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Walk Proud is a 1979 movie directed by Robert L. Collins and starring Robby Benson, Sarah Holcomb, and Henry Darrow. Set in the Latino community of East Los Angeles, the film portrays the difficulties faced by young men growing up in poverty and struggling to find their place in society. The protagonist of Walk Proud is a young man named J.J. (Robby Benson), who lives with his mother and two younger sisters in a run-down apartment complex. J.J. dreams of a better life for himself and his family but feels trapped by his circumstances. He works at a gas station and spends his evenings cruising the streets with his friends, getting into fights and causing trouble.

When J.J.'s best friend is killed in a gang-related incident, J.J. and his friends decide to form their own gang, called the Street Sweepers, in order to protect themselves and their neighborhood. However, their efforts quickly spiral out of control as they become embroiled in a deadly power struggle with a rival gang.

Meanwhile, J.J. begins to develop a romantic relationship with a young woman named Rosa (Sarah Holcomb) who works at a local bookstore. Rosa is intelligent and ambitious, and J.J. is immediately drawn to her. However, their relationship is threatened by the growing conflict between the Street Sweepers and their rivals.

As the tension between the two gangs escalates, J.J. finds himself becoming increasingly disillusioned with the life of a gang member. He begins to question whether the violence and criminal activity of the Street Sweepers is really the answer to his problems. Meanwhile, Rosa encourages him to pursue his dreams and leave behind the dangerous world of gangs.

One of the strengths of Walk Proud is its realistic portrayal of life in East Los Angeles in the late 1970s. The film is set against the backdrop of poverty, racism, and social injustice, which heightens the sense of desperation felt by J.J. and his friends. The performances by the actors are also noteworthy, particularly Robby Benson as J.J. Despite being a white actor playing a Latino character, Benson manages to capture the raw emotion and intensity of his character's journey.

The themes of Walk Proud are timeless and universal, making the film just as relevant today as it was in 1979. The movie raises important questions about the role of gangs in marginalized communities, the impact of poverty on young people, and the power of love and ambition to overcome adversity.

Overall, Walk Proud is a powerful and thought-provoking movie that deftly explores the struggles facing young people growing up in an environment of poverty and violence. With its strong performances, realistic portrayal of East Los Angeles, and universal themes, Walk Proud is a movie that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.

Walk Proud is a 1979 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4.