"A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints" The Limited Edition DVD Review by Peter Dimako, Editor.
Powerful and impressive, “A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints” marks one of the best directorial debuts one can find. Dito Montiel, writer of the book, adapts and helms this gritty, well-acted and touching story based on his own life.
It’s been three years since the film won both the Directing Award (Dramatic) and the Special Jury Prize for the best ensemble performance.
“Saints” follows the life of young and older Dito with Shia LaBeouf and Robert Downey Jr. sharing the lead. It’s 2005 and Dieto (Downey Jr.) is asked to talk about his wonderful new book, taking viewers back to Astoria, Queens, N.Y., 1986 in one of the toughest neighborhoods (brought to life with ease by Montiel).
Young Dito (LaBeouf) and best friends Antonio (Channing Tatum) and Nerf (Peter Anthony Tambakis) go by their every-day existence with, at first impression, no apparent fear. As time moves through, character’s emotions are revealed.
Young Angelo is a physically abused teen, making his way through life the only way he know how, with his fists. He’s the older brother to Guiseppe (Adam Scarimbolo), another troubled one who’s constantly hitting the booze and relieving himself in public areas.
Nerf is just stuck there, trying to make it through the days hoping things will improve and knowing that he’s his mother’s shame as she hurtfully tries to hide from him in public.
Dito yearns, more than anything, to be heard by his father Monty (Chazz Palminteri) and yearns to escape from this hellhole to California. Clearly Monty thinks more of Angelo, oftentimes inviting him in and adding his name to every situation as a fix it man, a boy who can get it done.
Each of these young characters briefly introduces themselves from Dito saying that he’ll leave everyone to Angelo calling himself a piece of sh#t.
Dito’s romantic interest is Laurie (Melonie Diaz), a girl trying to support her young love who’s oftentimes snubbed in doing so.
In the youths’ lives events unfold both brutal and sad, from run-ins with a Puerto-Rican thug called ‘Reaper’ to two tragic events, one of which involves Giuseppe.
In the older Dito, we see a scarred man asked to come home by his friends and mother and take his ill father to the hospital. Once home Dito finds Laurie has a child and his relationship with his father is once again, a tough battle after being brushed off as a disgrace after so long a time.
At times, one feels that there’s too much unnecessary dialogue that would refer more to the romance between Dito and Laurie and running time drags. Still, if you stick it through, the entire presentation is so worthwhile.
The Steelbook Limited Edition contains the following special features:
Well-designed packaging oozes collectability and DVD features are insightful and abundant. Well done.
1. Director & Editor Commentary
2. Alternate Opening & Endings
3. Deleted Scenes
4. Making Of Documentary
5. Additional Never Before Seen Material
6. Previews
Audio: 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound
Subtitles: Spanish
Closed Captioned