La soga (2009)

Nature or nurture? Are we products of our upbringing and environment, or are who we are from our first breath? This story, written by Manny Perez, who also is brilliant in the lead role, is clearly on the side of nurture theory.

This peek into the Dominican Republic police operations is like looking into our own wild west history. Very interesting and very well done. In a mix of Spanish and English the story is so easy to follow you may not even need the subtitles.

Denise Quiñones, a former Miss Universe, is stunning here as the love interest. Juan Fernández appears made for this role as the corrupt police general.

While this movie is certainly violent, it is not overly gory. The soundtrack is danceable.

Watch this movie with a vegetarian.