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Manito is a gripping and emotional drama that explores the lives of a family living in the Washington Heights area of New York City. The film tells the story of two brothers, Junior and Manny, and the struggles they face as they try to navigate the complexities of their neighborhood and their own relationships. Junior is the older brother, and he works hard to support his wife and newborn son. He is determined to rise above the challenges of his neighborhood and provide a better life for his family. Meanwhile, Manny is the younger brother, and he is known for his street smarts and his ability to get things done. Despite being a high school dropout, he is ambitious and sees himself as a rising star in the local drug trade.

As the film unfolds, we see the brothers’ lives take very different paths. Junior’s world is rocked when he is robbed at gunpoint in his own home, and he struggles to make sense of the violence that has come into his life. Manny, on the other hand, finds himself increasingly embroiled in the dangerous world of drug dealing, and he discovers that his ambition may be more of a liability than an asset.

At the heart of Manito is a story about family, and the film explores the complex relationships between siblings as they navigate the challenges of growing up together. Junior and Manny have a complicated history, and their relationship is strained by jealousy, resentment, and a sense of competition. Yet despite these challenges, there is a deep love between the brothers that is palpable throughout the film.

The film also explores the theme of identity, both individual and cultural. Washington Heights is a richly diverse neighborhood, and the characters in Manito come from a variety of backgrounds. The brothers’ mother is Puerto Rican, while their father is African American, and the film explores the ways in which these cultural influences shape their identities and their experiences in the world.

As the film reaches its climax, the tension between Junior and Manny comes to a head in a powerful and emotionally charged scene. Both brothers are forced to confront the choices they have made and the consequences of those choices, and the scene is a testament to the strength of the film’s performances.

Manito is a raw and honest portrayal of life in Washington Heights, and the film’s gritty realism is a testament to the skill of its writer and director, Eric Eason. The film features strong performances from its cast, particularly Leo Minaya as Junior and Franky G as Manny. Jessica Morales also gives a standout performance as Junior’s wife, who is struggling to adjust to life as a new mother.

Overall, Manito is a powerful and deeply affecting film that explores themes of family, identity, and survival. It is a moving tribute to the resilience of the human spirit, and it is a must-see for anyone interested in the complex and often difficult lives of those living in urban areas like Washington Heights.

Manito is a 2002 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 71.