Original subtitles

[rhythmic drumming]

[horns honking]

[Curtis Mayfield's Kung Fu]

# #

- # Our days of comfort, days of night #

# Don't put yourself in solitude #

# Who can I trust with my life #

# When people tend to be so rude? #

# My mama borne me in a ghetto #

# There was no mattress for my head #

# But no, she couldn't call me Jesus #

# I wasn't white enough, she said #

# And then she named me Kung Fu #

# Don't have to explain it, no, Kung Fu #

# Don't know how you'll take it, yeah, Kung Fu #

# I'm just trying to make it now #

# Kung Fu #

[funky guitar and bass]

# #

# I've got some babies and some sisters #

# My brother worked for Uncle Sam #

# It's just a shame, ain't it, mister? #

# #

# We being brothers of the damned #

# Keep your head high #

# Kung Fu #

# I will till I die, yeah #

# Kung Fu #

# Don't be too intense, no... #

- Let's go. Let's go, people.

Squeeze it up. Squeeze it up.

Since we're neighbors, let's be friends, right?.

Come on, sweetheart. Squeeze it up.

[bouncing hip-hop music]

# #

Hey, no radios.

Hey.

Read the sign?.

[music grows louder]

# #

[music turns off]

- The fuck you doing?.

- I know this dude.

- So what?.

- That's Jesse Rivera's dad, man.

Motherfucker's straight-up O.G. too,

Iike, serious.

- Time to get off the bus, little homey.

- And if I don't?.

- That ain't really an option, is it?.

[traffic rumbling]

- All right.

I'll play with you later, bus driver.

- Yeah, I'll see you later.

- What the fuck you looking at?.

[jumping hip-hop music]

- # From Mission #

# I want to see you move more #

# I'm fixin' #

# To make you knock like a door #

# Now, come on, everybody, little lady, let's go #

# Listen #

# If you wanna get the hit from Mission #

# #

- What it doing, man?. - What's up?.

- Hey, where you locos headed?.

- Down to 24th to check out that little Filipino girl

that works at McDonald's.

You with it?.

- Nah, I got to go to the library.

- Man, you study too damn hard. You know that?.

- Somebody's got to.

- I'm gonna holla at you later, all right, man?.

- All right, man.

- What y'all doing this weekend?.

- Shit, I'm taking it low and slow, you know.

- The only thing I'm doing this weekend

are my nails and my hair.

- But your hair looks good.

- Oh, that's why I love you, baby:.

for your good taste.

- Yeah, I'll check y'all on Monday, all right?.

Stay brown.

- Can't do nothing but.

- What's up?.

[upbeat acoustic guitar music]

[indistinct speech]

[man vocalizing]

How you doing?.

- # Asi, asi, asi #

# #

What's up, Chuy?.

- Hey.

?Que onda?

- Low and slow, man.

Yo, yo, yo.

Where the party people at?.

- The party people are trying to finish

so they can get out of here on time.

-? Tu hombre?

- Where else?.

Yes, I'm still holding.

- I'll check you later, all right?.

- Oh, no, you don't.

I want all the juicy details.

- About what?. Your friend Donora?.

- Yeah, I heard you guys got into it.

- Pshh, that's because she was tripping.

-?Que paso?

- No, I tried to be a gentleman

and hold the door for her.

She got all pissed off, said I was oppressing her.

- I told you she was political.

- She's confused, is what she is.

Jeez.

Yo, yo, yo.

Can we dance with your dates?.

- Only if I can have her sister.

- What's up, bro?.

- Doing it right.

- So you finally got those doors open, huh?.

- [scoffs]

After five cans of WD-40.

- What's going on in here?.

- So I took the steering column and the front end

off the '67 Mustang,

but we're still gonna need an engine block.

- Yeah, get down, James Brown.

- You know how we do it.

Is that it?.

- Yeah, check it out.

I was thinking maybe somewhere around back,

Iike in real small print.

- Nice.

- How about like under the mural or something?.

What you think?.

- Nice touch.

Maybe put it right here

so it arcs with the curve of the fender?.

- Yeah, you know, I was thinking

of maybe doing it in, like, Aztec Gold

to, like, represent the sun or something.

What?.

- I think it's cool the way you back him up.

- Yeah, yeah, it's all right, huh?.

Yeah, I tell you he made the honor roll again?.

- Yeah, he came by

and showed Ana and me the plaque.

He's coming tonight, right?.

- Most definitely.

In fact, I might even ride shotgun, let him drive.

- Orale.

The king's finally gonna give up the throne, huh?.

- Chale, man.

I said, "drive," not "wear the crown."

- [laughs]

- You know what I'm saying?.

- I hear you.

- You know what I'm saying?.

- You ain't ready to abdicate yet.

Orale.

[intense instrumental music]

# #

- You got my shit, white boy?.

- I said I would have it next week.

- I told you next week ain't good enough.

- Is there some way we can-

I don't know, renegotiate?.

- Nah.

It's too late for that.

Your ass is mine.

- Mm.

I think I like the sound of that.

- # I do this here for the homies #

# In the Mission District #

# Rest in peace, the former soldiers #

# Hope your soul is lifted #

# The homies say sleep, banging, man, you so gifted #

- Ooh, I like this.

- Yo, what up, Che?.

- Just trying to make a dollar out of 1 5 cent,

you know what I'm saying?.

- When you gonna take us for another cruise

in that clean-ass ride of yours, man?.

- When you start listening

to some real music, little homey.

- Aw!.

Nah, you got to listen to the words, man.

You got to listen to the flow.

- Oh, hey, excuse me.

- Hey, what's up?.

- I was about to ask you the same thing.

- Excuse me?.

- It's from the landlord.

It says you've been complaining about me

working on my cars in front of the house.

- Well, on the sidewalk, actually.

- And what?. You couldn't talk to me direct?.

- I did talk to you direct; remember?.

In fact, in the two weeks I've been here,

I think I've had to ask you to move your car

at least half a dozen times.

- Yeah, and when you asked me,

I moved it too, didn't l?.

- No, you didn't.

But that's not the point.

- Then why don't you tell me what is?.

- Che, I really don't want to argue with you.

- Nobody arguing with you.

You told me moving my car ain't the point,

so I'm asking you what is.

- The point is that this is a public sidewalk,

not a personal garage space,

which means it belongs to everyone, not just you.

- Listen, bottom bitch,

you know how long I've been

in this neighborhood, in this house?.

- I don't want to do this. - 26 years, all right?.

- Meaning what?. It entitles you to do whatever you want?.

- I'll tell you what it means.

It means that after all you little hipster

and new money types get tired of slumming it,

I'm still gonna be here.

?Entiendes?

[sirens wailing]

[scoffs]

- Hi.

- I told you, I can't.

- Can't or choose not to?.

- I choose not to because I can't.

- Talk you into it?.

- Sure. How much?.

- Full body massage.

- Oh, happy endings?.

- Of course.

Does guilt tripping count?.

- It's even better.

Go for it.

- Okay.

A month ago, who not only went with you

to your UCLA orientation for emotional and moral support

but borrowed his mom's credit card

and BMW sports coupe and drove you there?.

- [chuckles] Ouch.

- And lest ye forget-

he's going for the jugular now.

[bright guitar chord]

Who blew Gabriel's horn on the way down

and twice on the way back?.

- [laughs]

You're pretty good.

- So what time am I picking you up?.

- I'll meet you there.

- What are you gonna tell him?.

- I don't know.

Make something up, I guess.

- Maybe even tell him the truth?.

- I'll see you tonight.

[sirens wailing in distance]

[knocking at door]

- Yeah. Yeah, I will.

No, I can do it.

Well, no, I can't probably get there that fast.

Hmm?.

Okay.

Yeah, no.

I'm-I'm still here.

Yeah, 8:.00 is perfect.

[funk music]

- # Ha! #

# Ooh! #

# Hey! #

# Ha! #

# Huh! #

# Uh! #

# Ha! #

# #

# Time is truly wasted #

# There's no guarantee #

- You need a hand with that?.

- Oh, hey, Jess.

Would you?.

Let me-okay, one sec.

Let me clear the space.

That's good.

Good, perfect.

- That's a whole lot of plant.

- Yeah.

At least let me get you something to drink.

- Actually, I got to go check in with the old man.

- Okay. Well, got it.

By the way, I like it.

Good feng shui.

- You think?.

- Most definitely.

- Yo, Pop, you home?.

- Yo, yo. Where the party people at?.

What you think?.

Traded Esteban for that '72 Monte Carlo steering wheel.

- It's hella sharp.

- Figured I wear this one.

You wear my black Pepe Le Pew.

Pilot to copilot, you know what I'm saying?.

- Actually, Pop, I was kind of thinking

of sitting this one out,

you know, if it's all right with you.

- Hey, whatever floats your boat, homes, you know?.

What's it this time?.

Another study group?.

- What's that supposed to mean?.

- You don't remember?.

Last month you missed Dee's birthday

and then, two weeks ago, that barbecue

that Benny threw for his pops.

? Te recuerdas?

- Are you saying I'm lying?.

- You tell me.

That's what I thought.

Anyway, there's some caldo in the fridge if you're hungry.

- Look, Pop- - Later, homes.

- Hey.

You locos don't turn down that music,

I'm gonna have to call Homeland Security on your ass.

- Yo, man, you wearing that hat to hide the ugly?.

- I don't know, man. Why don't you ask your old lady?.

I got it from her.

- You got what from who?.

- Hey, I was talking about his mother, eh?.

- You talking about my mama?.

- I'm sorry, babe. What was that?.

- Tell my girl I say "what's up??"

And I need my Tupperware.

- Hey, Ana says "what's up."

And she needs her Tupperware.

- Este vato.

Didn't he just talk to her, like, five minutes ago?.

- Yeah, but he forgot to ask permission to scratch his nalga.

- Watch out, bro. I heard that.

Let me call you back, babe.

- Hey, where's Timbert?.

- I don't know, man.

- Hey, yo, Gary, let's go, man.

[engine rumbling]

- That's it. That's it.

- Thanks, nigga.

I'll be home late, so don't wait up.

- I won't.

I just like to watch you line up the horses.

- Sharp.

- Hey, homey.

[all chattering]

- Look at you.

Was the pleather on sale this week?.

- You boys ready to get this party started right?.

- Shit, man, we're waiting on you, homeboy.

- For real.

- What about Jess?. Ain't he coming?.

- Nah, he ain't feeling good.

Got some kind of food poisoning or something, so...

- What you mean, like, E. coli, man?.

- Yeah, you know, something like that.

- Well, shit, man, if he ain't coming,

I might as well sit up front.

Give the ladies something pretty to look at.

You know what I'm saying?.

- Fo sho'.

- Hey, what do you think, down Mission

and then cut over to Broadway?.

- Crosstown, downtown, don't matter,

as long as we get there low and slow.

Let's go.

[pulsing dance music]

# #

- I can't believe I'm doing this shit.

- You need a drink.

- Orale pues.

It's the midnight hour,

and you're cruising to Radio del Barrio Aztlan.

This dedication's going out to all the homies out there

in the San Fran Mission.

[mellow R&B music]

# #

- Say, you got a website?.

- Up yours.

- You see that, man?.

I think she and I just had one of those special moments.

[laughs]

?Que traes, hombre?

I thought we were supposed

to be having a good time, remember?.

- Hey, let me ask you something.

You think Jess picked L.A. because he wants to, you know,

get away from all this?.

- "All this"?.

- Yeah, you know, the barrio.

- What, you think he's going to college to get away from you?.

[horns honking]

- Yeah.

- The truth?.

I think he picked UCLA 'cause aside from having

some of the finest rucas in all of Aztlan,

it's one of the baddest schools in the whole pinche state, bro.

Shit, and if you and l had our shit together

when we were his age,

we'd have done the same damn thing.

I know I would have.

- Yeah, you're probably right.

- Besides, man,

you can take the man out of the Mission,

but you can't take the Mission out of the man.

That shit's in the blood, homes.

You know that.

- Yeah, right.

[pulsing dance music]

# #

# #

[knocking at door quietly]

Jesse.

[rap music playing quietly]

# #

- # You boys ain't gangster #

# #

[music fading]

[bells dinging and chiming]

- Che.

I just wanted to let you know that I'll be moving in

some of my stuff later on today,

and I'll probably need to use the driveway.

Che.

- I heard you the first time.

- I'll tell you what's fucked up.

I call her up and tell her

I want to come over and see the kids,

and you know what she says to me?.

"You have to call ahead of time. I have plans."

- Right, dude, that's fucked up.

- I mean, check it out.

First she drags me to court

and tells the judge I ain't seeing them enough.

And then when I try, she tells me that shit.

- Claudia's the same way, man.

First she makes me sell the '58 to buy the minivan.

Now she's on this whole,

"l want to go back to school and work" trip.

- I told you, it's all them motherfucking self-help books

and talk shows, man.

Like that shit they had on Oprah the other day.

- The one where the dudes stay home

and the ladies go work?.

- Was that some shit or what?. - Wack.

- You want to know what it is?. I'll tell you.

It's exactly like the bro here says.

They're confused.

- Maybe they're finally calling you

on all your bullshit.

- Who, me?.

- Hey, if the shoe fits.

- No, no, no, see,

if you're talking about me hanging out with Paula,

dude, me and Lynette were already separated.

- Paula drives a '69 Buick?.

- You know she drives.

- No shit.

When the fuck you hit that?.

- Remember the car show in San Jose?.

- No way.

- Every which way.

You know what I'm saying?.

[laughter]

- Yo, yo, yo, where are the white women at?.

What's up, dog?.

What's up, baby?.

[hip-hop music playing]

- Hey, Little Man.

What did I tell you about playing

that fucking noise in here?.

You want to play that shit, play it someplace else.

[music stops]

- Yo, you all right, man?.

- Yeah, I'm cool.

I'm gonna get on, man.

- All right.

- Yo, what's up with smiley over there, man?.

- Forgot his Wheaties, eh?.

Yo, Jess.

How's that E. coli, man?.

Drink plenty of fluids.

Flush it out.

Yo, I ever tell you about the time

me and the old lady went to visit her family in Peru?.

- About ten times, shit.

- What's up, Pop?.

- Where do you think you're going?.

- To the store. Why, what's up?.

- Get inside.

- Look, if this is about bringing alcohol in the house-

- I said get in the fucking house.

- Hey, homes. - Now.

- Where's that Mary Wells CD I left inside your carrucha?

- Stay the hell out of my music, Benny.

- And take another happy pill while you're at it.

smooch!

Pendejo.

- I told you; I left you a note.

I went out.

- Fuck the note.

Where, "out"?.

- A party.

- What kind of party?.

- What do you mean, "What kind of party??"

It was just a party.

- Then what the fuck are these?.

- You going through my shit?. - Sit down.

- No, give those back to me. Those are mine.

- I said sit the fuck down.

Now tell me.

Who's the fucking white boy?.

- He's a friend.

- What kind of friend?.

- A friend.

- Is that why he's man-handling you

Iike you're some kind of Mexican bitch?.

- Fuck you, man.

- You want to start cussing at me?.

Hmm?.

You try me again.

- You're so fucking predictable. You know that?.

- Yeah?.

smack!

Then I guess you saw that coming, right?.

- You don't know shit, man.

-?Otra vez?

No?.

Good.

Now it's my turn.

Why does this motherfucker have his tongue

down your fucking throat?.

- Why do you think?.

- Answer me!

- 'Cause I'm a fucking faggot. That's why.

'Cause I'm your fucking faggot son.

- I want you out of my house now.

You make me sick to my fucking stomach.

- What about you, huh?.

Did being locked up make you sick to your stomach too?.

- What did you say?.

- Come on, Pop.

You gonna tell me you didn't, you know,

at least try and cop a little bit of prison ass,

just once?.

- You little bitch.

- Get the fuck off me!

[clattering]

- What the hell was that?.

- Get the fuck- let me go!

- From now on, you're fucking dead to me!

- I fucking hate you!

[both grunting]

[all shouting]

- Fight!

- Hey!

Hey, sit down!

[all shouting]

- I fucking hate you!

Such a fucking joke!

- Get the fuck off me!

- You're an asshole!

[all shouting]

- Fuck, this is crazy.

- Did you know your godson's a fucking joto?

- I fucking hate you!

- Stop this!

Y'all enjoying yourselves?.

Jesus Christ.

Get some ice on this.

- Get your fucking hands-

- You touch me again,

and I'll have your ass arrested so quickly

it'll make your head spin.

- Come on, bro, she's right.

That's enough.

- You better get out of my motherfucking way, Gary.

I swear to God, I'll fucking hurt you, man.

- Nephew.

That's enough.

- Calmala.

[melancholy guitar music]

# #

[woman vocalizing]

# #

- "'You're welcome, Son of a Chief from Above,'

"said one who appeared like a chief himself.

And together they entered the largest house of all."

- Okay, querido, time to go to bed.

- Please, Mom, could I stay up?.

- Mi'jo, let's go.

Vaya; tu tambien.

- Andale, vete con tu mama.

Andate.

How's your lip?.

- I'll live.

- Just give him time, man. He'll come around.

- Care less.

He can do whatever he wants.

What?.

- Nothing.

- What?.

- So you really don't like girls?.

- [chuckles]

Chale.

- Renesha, I think your hair looks totally natural.

Tell her, Che.

- You really think so?.

'Cause my daughter been messing with me about it all week.

- Check you later, man.

What you want, man?. I'm working.

- Doughnut?.

Listen, man, I'm not here to swing nobody.

So relax, all right?.

- Oh, is that what you would do:. relax?.

- No, man, I'd be pissed too.

Maybe want to fuck somebody up,

which is why I'd be working my steps

and going to meetings, Che.

- That's why you came all the way down here,

just to tell me that?.

- I came down here 'cause I'm your sponsor, man,

and I need to know-

- You want to know if I had a drink.

Nah. I didn't.

- Cool.

- That it?.

- Yeah, motherfucker. Shit.

I got to work.

[people chattering]

- Hey, there's the fag. - Got a beatin', man.

- So his father kicked his ass when he found the pictures.

- [speaking Spanish]

Diez cincuenta.

[siren wailing in distance]

[gunfire on TV]

- Most of the raids were at night,

usually around 3:.00 in the morning,

which meant kicking in doors and terrorizing families.

Our main objective was

to instill fear and gain control.

We would do whatever we thought was necessary.

There are things that we did over there

that I will regret for the rest of my life.

And the reason I am talking to you today

is to ask you for help,

to tell you that I need help.

[knocking at door]

- Who is it?.

- It's-it's Che from downstairs.

- I'm tired. What do you want?.

- Uh-that's all right. That's cool.

In fact, you know what?.

You don't even have to open up the door.

I can-I can talk from right here,

I mean, if that's-if that's all right with you.

- What is it?.

- I wanted to apologize

for what happened the other day.

I didn't mean to- you know.

I didn't mean to grab you like that.

You there?.

- Then why did you grab me like that?.

- I don't know, you know?.

I-I think things just got a little out of hand.

- I see.

So it's not your fault. Is that it?.

- Say what?.

- You know how many women I see every day

whose husbands or boyfriends give the same bullshit excuse?.

"Things just got a little out of hand."

- Excuse?. You calling me a woman beater?.

- I wouldn't limit it to just women, would you?.

- Fine. You know what?.

I don't need this shit.

- That's what I thought. - What did you say?.

- Walking away.

It's always easier, isn't it?.

- Chale, man. You know what you are?.

- I do, actually, but if I ever need a second opinion,

I'll be sure to ask.

- Damn.

Are you always such a- a bitch

when someone's trying to apologize to you?.

- You finished?.

- No.

I also wanted to thank you

for how you took care of that thing outside.

You didn't have to do that, and...

you know, I appreciate it.

- Che, it's absolutely none of my business,

but can I say something to you?.

- It's a free country, ain't it?.

- I'm not a parent,

so I have no idea what you might be going through, but...

I do know what it's like to have a secret,

to feel ashamed and alone and...

most of all, to be afraid of someone

you're supposed to be able to trust.

And I guess, Che, what I'm trying to say is,

if there ever was a time your son needed you,

it's probably now.

[people shouting]

- Game, sucker.

All right, who wants some of Daddy, huh?.

- We next.

Except we don't play with no faggots.

- Who the fuck you calling a faggot, punk?.

Ain't nobody scared of you, nigga.

- Keep starting, man. What's up?.

- You gonna let him talk that shit?.

- Hey, yo, ask that puta

where she got that fat-ass lip from.

- [laughs]

- On his knees from his Daddy.

- Aw, I think you hurt her feelings.

- That's right, punk. You better keep walking.

- Hey, hey, hey, hey, ?Donde esta la gente?...

[woman vocalizing]

# #

[knocking at door]

- Hey, what's up, man?.

- Just a squirrel trying to get a nut.

- Thanks for coming, bro.

I appreciate it.

- Anytime, anytime, brother.

- Do you want a soda or something?.

- How about some water?.

I'm trying to watch my blood sugar.

[groans]

Did I tell you I found a V-8 for that lmpala?.

Picked it up on Craigslist for about a buck fifty.

You believe it?.

I was thinking of maybe converting it to biodiesel

before we drop it.

What you think?.

- Do whatever you want with it, man.

I ain't got no need for it.

- You know, for what it's worth, man,

nobody's tripping, man.

- Nobody's tripping 'cause it ain't their son.

- Maybe, but then again,

maybe it ain't such a big deal.

- [scoffs] You believe that shit, homey?.

You've been living in this town too fucking long.

- You may be right about that one.

- Is that for him?. - Mm-hmm.

He asked me to come by,

pick up some of his stuff, you know.

- How's he doing?.

- [scoffs]

Come on, man.

He's a great kid.

I'm thinking of adopting him.

- [chuckles]

- So what's up, man?.

- I don't know.

You ever think about all the shit we used to do,

all the people we ripped off,

the ones we fucked over?.

- If you're asking me if I think God's punishing you

for something you already did your time for,

then my answer is no, I don't.

God don't have to punish, homey.

We do that one good enough on our own.

Watch out.

When Rene Jr. was born

and the doctors told us about his condition,

I was thinking exactly what you are right now.

"God's punishing me for all my sins,

"for all the shit I did or didn't do.

Why else would he give me a defective son," right?.

When they brought him home from the hospital,

I didn't even want to hold him, homey.

I couldn't.

That almost broke me and Ana apart.

En serio.

Then one night, he stopped breathing.

And we had all these fancy machines

and medications, todo el pedo, 'mano.

There wasn't shit I could do.

So I prayed.

I mean, I got down on my knees, and I begged, homey,

not for his heart to be normal

or for him to even breathe on his own.

Chale.

I just wanted him to live.

I wanted him to live so I could pick him up

and love him.

That's it.

"Just let him live, and I'll be happy."

[speaking Spanish]

- Seguro.

- Where's Tepee-ack anyway?.

- Tepeyac.

It's the mountain where the Virgin

first appeared to Juan Diego.

- How come you making her all dark like that?.

- Because her original name,

her lndian name, was Tonantzin.

She only became La Virgen after the conquerors

forced their language and religion

on everybody, you know?.

- For real?.

So is she, like, Aztec or something?.

- She's Mexihcah, like you and your homey here.

- Ha! What's up?.

- Hey.

- All right, all you shorties out of here.

The shop is closed now.

- I'm gonna have a sick-ass lowrider just like Che

with a fat-ass bird right there, fat-ass eagle.

What's up, yo?.

- How are you?.

Preparing them for the revolution, I see.

- Hey, the rebrowning of America, right?.

What happened to you?.

- Oh, my front tire decided to take a day off.

- Well, maybe you were talking to it

and it just blew itself up.

- [laughs]

- May l?.

- I'm going to the bike shop at Valencia, so it's-

- No, look, save your money.

I got all the tools you need right here.

All right, it will take me ten minutes, max.

Look, scout's honor. I promise.

Cool?.

- Okay.

- Let's take a look, see what we got here.

- But you have to let me pay you.

- Well, look, I fix your bike.

You buy me lunch.

- Lunch?.

- Hey, a fair trade ain't no robbery.

You know what I'm saying?.

- Che, you know what?. I'll come back later.

Hey, Jess.

- Tio Rene said you wanted to see me.

- You hungry?.

- I could eat.

[food sizzling]

- Gracias, senor.

Bendiga esta comida y las manos que la cultivaron.

En el nombre de su hijo,

amen.

You want to try the verde?.

I used them green chilies from Virgil's yard.

- Sure.

- I guess he just picked them yesterday.

- Look, Pop, for what it's worth,

I never meant for you to find out like that.

Did you hear me?.

- What you want me to say?.

- I don't know.

I guess I'm just wondering how you're feeling,

what you're thinking.

- I think God made man and woman for a reason.

- Yeah, well, he also made me the way that I am.

- Yeah?.

And which one are you?.

- Which one am l?.

I'm your son.

- All right.

I can't do this.

- No, wait.

Sit down.

For a minute, please?.

Please sit down.

I didn't wake up one day

and just decide to be like this.

- Then why are you?.

- I don't know.

I wish I could tell you that.

All I know is that I've been this way

for as long as I can remember.

And for just as long,

I've been too afraid to tell you.

- All right, look, look, look.

I told your uncle I was going to try, all right?.

And I am. I'm trying.

But if you think that talking about it

or processing it or however you want to call it

is gonna somehow make it all right or acceptable,

or that maybe one day I'm gonna, like, give you my blessing,

then you're wasting your time,

'cause that's never gonna happen.

- Meaning?.

- Meaning I don't want to know about it.

I don't want to have it anywhere near me.

?Me entiendes?

- So what you're saying is, I have to choose?.

Right?.

Is that what you're saying?.

[mournful blues music playing]

# #

- Hello?.

Che?.

[music grows louder]

# #

# #

- It's supposed to be good luck.

- Hey.

I saw the light on,

so I thought I'd see how you were doing

with the bike, I mean.

- Check it out.

Just like downtown.

- Oh, my G-

is this my bike?.

What did you do?. It looks brand-new.

- Well, you know, you had

a little bit of rust damage, right?.

So I primed it out, slapped on a couple of coats.

- You actually painted my bicycle?.

- Yeah, I still got to put on

the handlebars and pedals and whatnot,

but, you know, you- you get the idea, right?.

- Che, this is-

I mean, I had no idea you-

this must have taken you all day.

- Nah, just a couple of hours.

No big deal. Besides, you know what?.

It was a nice change of pace, you know what I'm saying?.

- Thank you.

Your pride and joy?.

- Oh, yeah. That's my war pony right there.

- Ooh. Wow, oh, wait.

- I guess you just read this for the articles, huh?.

- Why you always got to say something, huh?.

- Because I can.

- You trippin'.

- Is this your mom?.

- Yeah.

- Mm, you look a lot like her.

Do you mind if I ask you what it is about cars

that you find so interesting?.

- Originally,

I think it was just something to, you know,

something to do to stay out of trouble.

- Oh. [chuckles]

- It wasn't until Jess got into 'em-

- Jess is into lowriders too?.

- He used to be, you know, when he was younger.

In fact, it's how he made the honor roll

four years straight, so...

- Really?.

- Yeah, you know, for every A he brought home,

I'd go out, and I'd buy a new part, right?.

So I'd go out, and I'd get, like, a chrome mirror

or, like, you know, a new set of rims.

And then we'd just build it from the ground up.

This one right here, this is-this is our first.

Hey, so anyway, you know, what about you?.

- Me?.

- Yeah, like, what do you to, you know-

- Stay out of trouble?. - Yeah.

- [laughs]

I think I'm still trying to figure that one out.

But okay, I'd probably say my work.

- Oh, right, at the female clinic, right?.

- Well, it's actually a women's shelter, but yeah.

- Hey, well, that's cool, you know,

I mean, helping people out.

- I don't know.

I think sometimes they do more for me

than I do for them.

So many of them have been hurt and demeaned

in every possible way.

But when you witness a woman discover

just how beautiful and powerful she really is,

it somehow changes you.

[smooth R&B music]

# #

[man shouting in Spanish]

[knocking at door]

- I'm up.

- [chuckles]

[door clicks and creaks]

[mariachi music playing]

Good morning.

# #

[door clicks]

- Hey.

Stay brown.

- Can't do nothing but, right?.

[knocking at door]

Hey, what's up?.

- Hey.

I was baking some cookies, and, well,

I wanted to thank you again for fixing my bike.

It's beautiful.

- Well, since we're neighbors, let's be friends, right?.

- Actually friends would be nice, Che.

- Yeah.

It would.

- Anyway, I hope you like chocolate chip.

- Oh, yeah. Most definitely.

- Might taste a little different than what you're used to.

I used white grape juice instead of sugar

and canola oil instead of butter.

- Oh, yeah, I heard about that.

Canola oil?.

That's supposed to be

good for the heart or something, right?.

- Yeah, it's unsaturated fat.

- Oh, right, right.

- Anyway, enjoy.

- Wait.

I'll bring the plate back tomorrow,

you know, when I'm done.

- I know where you live.

- Right?.

Chocolate chip with canola oil.

That's what I'm talking about.

[rap music playing]

# #

[girls laughing]

- Man, shut up, cuz.

- You shut up.

- Gotta respect the O.G. one time, for real, though.

- Man.

- I'm going out.

- Wednesday night pick-up game, huh?.

- Yeah, you looked like you were busy, so...