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WWSS is no longer a trope
Deleted line(s) 197 (click to see context) :
* WhoWearsShortShorts: The default attire for Laurie, Jenny and Diane. When Dito's narration sets the scene, he even references the hot pants for Laurie and Diane.
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Deleted line(s) 33,35 (click to see context) :
* AdultFear:
** Your son frequently spends hours out in the middle of the night and comes home with cuts and bruises on his face. He ultimately runs away and disappears for fifteen years.
** [[spoiler: A child dying from playing around on the train tracks]].
** Your son frequently spends hours out in the middle of the night and comes home with cuts and bruises on his face. He ultimately runs away and disappears for fifteen years.
** [[spoiler: A child dying from playing around on the train tracks]].
Added DiffLines:
* TheRunaway: Dito frequently spends hours out in the middle of the night and comes home with cuts and bruises on his face. He ultimately runs away and disappears for fifteen years.
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* TheCobblersChildrenHaveNoShoes: Monti is a surrogate father to Antonio and looks out for him repeatedly. However, he's hopelessly out of touch with what his own son wants and needs.
* DramaticIrony: Monti whispering "your dad is not stupid" in Antonio's ear is accompanied by a scene of Antonio's father beating him up.
* DueToTheDead: Although Diane hated Giuseppe, she attends his funeral and can be seen looking very sombre.
* ExpositoryHairstyleChange:
** Present day Dito's hair is worn pushed back when he's feeling confident or guarded. When he has to get vulnerable - his talk with Laurie and the "did you love me or not" scene with Monti - it's in his eyes.
** Antonio's hair having grown to shoulder length helps code him being kinder in the future.
** Laurie's hair shortening in adulthood is accompanied by a lot more bluntness and wisdom.
** Present day Dito's hair is worn pushed back when he's feeling confident or guarded. When he has to get vulnerable - his talk with Laurie and the "did you love me or not" scene with Monti - it's in his eyes.
** Antonio's hair having grown to shoulder length helps code him being kinder in the future.
** Laurie's hair shortening in adulthood is accompanied by a lot more bluntness and wisdom.
* {{Hypocrite}}: Diane is annoyed at Giuseppe throwing a knife at her (well technically just in her direction) when she had thrown things at other people on the street, and even threw a bottle at a gang member.
Changed line(s) 117 (click to see context) from:
* MaleFrontalNudity: Giuseppe from afar in a scene early in the film.
to:
* LimitedWardrobe: Both the brothers, possibly to show how neglectful their father is.
** Antonio always wears the same green shirt worn open with baggy pants, except for his {{Shirtless Scene}}s and wearing a slightly less tatty white shirt at Giuseppe's funeral.
** Giuseppe only wears a white t-shirt or the blue one.
* MaleFrontalNudity: Giuseppe from afar in a scene early in thefilm.film - where he walks around naked outside the school.
** Antonio always wears the same green shirt worn open with baggy pants, except for his {{Shirtless Scene}}s and wearing a slightly less tatty white shirt at Giuseppe's funeral.
** Giuseppe only wears a white t-shirt or the blue one.
* MaleFrontalNudity: Giuseppe from afar in a scene early in the
* MeaningfulRename: Mike initially introduces himself as 'Mick' to Dito, suggesting that's what he was called back in Scotland, but then changes to Mike.
* MomentKiller: Jenny and Antonio's quickie in the stairwell is killed both by Jenny burning herself off the radiator, and Giuseppe walking in on them.
Changed line(s) 141 (click to see context) from:
* RaceLift: The real Laurie was white, but is Puerto Rican in the film.
to:
* RaceLift: RaceLift:
** The real Laurie was white, but is Puerto Rican in thefilm.film.
** The other way around with Nerf. In real life he was a brown-skinned Dominican, but is played by a white guy. A line in the film however does say his father is Dominican, suggesting he's either adopted or white passing (as we never see his mother).
** The real Laurie was white, but is Puerto Rican in the
** The other way around with Nerf. In real life he was a brown-skinned Dominican, but is played by a white guy. A line in the film however does say his father is Dominican, suggesting he's either adopted or white passing (as we never see his mother).
Changed line(s) 182 (click to see context) from:
** Laurie's friends Jenny and Diane are shown as part of the group early on, but they disappear after Giuseppe throws a knife at Diane. They're last seen with Laurie at the pool, but nothing is said about what becomes of them.
to:
** Laurie's friends Jenny and Diane are shown as part of the group early on, but they disappear after Giuseppe throws a knife at Diane.Diane (besides a brief appearance at the funeral). They're last seen with Laurie at the pool, but nothing is said about what becomes of them.
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Changed line(s) 13,14 (click to see context) from:
The film stars Creator/RobertDowneyJr as the older Dito - right before his CareerResurrection as Film/IronMan. Creator/ShiaLaBeouf stars as the teenage Dito - right before his StarMakingRole in the ''{{Franchise/Transformers}}''. Creator/ChanningTatum stars as Antonio - right before his own StarMakingRole in ''Film/StepUp''. Creator/MelonieDiaz stars as Laurie - right before her StarMakingRole in ''Film/BeKindRewind''. Chaz Palminteri, Creator/DianneWiest and Creator/RosarioDawson (who [[RunningGag were already stars]]) also feature as Dito's parents, and the older Laurie respectively.
to:
The film stars Creator/RobertDowneyJr as the older Dito - right before his CareerResurrection as Film/IronMan. Creator/ShiaLaBeouf stars as the teenage Dito - right before his StarMakingRole in the ''{{Franchise/Transformers}}''. Creator/ChanningTatum stars as Antonio - right before his own StarMakingRole in ''Film/StepUp''. Creator/MelonieDiaz stars as Laurie - right before her StarMakingRole in ''Film/BeKindRewind''. Chaz Chazz Palminteri, Creator/DianneWiest and Creator/RosarioDawson (who [[RunningGag were already stars]]) also feature as Dito's parents, and the older Laurie respectively.
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Changed line(s) 13,14 (click to see context) from:
The film stars Creator/RobertDowneyJr as the older Dito - right before his CareerResurrection as ''Film/IronMan''. Creator/ShiaLaBeouf stars as the teenage Dito - right before his StarMakingRole in the ''{{Franchise/Transformers}}''. Creator/ChanningTatum stars as Antonio - right before his own StarMakingRole in ''Film/StepUp''. Creator/MelonieDiaz stars as Laurie - right before her StarMakingRole in ''Film/BeKindRewind''. Chaz Palminteri, Creator/DianneWiest and Creator/RosarioDawson (who [[RunningGag were already stars]]) also feature as Dito's parents, and the older Laurie respectively.
to:
The film stars Creator/RobertDowneyJr as the older Dito - right before his CareerResurrection as ''Film/IronMan''.Film/IronMan. Creator/ShiaLaBeouf stars as the teenage Dito - right before his StarMakingRole in the ''{{Franchise/Transformers}}''. Creator/ChanningTatum stars as Antonio - right before his own StarMakingRole in ''Film/StepUp''. Creator/MelonieDiaz stars as Laurie - right before her StarMakingRole in ''Film/BeKindRewind''. Chaz Palminteri, Creator/DianneWiest and Creator/RosarioDawson (who [[RunningGag were already stars]]) also feature as Dito's parents, and the older Laurie respectively.
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Latino Is Brown has been tightened
to refer to when all Latinos are brown, or when someone thinks they are. Single-character examples fit in Phenotype Stereotype and Averted Trope examples should not be listed unless notable.
to refer to when all Latinos are brown, or when someone thinks they are. Single-character examples fit in Phenotype Stereotype and Averted Trope examples should not be listed unless notable.Deleted line(s) 116,118 (click to see context) :
* LatinoIsBrown:
** Averted with the Puerto Rican characters - all of whom have varying skin tones. While Laurie fits the stereotypical image of 'light brown skin, black hair', she's actually played by two actress with Puerto Rican heritage (although Rosario Dawson is part Cuban too).
** Likewise averted with Nerf, who's said to be of mixed Dominican ancestry, and has fair hair.
** Averted with the Puerto Rican characters - all of whom have varying skin tones. While Laurie fits the stereotypical image of 'light brown skin, black hair', she's actually played by two actress with Puerto Rican heritage (although Rosario Dawson is part Cuban too).
** Likewise averted with Nerf, who's said to be of mixed Dominican ancestry, and has fair hair.
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None
* CerebusRetcon: Monty's speech of "you want China, you go to Chinatown" is first said as a playful jab at the teens. Later he says it in a far more dramatic scene when Dito tries to tell him he wants to leave.
* IHaveNoSon: Not spoken outright but it's strongly implied that this is how Dito and Monti left things right before Dito went to California.
Deleted line(s) 106,109 (click to see context) :
* IHaveNoSon: Not spoken outright but it's strongly implied that this is how Dito and Monti left things right before Dito went to California.
* IronicEcho: Monti's lecture about Antonio not having anyone to tell him they love him first happens [[spoiler: as Monti is invoking ItsAllAboutMe which drives Dito to finally leave town]]. It is replayed in a much kinder light, as AnAesop [[spoiler: just as Dito visits Antonio in prison]].
* IShouldWriteABookAboutThis: The film starts as Dito has already finished his book and he's at a reading of it.
* ItsAllAboutMe: Monti frequently tries to make his arguments with Dito all about him. Notably when Dito is trying to tell him that [[spoiler: Mike was just shot dead]], Monti is more concerned with reprimanding him for raising his voice.
* IronicEcho: Monti's lecture about Antonio not having anyone to tell him they love him first happens [[spoiler: as Monti is invoking ItsAllAboutMe which drives Dito to finally leave town]]. It is replayed in a much kinder light, as AnAesop [[spoiler: just as Dito visits Antonio in prison]].
* IShouldWriteABookAboutThis: The film starts as Dito has already finished his book and he's at a reading of it.
* ItsAllAboutMe: Monti frequently tries to make his arguments with Dito all about him. Notably when Dito is trying to tell him that [[spoiler: Mike was just shot dead]], Monti is more concerned with reprimanding him for raising his voice.
* InformedAttribute:
** In her fourth wall breaking, Diane says "I like to fuck", but she otherwise never displays any promiscuous tendencies. It's actually Jenny who has a brief sex scene.
** Jenny likewise says "everybody in this place is a fucking joke", implying she hates everyone. But she gets on better with the boys than Diane; she's not bothered by Giuseppe's taunts and stays at the party when he throws a knife at Diane.
* IronicEcho: Monti's lecture about Antonio not having anyone to tell him they love him first happens [[spoiler: as Monti is invoking ItsAllAboutMe which drives Dito to finally leave town]]. It is replayed in a much kinder light, as AnAesop [[spoiler: just as Dito visits Antonio in prison]].
* ItsAllAboutMe: Monti frequently tries to make his arguments with Dito all about him. Notably when Dito is trying to tell him that [[spoiler: Mike was just shot dead]], Monti is more concerned with reprimanding him for raising his voice.
** In her fourth wall breaking, Diane says "I like to fuck", but she otherwise never displays any promiscuous tendencies. It's actually Jenny who has a brief sex scene.
** Jenny likewise says "everybody in this place is a fucking joke", implying she hates everyone. But she gets on better with the boys than Diane; she's not bothered by Giuseppe's taunts and stays at the party when he throws a knife at Diane.
* IronicEcho: Monti's lecture about Antonio not having anyone to tell him they love him first happens [[spoiler: as Monti is invoking ItsAllAboutMe which drives Dito to finally leave town]]. It is replayed in a much kinder light, as AnAesop [[spoiler: just as Dito visits Antonio in prison]].
* ItsAllAboutMe: Monti frequently tries to make his arguments with Dito all about him. Notably when Dito is trying to tell him that [[spoiler: Mike was just shot dead]], Monti is more concerned with reprimanding him for raising his voice.
* LatinoIsBrown:
** Averted with the Puerto Rican characters - all of whom have varying skin tones. While Laurie fits the stereotypical image of 'light brown skin, black hair', she's actually played by two actress with Puerto Rican heritage (although Rosario Dawson is part Cuban too).
** Likewise averted with Nerf, who's said to be of mixed Dominican ancestry, and has fair hair.
** Averted with the Puerto Rican characters - all of whom have varying skin tones. While Laurie fits the stereotypical image of 'light brown skin, black hair', she's actually played by two actress with Puerto Rican heritage (although Rosario Dawson is part Cuban too).
** Likewise averted with Nerf, who's said to be of mixed Dominican ancestry, and has fair hair.
Changed line(s) 121 (click to see context) from:
* MyBelovedSmother: Monty is a rare male example. It's strongly hinted that the reason he didn't want Dito to go anywhere is because he viewed him as a best friend rather than a son.
to:
* MyBelovedSmother: Monty Monti is a rare male example. It's strongly hinted that the reason he didn't want Dito to go anywhere is because he viewed him as a best friend rather than a son.
Added DiffLines:
* RealityIsUnrealistic: When Dito says Nerf's father is black, he counters that he's Dominican. Although the majority of the Dominican Republic are descended from African slaves (the average Dominican is 40% West African), they do have a history of downplaying their African heritage - preferring to call themselves ''trigueños'' (mestizos) or even 'Indians'. What with the film being made by one of Nerf's close friends in real life, presumably this was intentional.
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* YoungerThanTheyLook: Flori alludes to people occasionally thinking Monti was Dito's ''grandfather''.
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Changed line(s) 13,14 (click to see context) from:
The film stars Creator/RobertDowneyJr as the older Dito - right before his CareerResurrection as ''Film/IronMan''. Creator/ShiaLaBeouf stars as the teenage Dito - right before his StarMakingRole in the ''{{Franchise/Transformers}}''. Creator/ChanningTatum stars as Dito's best friend Antonio - right before his own StarMakingRole in ''Film/StepUp''. Chaz Palminteri and Creator/DianneWiest (who [[RunningGag were already stars]]) also feature as Dito's parents.
to:
The film stars Creator/RobertDowneyJr as the older Dito - right before his CareerResurrection as ''Film/IronMan''. Creator/ShiaLaBeouf stars as the teenage Dito - right before his StarMakingRole in the ''{{Franchise/Transformers}}''. Creator/ChanningTatum stars as Dito's best friend Antonio - right before his own StarMakingRole in ''Film/StepUp''. Creator/MelonieDiaz stars as Laurie - right before her StarMakingRole in ''Film/BeKindRewind''. Chaz Palminteri and Palminteri, Creator/DianneWiest and Creator/RosarioDawson (who [[RunningGag were already stars]]) also feature as Dito's parents.
parents, and the older Laurie respectively.
** Dialogue in the present day suggests that Nerf's mother is emotionally abusive; trying to hide from her son on the street.
* ActuallyPrettyFunny: A very stoned Dito tells Laurie "I'm just gonna lick your pussy". She clearly finds this hilarious, and reminds Dito that her mother can overhear them.
* ActuallyPrettyFunny: A very stoned Dito tells Laurie "I'm just gonna lick your pussy". She clearly finds this hilarious, and reminds Dito that her mother can overhear them.
Changed line(s) 24 (click to see context) from:
* AdaptationRelationshipOverhaul: Monti and Flori eventually divorced in real life, but still appear to be married in the 2000s portions.
to:
* AdaptationRelationshipOverhaul: Monti and Flori eventually divorced in real life, but still appear to be married in the 2000s portions. There is however a flashback scene in which Flori is seen walking out of the house after an argument with Monti - so they could be divorced in the present day too.
* BalconyWooingScene: Parodied. Dito climbs up Laurie's fire escape while incredibly stoned, his 'wooing' amounts to saying "I'm gonna lick your pussy" and it's unclear if he actually meant it when he said "I love you".
* FanDisservice:
** The famous literal walking shirtless scene from Antonio is less titillating in context - as he's breaking the fourth wall and admitting what a "piece of shit" he is.
** Dito at one point is shirtless in the shower...as he's traumatized by [[spoiler: Mike getting shot]] and has a blazing row with his father.
** Jenny's topless scene is decidedly unglamorous due to the QuestionableConsent and how uncomfortable it appears to be between them.
** The famous literal walking shirtless scene from Antonio is less titillating in context - as he's breaking the fourth wall and admitting what a "piece of shit" he is.
** Dito at one point is shirtless in the shower...as he's traumatized by [[spoiler: Mike getting shot]] and has a blazing row with his father.
** Jenny's topless scene is decidedly unglamorous due to the QuestionableConsent and how uncomfortable it appears to be between them.
** In the present, a phone call with the real Antonio is heard where he says he can't do anything for Monti where he is. [[spoiler: He means he's in prison]].
Changed line(s) 97 (click to see context) from:
* IdealisedSex: Averted. Antonio and Jenny try to do it in the stairwell, but Jenny burns herself on the radiator. She's also reluctant to do it because she's all sweaty.
to:
* IdealisedSex: Averted. Antonio and Jenny try to do it in the stairwell, but Jenny burns herself on the radiator. She's also reluctant to do it because she's all sweaty. And she repeatedly growls "you better not fucking cum in me!"
Changed line(s) 117 (click to see context) from:
* NiceMeanAndInBetween: The three girls. Laurie (nice), Diane (mean) and Jenny (in-between).
to:
* NiceMeanAndInBetween: NiceMeanAndInBetween:
** The three girls. Laurie(nice), is the sweet, grounded love interest. Diane (mean) is foul-mouthed, combative and drops the odd racial slur. Jenny (in-between).is cynical and a little ball-busting, but gets on with the boys better than her friends.
** Dito's group too. He and Mike are nice and responsible, Antonio and Giuseppe are violent delinquents, and Nerf is involved in gang activities but not outwardly mean.
** The three girls. Laurie
** Dito's group too. He and Mike are nice and responsible, Antonio and Giuseppe are violent delinquents, and Nerf is involved in gang activities but not outwardly mean.
* PoliticallyCorrectHistory: Downplayed. The more antagonistic characters use words considered slurs in the 2000s that the more sympathetic characters appear to be uncomfortable with. Mike in particular is uncomfortable with Antonio's homophobia - when 'faggot' would not have been considered as offensive in the 80s.
* ShoutOut: Dito telling his girlfriend he loves her happens when he [[Theatre/RomeoAndJuliet climbs up on a makeshift balcony]]. For added bonus, they're StarCrossedLovers in New York, involved in gang violence and the boy is [[Theatre/WestSideStory white Italian while the girl is Puerto Rican]].
* StarCrossedLovers: Dito and Laurie are a downplayed example - in that they hang around together, have a clear attraction and Dito says he loves her. But her presence creates conflict in Dito's life, as she's Puerto Rican and he's currently being terrorized by Puerto Rican gang members. Dito's inability to admit his feelings for her while sober just drives them further apart. They reunite in the present day but it's left open whether they'll try again. Even worse - in real life, Laurie died before Dito got to reconnect with her.
Changed line(s) 158 (click to see context) from:
** Laurie is a Type B. She's usually calm and composed, but certain things will provoke her to get a bit angrier.
to:
** Laurie is a Type B. She's usually calm and composed, but certain things will provoke her to get a bit angrier. Notably in the window scene, she appears to be grinning when she sees Dito has come to see her, but immediately pretends to be angry with him.
Added DiffLines:
* WouldHurtAChild: Antonio antagonises The Reaper's little brother, and is implied to hit him - we're given a GoryDiscretionShot and the sound of trash cans crashing, suggesting he could have just kicked the can and scared the boy off.
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Added DiffLines:
* AnachronismStew: Ignoring the liberties Dito Montiel took with his own story, we have a couple in the flashbacks to the 80s.
** American flags can be seen next to the subway windows. These weren't added in until after 9/11 in 2001. Additionally a 9/11 conspiracy flyer can be seen in one shot.
** Additionally, the shot from the subway showing the rooftops of New York shows lots of modern cell phone towers.
** The red hand/green hand lights can be seen at the pedestrian crossings. In the 80s, they were still using the 'Walk/Don't Walk' lights.
** The store where [[spoiler: Antonio beats the Reaper to death]] is selling Listerine Pocketpacks breath strips. These weren't on the market until the 2000s.
** Dito and Mike walk by Mama's Food Shop on the way to Frank's. This didn't open until 1995.
** A Verizon pay phone can be seen when Frank is walking with Dito and Mike. Verizon didn't set up until 2000.
** American flags can be seen next to the subway windows. These weren't added in until after 9/11 in 2001. Additionally a 9/11 conspiracy flyer can be seen in one shot.
** Additionally, the shot from the subway showing the rooftops of New York shows lots of modern cell phone towers.
** The red hand/green hand lights can be seen at the pedestrian crossings. In the 80s, they were still using the 'Walk/Don't Walk' lights.
** The store where [[spoiler: Antonio beats the Reaper to death]] is selling Listerine Pocketpacks breath strips. These weren't on the market until the 2000s.
** Dito and Mike walk by Mama's Food Shop on the way to Frank's. This didn't open until 1995.
** A Verizon pay phone can be seen when Frank is walking with Dito and Mike. Verizon didn't set up until 2000.
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* AdaptationRelationshipOverhaul: Monti and Flori eventually divorced in real life, but still appear to be married in the 2000s portions.
* AmbiguouslyBrown: Jenny doesn't appear to be the same race as her friends Laurie and Diane - who are both played by Latina actresses and come from the Puerto Rican neighborhood. Eleonore Hendricks however is mixed Native American, so it's unclear if Jenny is the same race as her actress, a tanned white girl or a fairer skinned Puerto Rican (she in fact couldn't play Laurie because she didn't have the same background as Rosario Dawson). [[TakeAThirdOption Or perhaps all three]].
* BroadStrokes: Ironically enough, given that it's based off the director's own memoirs, but a lot of characters are combined, some are killed off and others spared. It's more loosely inspired by his real experiences.
* HilariousOuttakes: The end credits have some set to "Back in the New York Groove". They contain some shots of the adult Nerf and Antonio that didn't make the final cut.
* MythologyGag: Dito in the 80s portions says a couple of times that he'd like to start a band. In real life he was part of a punk rock band for a while.
* TheOner: The end credits has a long take of Antonio, Dito, Nerf and Giuseppe walking down the street - where Laurie, Jenny and Diane can be seen looking at them in the background.
Changed line(s) 118 (click to see context) from:
** The real Monty and Dito cameo in TheStinger.
to:
** The real Monty Monti and Dito cameo in TheStinger.
Changed line(s) 124 (click to see context) from:
* RunningGag: People frequently mistake Laurie for a swimmer when she only works at the pool.
to:
* RunningGag: People frequently mistake Laurie for a swimmer when she only works at the pool. When Dito reunites with her, he calls out "hey, didn't you use to be a swimmer?"
Changed line(s) 154 (click to see context) from:
* WhoWearsShortShorts: The default attire for Laurie, Jenny and Diane.
to:
* WhoWearsShortShorts: The default attire for Laurie, Jenny and Diane. When Dito's narration sets the scene, he even references the hot pants for Laurie and Diane.
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Changed line(s) 154 (click to see context) from:
* WhoWearsShortShorts: The default attire for Laurie, Jenny and Diane.
to:
* WhoWearsShortShorts: The default attire for Laurie, Jenny and Diane.Diane.
----
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"Fun Facts" are trivia, not part of a work.
Deleted line(s) 15,16 (click to see context) :
Fun fact - it's also the favourite movie of Creator/LiamHemsworth.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Casting Gag is a scenario where an entire role mirrors/parodies an entire previous role or RL situation of the actor. A conscious casting choice can be assumed.
Added DiffLines:
* CastingGag: Creator/RosarioDawson plays a character who dies of AIDS (although they're still alive by movie's end). They had previously played a character in ''{{Theatre/RENT}}'' who also died from AIDS.
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Changed line(s) 13,14 (click to see context) from:
The film stars Creator/RobertDowneyJr as the older Dito - right before his CareerResurrection as ''Film/IronMan''. Creator/ShiaLaBeouf stars as the teenage Dito - right before his StarMakingRole in the ''{{Franchise/Transformers}}''. Creator/ChanningTatum stars as Dito's best friend Antonio - right before his own StarMakingRole in ''Film/StepUp''. Chaz Palminteri and Dianne Wiest (who [[RunningGag were already stars]]) also feature as Dito's parents.
to:
The film stars Creator/RobertDowneyJr as the older Dito - right before his CareerResurrection as ''Film/IronMan''. Creator/ShiaLaBeouf stars as the teenage Dito - right before his StarMakingRole in the ''{{Franchise/Transformers}}''. Creator/ChanningTatum stars as Dito's best friend Antonio - right before his own StarMakingRole in ''Film/StepUp''. Chaz Palminteri and Dianne Wiest Creator/DianneWiest (who [[RunningGag were already stars]]) also feature as Dito's parents.
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* PoliticallyIncorrectVillain: Antonio is racist towards Puerto Ricans and homophobic.
Changed line(s) 116 (click to see context) from:
* RealPersonCameo: During a phone conversation between Dito and Antonio in the present, the real Antonio is the one speaking. If you listen closely to Dito's words, it's not Robert Downey Jr speaking.
to:
* RealPersonCameo: RealPersonCameo:
** During a phone conversation between Dito and Antonio in the present, the real Antonio is the one speaking. If you listen closely to Dito's words, it's not Robert Downey Jrspeaking.speaking.
** The real Monty and Dito cameo in TheStinger.
** During a phone conversation between Dito and Antonio in the present, the real Antonio is the one speaking. If you listen closely to Dito's words, it's not Robert Downey Jr
** The real Monty and Dito cameo in TheStinger.
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Added DiffLines:
* AnguishedDeclarationOfLove: Dito (while stoned) declares his love for Laurie right after he's said "I want to lick your pussy".
Added DiffLines:
* BeautyBrainsAndBrawn: Laurie (beauty), Jenny (brains) and Diane (brawn).
Added DiffLines:
* FriendVersusLover: Twice in the movie Dito has to choose between helping Antonio or staying with Laurie. Both times he chooses Antonio.
Added DiffLines:
* GoneSwimmingClothesStolen: In one of the final flashback scenes, Diane has gone swimming topless and some boy called Ronnie has stolen it.
Added DiffLines:
* MyBelovedSmother: Monty is a rare male example. It's strongly hinted that the reason he didn't want Dito to go anywhere is because he viewed him as a best friend rather than a son.
Added DiffLines:
* NiceMeanAndInBetween: The three girls. Laurie (nice), Diane (mean) and Jenny (in-between).
Added DiffLines:
* RealPersonCameo: During a phone conversation between Dito and Antonio in the present, the real Antonio is the one speaking. If you listen closely to Dito's words, it's not Robert Downey Jr speaking.
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Changed line(s) 10 (click to see context) from:
The film stars Creator/RobertDowneyJr as the older Dito, and Creator/ShiaLaBeouf as the teenage Dito. Creator/RosarioDawson, Dianne Wiest, Creator/ChanningTatum and Chaz Palminteri also star.
to:
''A Guide To Recognizing Your Saints'' freely breaks the fourth wall, employing a few curious PostModernism tricks along the way -
including having excerpts from the script captioned on-screen, while the actors are saying their lines. Dito freely tells us who will die before he properly starts the story too.
The film stars Creator/RobertDowneyJr as the olderDito, and Dito - right before his CareerResurrection as ''Film/IronMan''. Creator/ShiaLaBeouf stars as the teenage Dito. Creator/RosarioDawson, Dianne Wiest, Dito - right before his StarMakingRole in the ''{{Franchise/Transformers}}''. Creator/ChanningTatum and stars as Dito's best friend Antonio - right before his own StarMakingRole in ''Film/StepUp''. Chaz Palminteri and Dianne Wiest (who [[RunningGag were already stars]]) also star.feature as Dito's parents.
Fun fact - it's also the favourite movie of Creator/LiamHemsworth.
including having excerpts from the script captioned on-screen, while the actors are saying their lines. Dito freely tells us who will die before he properly starts the story too.
The film stars Creator/RobertDowneyJr as the older
Fun fact - it's also the favourite movie of Creator/LiamHemsworth.
* AdaptationalNationality:
** Mike was Irish in real life, and Scottish in the film (but the characters frequently mistake him for Irish).
** Dito was also half-Irish in real life on Flori's side. Dianne Wiest who plays Flori ironically has some ''Scottish'' ancestry.
** Mike was Irish in real life, and Scottish in the film (but the characters frequently mistake him for Irish).
** Dito was also half-Irish in real life on Flori's side. Dianne Wiest who plays Flori ironically has some ''Scottish'' ancestry.
* AgeLift: Dito was fourteen around when the 80s events took place in real life. He's sixteen in the film.
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* HistoricalBeautyUpdate: Dito Montiel said that Antonio in real life looked very little like Creator/ChanningTatum.
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* HistoricalBeautyUpdate: HistoricalBeautyUpdate:
** Dito Montiel said that Antonio in real life looked very little likeCreator/ChanningTatum.Creator/ChanningTatum.
** Subverted for Dito himself, as he did have a brief career as a model in real life.
** Dito Montiel said that Antonio in real life looked very little like
** Subverted for Dito himself, as he did have a brief career as a model in real life.
* LighterAndSofter: The film compared to the book. Though still quite gritty, it tones down a lot of the real life events. Antonio for instance escaped from prison, Giuseppe got deported for being a career criminal, Laurie died of AIDS, the kids frequently snuck into whore houses etc.
Changed line(s) 129 (click to see context) from:
* WhatHappenedToTheMouse: Laurie's friends Jenny and Diane are shown as part of the group early on, but they disappear after Giuseppe throws a knife at Diane. They're last seen with Laurie at the pool, but nothing is said about what becomes of them.
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* WhatHappenedToTheMouse: WhatHappenedToTheMouse:
** Laurie's friends Jenny and Diane are shown as part of the group early on, but they disappear after Giuseppe throws a knife at Diane. They're last seen with Laurie at the pool, but nothing is said about what becomes ofthem.them.
** Frank likewise doesn't get namechecked in the present day portions, though he was still alive for Anthony [=DeSando=] to do research on him.
** Laurie's friends Jenny and Diane are shown as part of the group early on, but they disappear after Giuseppe throws a knife at Diane. They're last seen with Laurie at the pool, but nothing is said about what becomes of
** Frank likewise doesn't get namechecked in the present day portions, though he was still alive for Anthony [=DeSando=] to do research on him.
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* BetaCouple: Subverted. Antonio and Jenny - best friends to Alpha Couple Dito and Laurie - look like they're hitting it off. But then Jenny disappears from the narrative.
* BigBrotherBully: Antonio to Giuseppe, as he's seen slapping him around a little. Dito's narration claims that he called Gisueppe his little sister because he wore face cream to bed.
* BigBrotherBully: Antonio to Giuseppe, as he's seen slapping him around a little. Dito's narration claims that he called Gisueppe his little sister because he wore face cream to bed.
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* EruditeStoner: Mike has a lot of weed, plus a lot of wisdom.
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* HairTodayGoneTomorrow: Laurie in the 1980s has waist-length hair, and shoulder-length hair in the 2000s.
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* MostWritersAreWriters: Dito is a writer in real life, and the film is a dramatised version of his memoirs. Mike is also the son of a writer, and desires to become one himself.
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* NoSocialSkills: Giuseppe either doesn't speak a word or says nothing but insults. He also has no problem walking around naked in public or throwing knives at people for fun.
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* PairTheSpares: Subverted. Giuseppe seems like he's interested in Diane - since Dito is with Laurie, and Antonio tries to court Jenny - but she won't have anything to do with him.
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* QuestionableConsent: Jenny is seen telling Antonio that she doesn't want to do it. Cut to him making passes at her, and she's going along with it.
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* ShirtlessScene: Adult Dito gets one while receiving a voicemail from Nerf.
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* TeamDad: Downplayed but Monti appears to act as a surrogate father to Antonio. Dito has something of a HeelRealization in the 2000s portions when he realises how hard things must have been for Antonio growing up with an abusive father.
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* {{Tsundere}}:
** Antonio is a Type A. He's violent and {{Jerkass}} most of the time, but Monti brings out his softer side. He does have a sort of twisted protectiveness towards Dito.
** Laurie is a Type B. She's usually calm and composed, but certain things will provoke her to get a bit angrier.
** Antonio is a Type A. He's violent and {{Jerkass}} most of the time, but Monti brings out his softer side. He does have a sort of twisted protectiveness towards Dito.
** Laurie is a Type B. She's usually calm and composed, but certain things will provoke her to get a bit angrier.
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* TooDumbToLive: [[spoiler: Giuseppe]] sitting on the train tracks, daring Antonio to come and help him.
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Alphabetizing tropes.
Changed line(s) 11 (click to see context) from:
to:
----
* IdealisedSex: Averted. Antonio and Jenny try to do it in the stairwell, but Jenny burns herself on the radiator. She's also reluctant to do it because she's all sweaty.
Changed line(s) 68 (click to see context) from:
* IWasQuiteALooker: [[spoiler: The adult versions of Nerf and Antonio aren't quite as hunky as the teen versions]].
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* IWasQuiteALooker: IronicEcho: Monti's lecture about Antonio not having anyone to tell him they love him first happens [[spoiler: The adult versions of Nerf and as Monti is invoking ItsAllAboutMe which drives Dito to finally leave town]]. It is replayed in a much kinder light, as AnAesop [[spoiler: just as Dito visits Antonio aren't quite as hunky as the teen versions]].in prison]].
* ItsAllAboutMe: Monti frequently tries to make his arguments with Dito all about him. Notably when Dito is trying to tell him that [[spoiler: Mike was just shot dead]], Monti is more concerned with reprimanding him for raising his voice.
* IWasQuiteALooker: [[spoiler: The adult versions of Nerf and Antonio aren't quite as hunky as the teen versions]].
* IWasQuiteALooker: [[spoiler: The adult versions of Nerf and Antonio aren't quite as hunky as the teen versions]].
Deleted line(s) 71,73 (click to see context) :
* IdealisedSex: Averted. Antonio and Jenny try to do it in the stairwell, but Jenny burns herself on the radiator. She's also reluctant to do it because she's all sweaty.
* IronicEcho: Monti's lecture about Antonio not having anyone to tell him they love him first happens [[spoiler: as Monti is invoking ItsAllAboutMe which drives Dito to finally leave town]]. It is replayed in a much kinder light, as AnAesop [[spoiler: just as Dito visits Antonio in prison]].
* ItsAllAboutMe: Monti frequently tries to make his arguments with Dito all about him. Notably when Dito is trying to tell him that [[spoiler: Mike was just shot dead]], Monti is more concerned with reprimanding him for raising his voice.
* IronicEcho: Monti's lecture about Antonio not having anyone to tell him they love him first happens [[spoiler: as Monti is invoking ItsAllAboutMe which drives Dito to finally leave town]]. It is replayed in a much kinder light, as AnAesop [[spoiler: just as Dito visits Antonio in prison]].
* ItsAllAboutMe: Monti frequently tries to make his arguments with Dito all about him. Notably when Dito is trying to tell him that [[spoiler: Mike was just shot dead]], Monti is more concerned with reprimanding him for raising his voice.
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Changed line(s) 10,11 (click to see context) from:
The film stars Robert Downey Jr as the older Dito, and Shia La Beouf as the teenage Dito. Creator/RosarioDawson, Dianne Wiest, Creator/ChanningTatum and Federico Castelluccio also star.
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The film stars Robert Downey Jr Creator/RobertDowneyJr as the older Dito, and Shia La Beouf Creator/ShiaLaBeouf as the teenage Dito. Creator/RosarioDawson, Dianne Wiest, Creator/ChanningTatum and Federico Castelluccio Chaz Palminteri also star.
* AdaptedOut:
** Antonio and Giuseppe had a younger brother called Angelo, whose role is given to Mike in the film.
** Dito also had two older sisters who aren't referenced in the film.
** Antonio and Giuseppe had a younger brother called Angelo, whose role is given to Mike in the film.
** Dito also had two older sisters who aren't referenced in the film.
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** Giuseppe is made into a JerkassWoobie who ultimately [[spoiler: dies a very tragic death]] in contrast to real life where he got deported for being a career criminal.
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** Giuseppe is made into a JerkassWoobie more pitiable character who ultimately [[spoiler: dies a very tragic death]] in contrast to real life where he got deported for being a career criminal.
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* NoPronunciationGuide: Dito's name is frequently either spoken as 'ditto' or 'dee-toh' by various characters. WordOfGod is that it's the latter.
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* NoPronunciationGuide: Dito's name is frequently either spoken as 'ditto' or 'dee-toh' by various characters. WordOfGod is that it's the latter.latter, as his name is short for Orlandito. But his friends always said the former, and that's what stuck.
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* SparedByTheAdaptation: The real Laurie died of AIDS two years before Dito returned to Astoria. She's alive and well in the film, the real Dito confessing to making this something of a FixFic.
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* SparedByTheAdaptation: SparedByTheAdaptation:
** The real Laurie died of AIDS two years before Dito returned to Astoria. She's alive and well in the film, the real Dito confessing to making this something of a FixFic.
** The real Laurie died of AIDS two years before Dito returned to Astoria. She's alive and well in the film, the real Dito confessing to making this something of a FixFic.
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** Flori had also passed away by the time the film was released, but is still alive and healthy in 2005.
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Changed line(s) 17 (click to see context) from:
* AdaptationalHeroism: The movie softens Antonio a little compared to the book, where [[spoiler: he escaped from prison, committed another crime and then got sent back]]. WordOfGod is that he didn't want Antonio to seem too unsympathetic.
to:
* AdaptationalHeroism: AdaptationalHeroism:
** The movie softens Antonio a little compared to the book, where [[spoiler: he escaped from prison, committed another crime and then got sent back]]. WordOfGod is that he didn't want Antonio to seem toounsympathetic.unsympathetic.
** Giuseppe is made into a JerkassWoobie who ultimately [[spoiler: dies a very tragic death]] in contrast to real life where he got deported for being a career criminal.
** The movie softens Antonio a little compared to the book, where [[spoiler: he escaped from prison, committed another crime and then got sent back]]. WordOfGod is that he didn't want Antonio to seem too
** Giuseppe is made into a JerkassWoobie who ultimately [[spoiler: dies a very tragic death]] in contrast to real life where he got deported for being a career criminal.
* CycleOfRevenge: The Reaper spray paints Nerf's mother's store, Diane and Dito yell at him for it, he spray paints a death threat on Dito's house, Antonio intimidates his brother, he assaults Dito in the middle of the night, [[spoiler: Antonio clubs one of his friends to death and the Reaper shoots Mike]].
* DeadGuyJunior: Dito alludes to this when he meets Laurie's son.
--> '''Laurie:''' His name's Joey.
--> '''Dito:''' Joey like 'Giuseppe'?
--> '''Laurie:''' No. Joey like 'Joseph'.
* DeadGuyJunior: Dito alludes to this when he meets Laurie's son.
--> '''Laurie:''' His name's Joey.
--> '''Dito:''' Joey like 'Giuseppe'?
--> '''Laurie:''' No. Joey like 'Joseph'.
* IHaveNoSon: Not spoken outright but it's strongly implied that this is how Dito and Monti left things right before Dito went to California.
* IWillWaitForYou: Laurie claims she waited for a whole year after Dito left, convinced he would come back for her. She then gave up and had a baby with another man who isn't around anymore.
* NamesToRunAwayFromReallyFast: The Puerto Rican gang leader calls himself 'The Reaper'.
* ShowerOfAngst: Dito is about to have one [[spoiler: after Mike is shot]].
* UnluckyChildhoodFriend: Laurie and Dito never went anywhere, due to Dito leaving town. When he returns, she's now a mother but no sign of the baby's father.
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* WalkingShirtlessScene: Antonio is always seen either completely shirtless or with an open shirt on. The only time he wears clothes properly is for [[spoiler: Giuseppe's funeral]].
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* WalkingShirtlessScene: Antonio is always seen either completely shirtless or with an open shirt on. The only time he wears clothes properly is for [[spoiler: Giuseppe's funeral]]. There's also a literal example early in the film where Antonio is walking down the street inexplicably shirtless.
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* BlueAndOrangeContrast: When Mike and Dito are talking by the pool, the water is lit to illuminate the blue. It's framed by the orange of the sidewalk and the street lights.
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* BrokenPedestal: Mike and Dito seem to think of Frank as a cool older guy, but it's clear their image of him is shattered [[spoiler: when he stops paying them for helping him and threatens them with a gun]].
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* BrokenPedestal: BrokenPedestal:
** Mike and Dito seem to think of Frank as a cool older guy, but it's clear their image of him is shattered [[spoiler: when he stops paying them for helping him and threatens them with agun]].gun]].
** Dito gradually has his image of his father shattered as he realises Monti's narcissistic ItsAllAboutMe attitude.
** Mike and Dito seem to think of Frank as a cool older guy, but it's clear their image of him is shattered [[spoiler: when he stops paying them for helping him and threatens them with a
** Dito gradually has his image of his father shattered as he realises Monti's narcissistic ItsAllAboutMe attitude.
* DudeNotFunny: Giuseppe throws a knife at Diane as a joke, and Laurie calls Dito out assuming he thinks it's funny.
Changed line(s) 44 (click to see context) from:
* {{Foreshadowing}}: In an early scene where Dito leaves Laurie to have a spin in Nerf's car, she calls out "[[TemptingFate don't leave me."]]
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* {{Foreshadowing}}: {{Foreshadowing}}:
** In an early scene where Dito leaves Laurie to have a spin in Nerf's car, she calls out "[[TemptingFate don't leave me."]]"]]
** When Dito first starts talking about going to California, Monti responds "you're not going anywhere." TemptingFate again.
** In an early scene where Dito leaves Laurie to have a spin in Nerf's car, she calls out "[[TemptingFate don't leave me.
** When Dito first starts talking about going to California, Monti responds "you're not going anywhere." TemptingFate again.
Changed line(s) 52,53 (click to see context) from:
* IWillWriteABookAboutThis: The film starts as Dito has already finished his book and he's at a reading of it.
* IdealisedSex: Averted. Antonio and Jenny try to do it in the stairwell, but Jenny burns herself on the radiator.
* IdealisedSex: Averted. Antonio and Jenny try to do it in the stairwell, but Jenny burns herself on the radiator.
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* IWillWriteABookAboutThis: IShouldWriteABookAboutThis: The film starts as Dito has already finished his book and he's at a reading of it.
* IdealisedSex: Averted. Antonio and Jenny try to do it in the stairwell, but Jenny burns herself on the radiator. She's also reluctant to do it because she's all sweaty.
* IdealisedSex: Averted. Antonio and Jenny try to do it in the stairwell, but Jenny burns herself on the radiator. She's also reluctant to do it because she's all sweaty.
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* VillainousBreakdown: If you consider Monti a villain, then his meltdown in the shower definitely qualifies.
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* DeliberateValuesDissonance: In the 80s portions, characters will freely say 'fag' and 'nigger'.
* FieryRedhead: Inverted. The redhead is the OnlySaneMan in contrast to the others.
* FoolishSiblingResponsibleSibling: Downplayed. While Antonio is hardly what you'd call responsible, he's considerably more grounded and sociable than Giuseppe.
* FoolishSiblingResponsibleSibling: Downplayed. While Antonio is hardly what you'd call responsible, he's considerably more grounded and sociable than Giuseppe.
* {{Foreshadowing}}: In an early scene where Dito leaves Laurie to have a spin in Nerf's car, she calls out "[[TemptingFate don't leave me."]]
* GreenEyedMonster: Antonio is clearly a little jealous at Dito hanging around with Mike.
* HairTriggerTemper: Diane appears to have one, evidenced when she throws a bottle at a Puerto Rican who threatens Dito.
* HairTriggerTemper: Diane appears to have one, evidenced when she throws a bottle at a Puerto Rican who threatens Dito.
* HorribleJudgeOfCharacter: Monti says to Antonio that his father "isn't stupid" and tries to defend him. Despite Flori reminding him that he's an abusive {{Jerkass}}.
* IWillWriteABookAboutThis: The film starts as Dito has already finished his book and he's at a reading of it.
* MaleFrontalNudity: Giuseppe from afar in a scene early in the film.
* NWordPrivileges: Frank, who is gay himself, uses the word 'fag' several times.
Changed line(s) 57 (click to see context) from:
* PostModernism: In one of the flashbacks to 1986 Dito, Jenny, Diane, Nerf and Laurie address the camera to announce some {{Foregone Conclusion}}s. Another stylistic choice is to have actions and lines of dialogue repeat over themselves, presumably to show the effect of reminiscing. The script lines also appear on screen sometimes, presumably as passages from Dito's book.
to:
* PostModernism: In one of the flashbacks to 1986 1980 Dito, Jenny, Diane, Nerf and Laurie address the camera to announce some {{Foregone Conclusion}}s. Another stylistic choice is to have actions and lines of dialogue repeat over themselves, presumably to show the effect of reminiscing. The script lines also appear on screen sometimes, presumably as passages from Dito's book.
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* RedOniBlueOni: Characters are divided into two groups.
** Antonio, Diane, Monti, Frank and Giuseppe are red - all hot-tempered, passionate, outgoing and with very large tempers.
** Dito, Laurie, Nerf, Mike, Flori and possibly Jenny are blue - more caring, calm, composed and empathetic.
* RedheadInGreen: Mike wears a green t-shirt in one sequence in the film.
** Antonio, Diane, Monti, Frank and Giuseppe are red - all hot-tempered, passionate, outgoing and with very large tempers.
** Dito, Laurie, Nerf, Mike, Flori and possibly Jenny are blue - more caring, calm, composed and empathetic.
* RedheadInGreen: Mike wears a green t-shirt in one sequence in the film.
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* VapourWear: When Antonio is trying to do it with Jenny in the stairwell, she's not wearing a bra under her tube top.
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Changed line(s) 24 (click to see context) from:
* BasementDweller: Nerf in the present day is still living with his mother. It's clear he hates the situation, but doesn't know how to improve it.
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* BasementDweller: Nerf in the present day is still living with his mother. It's clear he hates the situation, but doesn't know how to improve it. WordOfGod is that the real guy eventually [[EarnYourHappyEnding became an ambulance driver and is "doing great"]].
Changed line(s) 34 (click to see context) from:
* CrapsackWorld: The neighbourhood is rough, with gangs ambushing people in the street and all the residents miserable. Dito is desperate to escape it in his teens.
to:
* CompositeCharacter: Most of the characters are combinations of various people in Dito's life. Antonio for example is said to represent three different people.
* CrapsackWorld: The neighbourhood is rough, with gangs ambushing people in the street and all the residents miserable. Dito is desperate to escape it in his teens. However in the present day, it's subverted as Dito finds beauty in the place despite this.
* CrapsackWorld: The neighbourhood is rough, with gangs ambushing people in the street and all the residents miserable. Dito is desperate to escape it in his teens. However in the present day, it's subverted as Dito finds beauty in the place despite this.
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* HistoricalBeautyUpdate: Dito Montiel said that Antonio in real life looked very little like Creator/ChanningTatum.
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* ManicPixieDreamGuy: Mike fills a platonic role like this to Dito. His arrival in town and dreams of becoming a musician are what prompt Dito to dream of leaving the neighbourhood.
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* SlidingScaleOfIdealismVersusCynicism: The film begins on the cynical side, but ends on the idealistic. WordOfGod is that the story is about discovering beauty and love in harsh environments. Which is what the title represents.
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* BaitTheDog: [[spoiler: Frank]] initially appears to be friendly and welcoming, if a little quirky. [[spoiler: But when the time comes for Mike and Dito to ask him to pay them the money he owes them, he pulls a gun on them]].
* ChekhovsGunman: The Puerto Rican gang member whose little brother Antonio antagonises and who later beats up Dito [[spoiler: reappears to shoot Mike dead]].
* GagEcho: See RunningGag for the context, but Dito's line when he reunites with Laurie? "Didn't you use to be a swimmer?"
* IronicEcho: Monti's lecture about Antonio not having anyone to tell him they love him first happens [[spoiler: as Monti is invoking ItsAllAboutMe which drives Dito to finally leave town]]. It is replayed in a much kinder light, as AnAesop [[spoiler: just as Dito visits Antonio in prison]].
* JerkWithAHeartOfGold: Most of the characters are deeply flawed in some way, but they all desperately want to escape their situations, and care for each other in their own way. Mike and Flori are probably the only characters that don't have a jerk side to them.
* NoPronunciationGuide: Dito's name is frequently either spoken as 'ditto' or 'dee-toh' by various characters. WordOfGod is that it's the latter.
Changed line(s) 47 (click to see context) from:
* ParentsAsPeople: Flori gives Dito this talk after his argument with his father in the present.
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* ParentsAsPeople: Flori gives Dito this talk after his argument with his father in the present. The film also examines the fact that Monti viewed his son as more of a best friend, which negatively affected their relationship as Dito got older.
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* RoseTintedNarrative: Inverted. It's suggested that Dito may be viewing his past as worse than it actually was.
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* BreakingTheFourthWall: Done by Laurie, Jenny, Diane, Nerf, Giuseppe and Antonio in a sequence early on in the film.
* MaybeEverAfter: There's some kind of spark between Dito and Laurie when they reunite, although she's still very furious at him for leaving in the first place. Things are left open between them, the climax of the film instead focusing on Dito with his father and Antonio.
* MoodWhiplash: When Mike is introduced to the class, he reads a philosophical poem...only to burst out laughing when he sees Giuseppe walking around stark naked outside.
Changed line(s) 45 (click to see context) from:
* PostModernism: In one of the flashbacks to 1986 Dito, Jenny, Diane, Nerf and Laurie address the camera to announce some {{Foregone Conclusion}}s. Another stylistic choice is to have actions and lines of dialogue repeat over themselves, presumably to show the effect of reminiscing.
to:
* PostModernism: In one of the flashbacks to 1986 Dito, Jenny, Diane, Nerf and Laurie address the camera to announce some {{Foregone Conclusion}}s. Another stylistic choice is to have actions and lines of dialogue repeat over themselves, presumably to show the effect of reminiscing. The script lines also appear on screen sometimes, presumably as passages from Dito's book.
Changed line(s) 60 (click to see context) from:
* VagueAge: It's not said exactly how old Antonio is in flashbacks. He's not seen attending school so he could be in his early 20s.
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* VagueAge: It's not said exactly how old Antonio is in flashbacks. He's not seen attending school so he could be in his early 20s.twenties. Further blurring the lines is his younger self being played by a 26-year-old - while fifteen years later he's played by a fifty-year-old.
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Changed line(s) 2 (click to see context) from:
[[caption-width-right:350:some caption text]]
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* TheFriendNobodyLikes: Giuseppe, Antonio's dumb younger brother. He's the most aggressive and hot-tempered of the gang, and Dito flat out admits that he doesn't like him.
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* SpicyLatina: Although Laurie has some sass, she's more subdued. Her friend Diane on the other hand is a ClusterFBomb who screams every other sentence.
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[[quoteright:350:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/guide_to_recognizing_your_saints_ver2.jpg]]
[[caption-width-right:350:some caption text]]
--> ''"My name is Dito...and I'm gonna leave everyone [[BreakingTheFourthWall in this film]]."''
---> '''--Dito Montiel'''
[[caption-width-right:350:some caption text]]
--> ''"My name is Dito...and I'm gonna leave everyone [[BreakingTheFourthWall in this film]]."''
---> '''--Dito Montiel'''
* AdultFear:
** Your son frequently spends hours out in the middle of the night and comes home with cuts and bruises on his face. He ultimately runs away and disappears for fifteen years.
** [[spoiler: A child dying from playing around on the train tracks]].
* AnachronicOrder: In some flashbacks, we hear the lines spoken before they're actually said.
** Your son frequently spends hours out in the middle of the night and comes home with cuts and bruises on his face. He ultimately runs away and disappears for fifteen years.
** [[spoiler: A child dying from playing around on the train tracks]].
* AnachronicOrder: In some flashbacks, we hear the lines spoken before they're actually said.
* BasementDweller: Nerf in the present day is still living with his mother. It's clear he hates the situation, but doesn't know how to improve it.
* BigBrotherInstinct: Exploited by Giuseppe [[spoiler: when he sits on the train tracks, daring Antonio to save him. Unfortunately then the train comes in]].
* BigBrotherInstinct: Exploited by Giuseppe [[spoiler: when he sits on the train tracks, daring Antonio to save him. Unfortunately then the train comes in]].
* {{Fanservice}}: As noted below, Antonio is frequently lacking a shirt or exposing his chest. Meanwhile Laurie and friends are either in tank tops, tube tops, short dresses or hot pants. Of course it is said to be a really hot summer.
* IdealisedSex: Averted. Antonio and Jenny try to do it in the stairwell, but Jenny burns herself on the radiator.
* ItsAllAboutMe: Monti frequently tries to make his arguments with Dito all about him. Notably when Dito is trying to tell him that [[spoiler: Mike was just shot dead]], Monti is more concerned with reprimanding him for raising his voice.
* ItsAllAboutMe: Monti frequently tries to make his arguments with Dito all about him. Notably when Dito is trying to tell him that [[spoiler: Mike was just shot dead]], Monti is more concerned with reprimanding him for raising his voice.
* OnlySaneMan: Mike is the only one of the main characters who doesn't get into a fight and seems to be well-adjusted. Laurie counts to a lesser extent.
Changed line(s) 45 (click to see context) from:
* WhatHappenedToTheMouse: Laurie's friends Jenny and Diane are shown as part of the group early on, but they disappear after Giuseppe throws a knife at Diane. They're last seen with Laurie at the pool, but nothing is said about what becomes of them.
to:
* WhatHappenedToTheMouse: Laurie's friends Jenny and Diane are shown as part of the group early on, but they disappear after Giuseppe throws a knife at Diane. They're last seen with Laurie at the pool, but nothing is said about what becomes of them.them.
* WhoWearsShortShorts: The default attire for Laurie, Jenny and Diane.
* WhoWearsShortShorts: The default attire for Laurie, Jenny and Diane.
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Added DiffLines:
''A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints'' is a 2006 ComingOfAgeStory, based on director Dito Montiel's memoirs of his childhood in Astoria, New York. The film has two narratives - the present day in 2005 and Dito's teen years in 1986.
Dito in the present day is now a successful musician and writer but has been estranged from his family for fifteen years. He is persuaded to return to his hometown with the news that his father is ill. He reflects on the summer of 1986, where he dated a girl called Laurie, he befriended a Scottish immigrant called Mike and his best friend Antonio was at constant odds with a local Puerto Rican gang.
The film stars Robert Downey Jr as the older Dito, and Shia La Beouf as the teenage Dito. Creator/RosarioDawson, Dianne Wiest, Creator/ChanningTatum and Federico Castelluccio also star.
!!Tropes:
* AbusiveParents:
** Antonio's father frequently hits him. As Monti puts it when telling Dito he loves him "Antonio doesn't have anyone to tell these things to him."
** Dito's father is more verbally and emotionally abusive, displaying some very narcissistic attitudes towards him too.
* AdaptationalHeroism: The movie softens Antonio a little compared to the book, where [[spoiler: he escaped from prison, committed another crime and then got sent back]]. WordOfGod is that he didn't want Antonio to seem too unsympathetic.
* BasedOnATrueStory: Dito Montiel wrote the film based on his own experiences, and that the characters are combinations of a handful of people he knew in real life.
* BrokenPedestal: Mike and Dito seem to think of Frank as a cool older guy, but it's clear their image of him is shattered [[spoiler: when he stops paying them for helping him and threatens them with a gun]].
* BrooklynRage: Pretty much everyone in the area is hot-tempered, except for Flori. It's quite telling that the OnlySaneMan is the Scottish teen.
* CallingTheOldManOut: Laurie tells Dito to do this. [[spoiler: He eventually does]].
* CampGay: Frank fits this trope to a T.
* ClusterFBomb: Antonio, Diane and Jenny rattle off a lot of F-bombs.
* ColorWash: The flashback scenes have a thick yellowish orange tint, presumably both to reflect the hot summer and the nostalgia.
* CrapsackWorld: The neighbourhood is rough, with gangs ambushing people in the street and all the residents miserable. Dito is desperate to escape it in his teens.
* DeathByAdaptation: Both [[spoiler: Giuseppe and Mike]] are killed in the film, but their real life counterparts lived. They're combined with actual people who died.
* DisappearedDad: When Dito meets Laurie all grown up, she has a son and says that his father isn't around anymore.
* DrivenToSuicide: Played with. [[spoiler: Giuseppe]] sits down on the train tracks, daring Antonio to save him. He looks as if he tries to get up just as the train comes - but he's too late.
* ForegoneConclusion: The audience is told right away that Dito will end up leaving all his friends. To a lesser extent, viewers will notice the conspicuous absence of [[spoiler: Mike and Giuseppe]] in the present day scenes.
* IWasQuiteALooker: [[spoiler: The adult versions of Nerf and Antonio aren't quite as hunky as the teen versions]].
* ManHug: [[spoiler: Dito and Antonio hug this way when they finally see each other after so long]].
* MissingMom: Antonio and Giuseppe don't appear to have a mother.
* ParentsAsPeople: Flori gives Dito this talk after his argument with his father in the present.
* PostModernism: In one of the flashbacks to 1986 Dito, Jenny, Diane, Nerf and Laurie address the camera to announce some {{Foregone Conclusion}}s. Another stylistic choice is to have actions and lines of dialogue repeat over themselves, presumably to show the effect of reminiscing.
* RaceLift: The real Laurie was white, but is Puerto Rican in the film.
* RapunzelHair: Laurie in her teen years had long black hair that went almost to her knees. It's shoulder length in the present day.
* RunningGag: People frequently mistake Laurie for a swimmer when she only works at the pool.
* {{Scotireland}}: Mike is Scottish but the other characters frequently mistake him for Irish, presumably because 'Michael O'Shea' sounds like a more stereotypical Irish name. The real Mike actually is Irish.
* ScrewThisImOuttaHere: Dito is planning to leave town and finally does [[spoiler: after Mike is shot by a Puerto Rican gang member]].
* SparedByTheAdaptation: The real Laurie died of AIDS two years before Dito returned to Astoria. She's alive and well in the film, the real Dito confessing to making this something of a FixFic.
--> "I wanted to walk down those streets again and fall in love with Laurie again, it would have been nice to have had that moment at the end of the film where Dito met Laurie, reconnecting as adults."
* TimeShiftedActor:
** Robert Downey Jr and Shia Le Beouf as Dito.
** Rosario Dawson and Melonie Diaz as Laurie.
** Scott Campbell and Peter Tambakis as Nerf.
** Channing Tatum and [[spoiler: Eric Roberts]] as Antonio.
* TookALevelInKindness: [[spoiler: Antonio]] by the end.
* VagueAge: It's not said exactly how old Antonio is in flashbacks. He's not seen attending school so he could be in his early 20s.
* WalkingShirtlessScene: Antonio is always seen either completely shirtless or with an open shirt on. The only time he wears clothes properly is for [[spoiler: Giuseppe's funeral]].
* WhatHappenedToTheMouse: Laurie's friends Jenny and Diane are shown as part of the group early on, but they disappear after Giuseppe throws a knife at Diane. They're last seen with Laurie at the pool, but nothing is said about what becomes of them.
Dito in the present day is now a successful musician and writer but has been estranged from his family for fifteen years. He is persuaded to return to his hometown with the news that his father is ill. He reflects on the summer of 1986, where he dated a girl called Laurie, he befriended a Scottish immigrant called Mike and his best friend Antonio was at constant odds with a local Puerto Rican gang.
The film stars Robert Downey Jr as the older Dito, and Shia La Beouf as the teenage Dito. Creator/RosarioDawson, Dianne Wiest, Creator/ChanningTatum and Federico Castelluccio also star.
!!Tropes:
* AbusiveParents:
** Antonio's father frequently hits him. As Monti puts it when telling Dito he loves him "Antonio doesn't have anyone to tell these things to him."
** Dito's father is more verbally and emotionally abusive, displaying some very narcissistic attitudes towards him too.
* AdaptationalHeroism: The movie softens Antonio a little compared to the book, where [[spoiler: he escaped from prison, committed another crime and then got sent back]]. WordOfGod is that he didn't want Antonio to seem too unsympathetic.
* BasedOnATrueStory: Dito Montiel wrote the film based on his own experiences, and that the characters are combinations of a handful of people he knew in real life.
* BrokenPedestal: Mike and Dito seem to think of Frank as a cool older guy, but it's clear their image of him is shattered [[spoiler: when he stops paying them for helping him and threatens them with a gun]].
* BrooklynRage: Pretty much everyone in the area is hot-tempered, except for Flori. It's quite telling that the OnlySaneMan is the Scottish teen.
* CallingTheOldManOut: Laurie tells Dito to do this. [[spoiler: He eventually does]].
* CampGay: Frank fits this trope to a T.
* ClusterFBomb: Antonio, Diane and Jenny rattle off a lot of F-bombs.
* ColorWash: The flashback scenes have a thick yellowish orange tint, presumably both to reflect the hot summer and the nostalgia.
* CrapsackWorld: The neighbourhood is rough, with gangs ambushing people in the street and all the residents miserable. Dito is desperate to escape it in his teens.
* DeathByAdaptation: Both [[spoiler: Giuseppe and Mike]] are killed in the film, but their real life counterparts lived. They're combined with actual people who died.
* DisappearedDad: When Dito meets Laurie all grown up, she has a son and says that his father isn't around anymore.
* DrivenToSuicide: Played with. [[spoiler: Giuseppe]] sits down on the train tracks, daring Antonio to save him. He looks as if he tries to get up just as the train comes - but he's too late.
* ForegoneConclusion: The audience is told right away that Dito will end up leaving all his friends. To a lesser extent, viewers will notice the conspicuous absence of [[spoiler: Mike and Giuseppe]] in the present day scenes.
* IWasQuiteALooker: [[spoiler: The adult versions of Nerf and Antonio aren't quite as hunky as the teen versions]].
* ManHug: [[spoiler: Dito and Antonio hug this way when they finally see each other after so long]].
* MissingMom: Antonio and Giuseppe don't appear to have a mother.
* ParentsAsPeople: Flori gives Dito this talk after his argument with his father in the present.
* PostModernism: In one of the flashbacks to 1986 Dito, Jenny, Diane, Nerf and Laurie address the camera to announce some {{Foregone Conclusion}}s. Another stylistic choice is to have actions and lines of dialogue repeat over themselves, presumably to show the effect of reminiscing.
* RaceLift: The real Laurie was white, but is Puerto Rican in the film.
* RapunzelHair: Laurie in her teen years had long black hair that went almost to her knees. It's shoulder length in the present day.
* RunningGag: People frequently mistake Laurie for a swimmer when she only works at the pool.
* {{Scotireland}}: Mike is Scottish but the other characters frequently mistake him for Irish, presumably because 'Michael O'Shea' sounds like a more stereotypical Irish name. The real Mike actually is Irish.
* ScrewThisImOuttaHere: Dito is planning to leave town and finally does [[spoiler: after Mike is shot by a Puerto Rican gang member]].
* SparedByTheAdaptation: The real Laurie died of AIDS two years before Dito returned to Astoria. She's alive and well in the film, the real Dito confessing to making this something of a FixFic.
--> "I wanted to walk down those streets again and fall in love with Laurie again, it would have been nice to have had that moment at the end of the film where Dito met Laurie, reconnecting as adults."
* TimeShiftedActor:
** Robert Downey Jr and Shia Le Beouf as Dito.
** Rosario Dawson and Melonie Diaz as Laurie.
** Scott Campbell and Peter Tambakis as Nerf.
** Channing Tatum and [[spoiler: Eric Roberts]] as Antonio.
* TookALevelInKindness: [[spoiler: Antonio]] by the end.
* VagueAge: It's not said exactly how old Antonio is in flashbacks. He's not seen attending school so he could be in his early 20s.
* WalkingShirtlessScene: Antonio is always seen either completely shirtless or with an open shirt on. The only time he wears clothes properly is for [[spoiler: Giuseppe's funeral]].
* WhatHappenedToTheMouse: Laurie's friends Jenny and Diane are shown as part of the group early on, but they disappear after Giuseppe throws a knife at Diane. They're last seen with Laurie at the pool, but nothing is said about what becomes of them.
