Rating: 
Summary: Chasing "The Capeman"
Review: "Zoot Suit" was fighting and uphill battle for my appreciation. That's because I wanted it to be something else entirely. You see, I love the idea of filming live theatre. Purists and snobs will tell you that you lose something essential by taping a performance. Namely the immediacy of the live show--the audience's involvement, right there in the moment. But, on the other hand, that loss is inevitable and unavoidable. The camera is by its nature a detached observer. But it freezes in time what would otherwise be lost forever, unless of course it is revived. And revived is the perfect term because the work is on the brink of death until dedicated actors, directors and audiences are once again ready to breathe life into the piece. I have immense respect for the stage, but if I ever have the opportunity to write professionally I hope to start with screen or print because those two media are easily preserved. Which brings me at long last to my point, I rented "Zoot Suit" because it was close in theme to "The Capeman" which I want to see with all my heart. It has been gone from the stage for years, but is preserved in an almost inaccessible archive. "Zoot Suit" is here for all to see, and it is most certainly worth a viewing. It is much better than "West Side Story." Why is it that a play, which was first and foremost supposed to be an update of "Romeo and Juliet" has instead been elevated to being the end-all and be-all portrayal of street-gang life on the American stage? Anyway, rent it, watch it, enjoy it. Keep in mind that all three are separate plays and you will be much more apt to appreciate each in their own right. Just keep your fingers crossed that someone will take a risk and buy the rights to "The Capeman." I know I am.
Rating:
Summary: Chasing "The Capeman"
Review: "Zoot Suit" was fighting and uphill battle for my appreciation. That's because I wanted it to be something else entirely. You see, I love the idea of filming live theatre. Purists and snobs will tell you that you lose something essential by taping a performance. Namely the immediacy of the live show--the audience's involvement, right there in the moment. But, on the other hand, that loss is inevitable and unavoidable. The camera is by its nature a detached observer. But it freezes in time what would otherwise be lost forever, unless of course it is revived. And revived is the perfect term because the work is on the brink of death until dedicated actors, directors and audiences are once again ready to breathe life into the piece. I have immense respect for the stage, but if I ever have the opportunity to write professionally I hope to start with screen or print because those two media are easily preserved. Which brings me at long last to my point, I rented "Zoot Suit" because it was close in theme to "The Capeman" which I want to see with all my heart. It has been gone from the stage for years, but is preserved in an almost inaccessible archive. "Zoot Suit" is here for all to see, and it is most certainly worth a viewing. It is much better than "West Side Story." Why is it that a play, which was first and foremost supposed to be an update of "Romeo and Juliet" has instead been elevated to being the end-all and be-all portrayal of street-gang life on the American stage? Anyway, rent it, watch it, enjoy it. Keep in mind that all three are separate plays and you will be much more apt to appreciate each in their own right. Just keep your fingers crossed that someone will take a risk and buy the rights to "The Capeman." I know I am.
Rating: 
Summary: Fascinating view of the conflicts of identity of Chicanos
Review: An interesting outlook on the Chicano culture. Showing how difficult it is to identify with one of the two cultures they live in.
The game between reality and the theather play is very creative.
When I grow up I want to be as cool as Edward James Olmos is in
this movie.
Rating: 
Summary: A Chicano West Side Story -- entertaining and informative.
Review: Director Luis Valdez has done an outstanding job in bringing us this highly entertaining and informative picture of life in LA in the 1940's. The music, song, dance, and story in itself will make you cry, laugh and want to swing along with the film. Edward James Olmos demonstrates his many talents as he sings, dances, and plays El Pachuco, trying to convince the hero (Daniel Valdez) to use violence rather than intelligence to overcome prejudice by "Anglos" toward the Latin culture. Great theatrical props and settings along with an in-show audience makes you feel truly part of the whole production. Loved it!
Rating:
Summary: A GOOD CHICANO MOVIE
Review: I ENJOYED THE MOVIE THOROUHLY.WOULD RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE ESPECIALLY CHICANOS WHO CAN RELATE.MAKES ME WANT TO SEE THE MUSICAL.
Rating:
Summary: Chicano Classic
Review: I loved this film. Innovative and provocative performances! Daniel Valdez and Olmos are awesome. I wish they made more Chicano movies of this caliber.
Rating:
Summary: I Loved This Movie!!
Review: I must admit the only reason I watched this movie was because Tyne Daly was in it, and she is my favorite actress, however, after watching it I love her more and the movie as well. The director is amazing. The actors were top of the line (including Tyne) I can't say it enough I LOVE THIS MOVIE
Rating:
Summary: the real thing
Review: I saw the ZOOT SUIT play version in Hollywood...was great. And I know this VHS version is just as good, is something you want to see over and over again. Edward James Olmos is fantastic and all the cast and story is are very emotional......
Rating:
Summary: ZOOT SUIT-EXCELLENT
Review: I saw the ZOOT SUIT play version in Hollywood...was great. And I know this VHS version is just as good, is something you want to see over and over again. Edward James Olmos is fantastic and all the cast and story is are very emotional......
Rating:
Summary: Zoot Suit
Review: I saw this on the Independent Film many years ago, very good film, revolves around Gangs but gangs in the 1940's.Also a film about Latinos (my people) and the problems they face in the inner city. It's much better than those terrible soap opera's in Mexico, this film is a musical but it's also a drama focusing on different Hispanic characters. Edward James Olmos career is synomonus with these type of films
most notable "American Me", "Stand and Deliver", "My family"
a great actor who is part of the real population. Despite the great performances the film does suffer from
its story, you know several hot headed characters with their
attitude and lifestyles are only headed downhill and their
fates are predetermined. Still "Zoot Suit" is a good film.
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