic side of modern society. --Robert Lane ...