Based on a true story about writer and director Dito Montiel, “A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints” chronicles the life of Mortiel. who was once a kid struggling to stay alive in the streets of Queens, NY. According to Cinematical.com, in 1986 Montiel went against his fathers wishes, left home and headed for California. He knew that if he stayed, the graffiti gangs would make him leave in a body bag. Fifteen years down the road Montiel received word that his father was very sick. After returning back home he begins to experience flashbacks of his childhood in Queens. Realizing that his saints were his friends who have never left him and are still living in New York, Montiel begins to appreciate his true friends.
When I saw the trailer I was somewhat reminded of the movie “Gangs of New York” starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Both of the movies take place in the part of New York where the neighborhoods are controlled by feuding gangs. They give off that feeling of being sucked into a world of darkness and malicious activity. Both Montiel (LaBeouf) and Amsterdam (DiCaprio) are placed in a difficult situation and are forced to do what they think is right. Montiel however, does not make it a mission to kill those who have hurt him. He instead starts a new life.
Check out the trailer starring Shia LaBeouf, Robert Downey Jr., Channing Tatum and Rosario Dawson.”A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints” hits theaters Sept. 29!