This is a low key film about a small district in LA where the Mexican - American community is gradually being assimilated into American culture. This is nowhere clearer than in the opening scene where the formal ceremony of the Quinceanere is contrasted nicely with the young people dancing to modern American music in the back of the limo. The best part of the film is the relationship between Carlos and his uncle Tomas - which is touching and loving. Carlos in particular is brilliant - he appears initally to be a stereotypical latin American tough guy - until we learn that he is gay and his brooding outsider status takes on a different meaning. Unfortunately the actress playing Magdalena is the weak link in the film - as is her pregnancy without conception storyline which felt out of place. I know this film won alot of awards when it was originally released - including Sundance - I didn't think it was that good and the narrative doesn't really go anywhere but it is a gentle and at times touching film.