Character 174 – Sad Girl (Mi Vida Loca)
This is “Sad Girl” played by actor Angel Aviles. From the relationship with her sister, Ernesto, her friendship and rivalry with Mousie, and her place as a Loca; Sad girl carries the film. I love when she’s shy, tough, and a friend, and mama she portrays as Sad Girl. One of my favorite scenes is when she invites Mousie to go to McDonalds, when she tells the guys in River valley their drinks taste like shit, or when she is calm even when Mousie is getting on her nerves. Angel Aviles is an accomplished actor who has been in several films and tv shows. She’s a mom, and an author who has made it her mission to help young women as a life coach!
On the film: The year was 1993 and writer/director Allison Anders film had just released. I was staying with my Dad in Hayward Ca (Bay Area) and we went to the movies to see it. Being that there were so few portrayals of young Latin@ people, families, or communities I was super juiced to see the film! It reminded me of Chicanos in Berkeley at the time. I remember loving it and arguing with my Dad who is from LA and did not love it. He argued that it was a stereotypical gang life portrayal of Chicanos in Echo Park. But, I felt it was a loving portrait that showed pain, love, sorrow, relationships, and triumph. 30 years later I belive the film still stands up and the messages about sisterhood, female empowerment, the dangers of tribal warfare (gangs), machismo, and even class still ring true. Have you seen it? Comment below w/ your favorite line?
About me: My name is Robert Liu-Trujillo. I’m a mixed kid-Black, Korean, Mexican, and Apache. And I’m an author/artist from the Bay Area. My most recent book is “Fresh Juice/ Jugo Fresco”. Nice to meet you.
Dig this? Check out my throwback drawings of three characters from the 80s film “Stand and Deliver”
