Peter Bratt's drama, La Mission, places such a strong emphasis on Machismo that almost caricatures Chicanos. The nearly all-male cast is comprised of wisecracking, cocky hombres with corny expressions, like “just a squirrel trying to get a nut.” Their favorite pastime is parading their lowriders through the city on a Friday night.

Like writer-director Bratt’s (Follow Me Home) previous film, La Mission plays on perceived stereotypes; yet draws the viewer into the main characters emotional lives. There are moments when the story tips towards melodrama. Then, the film takes an abrupt turn as a result of lead actor Benjamin Bratt’s (the director’s older brother) impulsive aggressive acts as Che.

Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell

Che Rivera (Benjamin Bratt) is an ex-con and recovering alcoholic, who now drives straight as a city bus driver for San Francisco’s transit system. The things he is most proud of are his Mexican heritage and his car restorations. But, most of all, he’s full of pride over his son, Jesse (Jeremy Ray Valdez), who will soon be graduating high school and off to UCLA.

Jesse is harboring a secret relationship, with his upper class, white boyfriend, Jordan (Max Rosenak). He’s hiding his homosexuality, not only from his father, but from the macho community of the Mission District as well. Until, one night Che discovers some revealing Polaroid snapshots taken inside a Castro District dance club.

The Thorn Becomes The Flower

Che promptly kicks Jesse out of the house, and there fight takes them out on the street, in front of his Mission District neighborhood. Jesse’s taken in by his aunt and uncle, until his hot-tempered father cools down. Che’s attractive new neighbor, Lena (Erika Alexander) offers him advice to understand and accept his son, who needs him, now more than ever.

The distraught father abandons everything that means anything to him, and returns to the bottle. A near tragedy reveals what Che has to lose by his bull-headed rejection and violent temper. The burden is on Che to repair his relationship with his son.