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René Alvarado, David Berón, Steve Callahan, Gladise Jiminez, Irene de Bari ... see more see more... , Cory Schneider , Yelyna de Leon , Luis Raul , Luis Accinelli

Writer/director Carlos Portugal's comedy drama East Side Story earns a historical footnote, as one of the premier mainstream (though non-Hollywood) American films about an openly gay Latino character.... read more read more... René Alvarado stars as Diego, an East L.A.-residing Chicano homosexual. As the story opens, Diego rides out a long, headfirst downhill slope. With his once-promising culinary career in tatters, and the local neighborhood invaded by increasing numbers of WASPS, he finds his one and only solace in playing kinky illegal immigrant-themed sex games with his male lover, Pablo (David Beron) -- which often proves difficult given the fact that Diego lives with his grandmother. Pablo's sudden indication that he recently had straight sex with Diego's nymphomaniacal aunt (Gladise Jimenez) threatens to damage or even destroy their relationship -- but this becomes irrelevant when Diego meets and falls in love with someone new: Wesley (Steve Callahan), a Caucasian man who moves in next door and promptly returns Diego's feelings. Suddenly, the future begins to look very bright indeed for these two, but serious questions linger about their ability to ride out the pressures wrought by an interracial gay relationship, including malevolent ex-boyfriends and the discouragement perpetuated by disapproving family members. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi

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54% liked it

800 ratings

Unrated, 1 hr. 28 min.

Directed by: Carlos Portugal

Release Date: June 7, 2006

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DVD Release Date: December 4, 2007

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Flixster Reviews (92)

  • fb100000185301014
    May 3, 2012
    fb100000185301014
    This has to be the best reinterpretation of the classic Romeo & Juliet (with a different ending though) I love the play on West Side Story and transformed it into a gay Latino version, it's really well done. The acting was so superb from all the cast memebers, it also has excelle... read morent camera works and script. Don't forget the sountrack, simply amazing. The characters all had interesting development over the course of the film. It's a film that focuses on the Latino culture and the family unit. Each one of the characters learnt something from the experience of love, pain, conflict and salvation. Not a master piece but really well done.
  • jam233
    December 17, 2009
    jam233
    A thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining gay romance, the characters are likable and well developed, Fine screenplay and decently acted. Good direction.
  • cavebehr39
    April 20, 2009
    cavebehr39
    A fantastic updated view of west side story and how family can surprise you when you least expect it
  • dredzag
    May 6, 2008
    dredzag
    This is such a good movie. Proves that staying in the closet kills your soul. Hated the stereotypical screaming queen from Alabama but unfortunately some part of that stereotype is true.
  • adarshrbhat
    January 15, 2008
    adarshrbhat
    The story touches upon homophobia and racism in the eastern suburbs of Los Angeles. Some great performances. The DVD cover is highly misleading, however.

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Critic Reviews

Don Willmott
January 14, 2008
Don Willmott, Filmcritic.com

Refreshing Full Review

S. James Wegg
August 13, 2007
S. James Wegg, JWR

Here comes the neighbourhood. Full Review

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    • Grandmother: What's happened around here? I'm gone for a month, the chef dies, the restaurant is bankrupt, your ex-boyfriend is now engaged to my daughter, and I find you in bed with the gringo from across the street!
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