Details
In A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints, Dito, a writer living in Los Angeles, receives a call from his mother informing him that his father is seriously ill. This news prompts Dito to return to his childhood neighborhood of Astoria, Queens, after being away for fifteen years. The film takes the audience on a journey through various flashbacks, exploring Dito's upbringing and his relationships with his parents, his four closest friends, and his girlfriend Laurie.
As the story unfolds, the characters grapple with complex themes such as family dynamics, racial tensions, loyalty, sexual experiences, and the challenges of growing up. Violence and a desire for escape also play significant roles in their lives. One particular incident involving a ball falling onto subway tracks leads to a series of escalating events that test the characters' limits.
Amidst the turmoil, the central question looms: Can Dito truly go back to the place he once called home? This heartfelt and poignant film showcases the struggles and complexities of life in an urban environment and highlights the impact of one's roots on their sense of identity.
A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints provides an intimate portrayal of personal and societal struggles, making it a compelling and thought-provoking watch that will resonate with viewers.
