Live and Die in East LA (2023) User Reviews

Family love

[joannes-36801 · 10/10 · 29 August 2023]

This is a film to watch especially if you were raised in Los Angeles. The way the director created this film was true to real life experiences. I definitely did relate to the story and survival of the characters in the film.

The biggest message that I received watching this film is that family is everything. And the things we do for our family comes from a love so deep that sometimes we loose logic of what's right and what's wrong.

I truly enjoyed this film for its creativity and action. It's really made me wanting more scene after scene. A big thank you to Attila for creating a film that I can relate too.

Low budget, yet ambitious crime-thriller

[Red-Barracuda · 7/10 · 13 September 2023]

Live and Die in East LA is a crime-thriller directed by Attila Korosi, who also acts in one of the central roles. There is a fair amount of ambition in this one, despite its small-scale finances and I do have to say that it was considerably better than most movies of such low budget origins. It has some cartoon sequences (which are quite shakily drawn it has to be said) of a caterpillar and its journey through a forest, with various predators and pitfalls along the way. The choices this creature makes is reflected in the main story involving various characters in East L. A. This story is made less straightforward with it reversing every so often and replaying, to show different outcomes to scenarios which hinge on different decisions made by characters in the story. It's a good idea, as it makes what would have been a fairly routine story about people caught up in circumstances into something quite a bit more engaging and interesting; instead, it examines the effect of our choices in life and how they can have a profound impact. Acting performances were good all round with several performers not professional actors at all and more people from the street playing versions of themselves. There are a few visceral moments of violence, with a particularly grim arm chopping sequence and there was some good tension generated in a few key moments as well. It's a very honourable effort overall, and certainly worth checking out for sure.

Gritty underbelly of East Los

[trixielife · 10/10 · 27 August 2023]

I found this movie to be very different from what is normally seen in main stream films. You felt the grittiness of that life. I don't watch this genre very often, but this movie kept you engaged and feeling the palpitations of what was to come next. The feel of the culture was authentic and you felt the intensity of the characters in those situations. The story drove the inter-twinning of the characters to keep you engaged. This is just the beginning for this Director and I will definitely be watching for more to come from him. I hope to see more movies that represent La Raza in an authentic manner, which I feel was done very well here.

American ( B+ Movie) My Ratings 7/10

[THE-BEACON-OF-MOVIES-RAFA · 7/10 · 22 August 2023]

Live and die in East LA

life presents many choices the choices we made in past will determine the present and the choices we make today will determine our future

what we think or what we know or what we believe is in the end of little consequence the only thing of consequence is what we do

as a first movie the director Attila did his best in this movie, his work is very natural without any propaganda, we should support new people with creative ideas such as expressing what they really wanna share also with a message to the people from a movie.

Director Attila shared a valuable message through this movie about choices and consequence

political involvement turned thousands of Hollywood movies into effective propaganda so as a freedom of film making we should appreciate people who making their own like director Attila.

Impressive film noir from a promising filmmaker.

[JohnDeSando · 23 August 2023]

When Attila Korosi gets ahold of the film noir tradition, it comes alive in Live and Die in East LA. Beginning with a caterpillar animation, he lets his aud know there is more to the thrills and violence than usual. He adds the figurative value of showing that drug-dealing and murderous dreams can lead to a moth rather than a butterfly.

As his self-named character, Attila, he leads a band of sometimes dense, and in the case of his sister, Anita, just rebellious, relatives and friends into a labyrinth of drug-dealing to rescue her and learn enough to stay out of trouble for a lifetime.

Despite the gritty hell they descend into as they violently try to survive in a deal that will free Anita, Attila amazingly keeps his crew in a more-or-less benign state because next to the skin-headed, tattoo'd bad boys, they do look like angels. In their misguided sense of righteousness, they are nonetheless canny enough to avoid being murdered, in most cases.

One of the blessings of Live and Die is that unlike in other noirs, Korosi has dialogue that can be heard and shots that can be seen. He has not given into the figurative dark shots and mumblecore speech that often robs the aud of seeing and hearing each frame.

As Korosi marches toward success in the independent, thriller mode, he may very well branch off into the more romantic thriller motif, carrying his caterpillar into the butterfly stage, of say, Affleck's The Town or McDonagh's in Bruges. In any case, he has an independent wi8nner in Live and Die in East LA.

Stream It to Believe It

[minutecritic · 9/10 · 11 August 2023]

Movie critics try to evaluate the complete context of a film before putting text to screen. They ask themselves: who made it, what was the motivation, was it successful? In the case of first-time filmmaker Attila Korosi, Live and Die in East L. A. was a success, despite its, at times, indolent dialogue and impuissant performances from two of the main characters: Ishaan Bahri and Korosi himself (which he admitted to of his own acting during Q&As at the Sony Studios premiere).

Korosi's own personal back-story makes watching this film so fun! Thousands of independent directors set out every year to make cinema but few, for example, are capable of funding features with acclaimed actors such as Richard Cabral (Mayans M. C.), Robert LaSardo (The Mule) and Cesar Garcia of Breaking Bad. It is reported that Korosi used his earnings (and charm) from ride-sharing proceeds to co-produce this film - knowing this before watching his complex storyline play out, sets the viewer up for a good time (and don't get me started on the cleaver scene - gasps could be heard in the audience at the theatrical screening I attended)!

Now ask yourself this: how did this unknown writer/actor/director/producer get this film off the ground (shot in difficult-to-access East L. A.) and get it sold even!? The answer is attributed to his talent for using natural charisma to entice pros to work with him - i.e: an Emmy-nominated actor, an Emmy-nominated supervising sound editor, additional music from an award-winning songwriter (who was former staff at Hans Zimmer's music studio no less) and A CAST OF OVER 100 ACTORS!

Maybe this won't win any awards but Korosi has proven himself to be a veteran producer right from the starting line - which is fitting, because he came to the States by utilizing a running scholarship to move from a war-torn country with the dream of making movies in America and he crossed the finish line with an Amazon Prime release - won and (not) done.

Amazing movie

[downernsp · 10/10 · 14 August 2023]

I love seeming our Gente on the big picture. Good story, reminds me of "Perros Amores" great cast. Thank you Attila for believing in our homies, props to the whole cast, and everyone that took part in making it come to life. From the cast to the people behind the lenses THANK YOU ALL! The choices we make in life can be life altering events. Can't wait to see more.. keep up the great work homies and just as a reminder we can achieve anything in life if we concentrate and put in the work. Less talk more action, real homies support homies. We all may not agree but together we all WIN we got this.

Very special!

[RodrigAndrisan · 10/10 · 17 August 2023]

Attila Korosi's film is a production that competes with those big budget films, those films called super productions. It is a film made with a small budget, but it looks like one of those in which a lot of money was invested. And not because of the special super effects, which abound in those Hollywood productions. Attila's movie doesn't have any special effects, you won't see any explosions or anything like that. Instead, you will see exceptional acting performances, both from some professional actors and from others who are not actors. There are some men in this movie who look fiercer and more convincing than in any other Hollywood gangster movie. And that's not because of the impressive tattoos and the fact that they have shaved heads. No, first of all what matters is the level at which the actors live their characters, the way they speak, the way they look, the body language. Robert LaSardo is the most dangerous looking. Followed by Richard Cabral, Lee Coc and Michael Flores. Cesar Garcia is very believable in the role of the trafficker executed in the bathtub, one of the shocking scenes of the film. Another extremely shocking scene is the one where we see how another trafficker's hand is cut off. Anita Korosi, the sister of the character played by Attila, the one because of whom we see almost everything that happens in the film, is a very sexy presence, especially in the scenes where she appears only in a bathing suit. The film is filmed with great attention to detail. The only thing I would have preferred not to be in the movie are the cartoon sequences. Otherwise, the film is a success.

A masterful slice of dark life in LA

[bgstreet57 · 10/10 · 10 August 2023]

I screened this film for a festival a while back and was totally taken by its realism, heart & soul, and grittiness. The characters are engaging and there's an authenticity throughout the film that just feels right. There are twists and turns and in spots it's violent as hell, but this only adds to the veracity of the story. What works here the best is a collision of two separate worlds coming together and the consequences of taking on too much risk. The director is a talent to watch, he's got many more great films coming in his career. This is really cool introduction to a new voice. Check it out.

Must see Movie!!

[kurtsamuel · 10/10 · 11 August 2023]

"Live and Die in East LA" offers a raw and unapologetic portrayal of life on the streets, immersing audiences in a world where survival is a daily battle. Set against the gritty backdrop of East Los Angeles, the film delves into the lives of characters struggling to break free from their circumstances.

The director masterfully crafts an immersive experience, painting a vivid picture of East LA's vibrant culture and stark realities. The film's cinematography beautifully captures both the colorful energy of the streets and the shadowy corners where danger lurks. Intense action sequences and moments of introspection are balanced skillfully, drawing viewers deeper into the characters' lives.

Captivating

[inasanis · 10/10 · 25 August 2023]

Attilla director and writer captivates the audience from beginning to end leaving you on the edge of your seat from start to finish leaving you thinking aboyt the movie even when ended ! At intense experience filled with many metaphors , life choices , animation and thrills ! You leave the movie feeling as though you had a life lesson and felling intrigued and inspired !the movie offers great raw acting that instills every emotion through you while watching ! Visually the film and actors portrayed real life experience , visually excellent ! I would definitely recommend this movie to be seen! This is the ttype of movie you want to see more than once to make sure you grasp every detail and message of tthe movie.

You must check this out!

[prjcgk · 10/10 · 11 August 2023]

You must check this out!

My family and I have enjoyed this film. It was easy to follow and engaging.

What makes this film special is that it stays with you a long time after you finish watching it. This is not a film like you watched it and forgotten. This gives you so much to think about, and it might change your perspective on life. I feel like I learned so much in 90 minutes. Also, it reminded me of things that are so important but easy to forget. I also love that It is beautifully assembled with commercial and arty. The animation and symbols, How he captured animals are amusing. It was brilliant. Live and Die in East LA is extraordinary, especially these days we don't have a film like that anymore.

I will follow his work and can't wait to check out his next project.

What a masterful feature film debut

[lakime-42201 · 10/10 · 10 August 2023]

Attila Korosi's debut feature film, Live and Die in East LA, to me is one of the most remarkable film debuts there is in terms of direction and as an overall film.

Visually the film is very well made and edited. Acting is very good and natural. The story structure is non linear but it was very compelling and easy to follow. There was a reoccurring animation that was just wonderful and it helped to tie the story together. The film is appealing through different generations, my whole family enjoyed it.

The film impressed the hell out of me. It is a life changing experience. I'm looking forward to what the director does next.

Thank you for the great experience!

Brave and realistic movie

[sophiemovieaddict · 10/10 · 6 September 2023]

I watched the movie Live and Die in East LA a few days ago. I approached watching it very cautiously, but I was attracted by the name of the film, which is quite similar to the 1985 classic by director William Friedkin. I was greeted by a huge pleasant surprise, the young director Attila Korosi made his noir thriller-drama with very modest means and the result is surprisingly outstanding. I have to point out the hidden symbolic signs and the surrealistic management of the story where the events are intertwined, and then I didn't even mention the great animation that leads us to an easier understanding of the film. The cast, including Robert Lasardo, fully accepted the director's suggestions and identified with the characters. The dialogues that the director put into the mouths of his actors are brilliant. What impressed me the most in the film were the symbols that the director consciously uses to evoke the following events. One of the most beautiful examples of all this is when Anita leaves the airport with a t-shirt with the image of a corpse's head that emphasizes the 'evil' she carries with her. Another similar example is when Attila is thinking about how to convince his father to let his sister live with him in the US and behind him is a pack of wolves which show the strength and unity he feels towards his family and how protective he really is. I could list more symbols and symbols, but enough to mention only the part of the cat and the mass and the snake with the mass. The film is quite different from current cinema films in that it forces creativity because it gives the viewer the opportunity to understand the film at his own discretion. The director leads us from question to question whether our life is predestined or we are the makers of our own destiny. Questions that have occupied man for thousands of years, such as unfulfilled promises and the case, how they affect an individual, a group of people or the entire human community.

Something about which, in my opinion, I could give a critical assessment is the small use of Anita's character, since she radiates irresistible charm and at the same time is dangerous as hell to herself and to everyone around her.

I also think that the director could have given more space to the great Richard Cabral.

All in all, the debut of the director is, for me, the best thing I've seen on screens in recent times. I believe that the time is coming for such brave and realistic films instead of Hollywood crap and dumbing down the audience with special effects without any good story.

Taking everything into account, due to the courage and the entire content of the film, my rating is the maximum, out of 10, a pure 10.

Blown away by the creativity and the freshness of this film

[farmmarket · 9/10 · 27 December 2023]

I watched this film on Tubi... it was the poster that made me click and give this title a chance... and boy, what a surprise... I was blown away by the creativity and the freshness of this film. Unlike anything I saw. It is an indie film but it was more entertaining than those redundant marvel blockbusters...

It starts out with a black and white animaion which works so well, and the next scene where a sexy girl is posing in the mirror and then the gangs of Los Angeles. It was cinematic, engaging and not once was I bored or confused. It grabs your attention right from the get go and till finish line, woah

This is one of those rare gems that I'll keep recommending to my friends. Thanks for the great expeience!!

A breath of fresh air

[rlarking · 10/10 · 22 April 2024]

A breath of fresh air filled with substance, which so many modern Hollywood movies lack.

The non-linear storytelling captivates from the start, weaving together the lives of diverse characters navigating the uncertainties of existence. Through a series of seemingly random moments, the film delves into the profound impact of choices, chance encounters, and the interconnectedness of lives.

What truly shines is the raw emotion and humanity portrayed on screen. "Live and Die in East LA" is a film that not only entertains but also challenges viewers to reflect on the complexities of the human experience.

Very creative work. I applaud your effort!