WOW--wasn't prepared for such a well conceived, well cast and well executed, and truly ambitious movie. Reminded me less of "mean streets" and more of the gritty dogme films like Dancer in the Dark and Celebration, etc. It certainly ain't for everyone. But--then truly interesting films usually divide audiences. This is uncomercial moviemaking at its most heartfelt.

A nice movie that (based on all the reviews) i thought was going to be another drug flick. But there are no drugs in this film at all, whatsoever. Its really about former drug dealers. Strange that the film with as much integrity as this would market itself as a drug movie. Must make it seem more commercial. This ain't a commercial flick. But its a damn good one.

Slow beginning. incredible middle. devestating ending. Give it an 8. Would have been higher but the flick is too short (only 89 minutes) I wanted more film!!!!

solid little movie, sort of like "girlfight" or movie like "real women have curves". It points the spotlight at a world we rarely see in movies. Frankie G. is a Domincan God to be worshiped!

Fantastic first film. Totally distinct. A great director has landed. Dying to see his next film!

So much of this film is mastery. If it wasn't for the devastatingly bleak ending in which all hope is vanquished, I would give it a 10...Here is director to keep an eye on.

Mean streets meets rasing victor vargas...A very sad film that made me cry during the graduation party.

A very dynamic and original dv film in the traditon of "The Idiots" and "Dancer in the Dark"....The influence of Von Trier is blatently apparent. In a good sense. I recommend it to those open to altenative cinema and affionados of the Dogme 95 movement.

A classical story told in a highly unique visual style. Imagine a Greek tragedy set in Spanglish. The lingo of the street. An amazing work of art that will stand the test of time. Thoroughly unsentimental yet thoroughly EMOTIONALLY potent and deeply moving film. If you don't cry watching this film, you haven't a soul.

A power house that builds and builds and builds to an ending that doesn't live up to the tremendous build up. Yet despite its flaws this is a very good film. Wouldn't be surprised to see it on several Top Ten Lists at year's end.

"Latin in Manhanhattan" a tiny movie that packs a mighty punch that will leave you emotionally knocked out. Great use of alternating Spanish-English dialogue--totally the way it is in the raw.

you don't gotta be a latino to love this movie!

A startling good first film. Remarkable use of real locations embue the tale with the full flavor of a Manhattan neighborhood rarely depicted in film.

Powerful and devastating glimpse of life in the NYC Washington Heights Latino community.

Left me wanting more!

Heartbreaking story! Loved it.

Possibly the best indie film that i've seen in the last few years. Very moving.

I liked this movie as much as any film i've seen over the last year. It has a tremendous soul. Its so honest and revealing of the community it depicts. The actors are magnificent. Manny is so adorable! Cuter than Leonardo DiCaprio is his tiny bopper days!

Audicious direction; at times brilliant, at times, forced. But really compelling, wrenching story. On the surface it sounds like the same ole good boy gets in trouble. But in the handling, its anything but a cliche. The actors are amatuers. Just regular folk from the 'hood. (This is a blessing in disguise because the story would bever work with stars.) Manito is work of fiction similar to "Hoop Dreams". It elevates and illuminates the dreams of the lower classes and makes them universally understandable to all. A very strong movie. … Expand

Simultaneously the worst looking film and the best "feeling" film of the year. Strange, but the poor images help color the Puerto Rican Barrio. Help you believe that the story is the real deal. I wouldn't want all movies to look like this but for this subject matter it worked just fine. The acting is stellar as is the editing and the decisions to withhold violence until the very end of the film. Give it a 9 overall.… Expand