Band of the Hand 1986
Made by
TriStar Pictures
Plot Summary
In this gritty drama, we follow the journey of five young misfits, each grappling with their individual tendencies for troublemaking. They are granted a second chance by Indian Joe Tegra, portrayed by Stephen Lang, a tough-as-nails Vietnam veteran and Native American leader. This troubled quintet includes:
- Ruben Pacheco, played by Michael Carmine, the ruthless head of the Home Boys, currently serving time for aggravated assault and armed robbery;
- Moss Roosevelt, brought to life by Leon, his counterpart in the 27th Avenue Players, incarcerated for similar offenses;
- Carlos Aragon, depicted by Danny Quinn, a sly drug trafficker sentenced to four years due to a police sting operation;
- James Lee “J.L.” MacEwen, portrayed by John Cameron Mitchell, the youngest and most volatile individual in the group, serving a hefty ten-year sentence for manslaughter and arson;
- and finally, Dorcey Bridger, characterized by Al Shannon, a slippery car thief facing multiple charges, including auto theft and a notorious history of attempting to escape from juvenile halls.
These young offenders are forced to navigate the unforgiving landscape of the swamp, discovering that their survival depends on their ability to rely on one another while adapting to their harsh new environment. As they traverse this treacherous terrain, they begin to lay the foundations for redemption, tackling the challenge of revitalizing a neglected neighborhood in Miami’s most dangerous district. They take action against pimps, prostitutes, and drug dealers who have taken over a vacant house they claim as their own.
However, their budding sense of purpose is precarious and soon encounters severe backlash. Their efforts provoke the wrath of a notorious drug lord, Cream, played by Laurence Fishburne, whose loyal clientele reacts violently, leading to a tragic series of confrontations that ultimately results in the death of Joe. In the aftermath of these events, the surviving members of the group, ignited by their sense of injustice, embark on a reckless mission. They plan a daring offensive against a heavily armed drug manufacturing facility, equipped with nothing less than an M-134 Minigun, diving headfirst into the chaos they have stirred.
Timeline
Introduction of Characters
The story opens with an introduction to five young misfits, each grappling with their own troubled pasts. These individuals, struggling with various criminal offenses, are brought together under the watchful eye of Indian Joe Tegra, a Vietnam veteran with a strong sense of justice.
Joe Tegra's Intervention
Indian Joe Tegra offers the group a second chance, emphasizing the need for redemption and community. He motivates the young offenders to band together, suggesting they can turn their lives around by taking positive action.
Struggles in the Swamp
The quintet is forced to navigate the harsh and unforgiving swamp environment. As they face various challenges, their survival relies on their ability to rely on and support each other.
Reviving the Neighborhood
Recognizing the decay in their neighborhood, the group takes it upon themselves to revitalize a neglected area in Miami's most dangerous district. They confront the derelict elements within their community, rallying against pimps, prostitutes, and drug dealers.
Claiming the Vacant House
The young misfits claim a vacant house as their own, envisioning it as a place of hope and community. This act of reclaiming space becomes a powerful symbol of their collective purpose and newfound direction.
Confrontation with Drug Dealers
Their efforts to revitalize the area attract the attention of a notorious drug lord named Cream. The confrontation escalates as Cream's loyal clientele reacts violently to the misfits' intrusion.
Joe's Tragic Death
The group's confrontation with Cream and his associates leads to a tragic outcome with the death of Joe. This event serves as a devastating turning point for the surviving members of the group, igniting a passion for justice.
Reckless Mission Begins
Fueled by a sense of injustice after Joe's death, the survivors plan a reckless offensive against Cream's drug manufacturing facility. Their desire for revenge becomes a dangerous motivator.
Preparation for Battle
The group prepares their mission by arming themselves with an M-134 Minigun, showcasing their determination and willingness to engage in violence. This preparation gauges the seriousness of their intent to reclaim their community.
Climactic Assault
The group storms the drug facility, engaging in a fierce battle against Cream's armed guards. This climactic moment underscores the chaos of their actions and the dire consequences of their choices.
Aftermath of the Assault
In the aftermath of the chaotic assault, the group realizes the gravity of their actions and the cycle of violence they have entered. They are left to grapple with the outcomes of their revenge and whether it truly served a purpose.
Reflection and Consequences
With significant losses and an uncertain future, the group reflects on their choices and the path they have taken. Each member contemplates their own redemption and what it means to be part of a community.
Characters
Ruben Pacheco (Michael Carmine)
Ruben Pacheco is a hardened individual whose reputation as the ruthless head of the Home Boys precedes him. Serving time for serious offenses, he embodies the struggle between his innate tendencies toward violence and his desire for redemption through the group's efforts.
Moss Roosevelt (Leon)
Moss Roosevelt is a member of the 27th Avenue Players, sharing a similar criminal background with Ruben. His character is defined by resilience and an unwillingness to back down, even when faced with severe challenges within the harsh environment.
Dorcey Bridger (Al Shannon)
Dorcey Bridger is characterized as a slippery car thief, skilled in manipulation and deception. Despite his criminal life, he shows glimpses of loyalty to his peers and a desire to escape the cycle of crime that traps him.
Cream (Laurence Fishburne)
Cream is portrayed as a notorious drug lord whose reign of terror over the neighborhood creates the primary opposition to the protagonists. His character is both menacing and charismatic, embodying the dangers of the drug trade and the high stakes involved.
Setting
Time period
The time period of the movie is not explicitly stated, but it reflects contemporary issues prevalent in urban America during the late 20th century. Issues such as drug trafficking, gangs, and social unrest serve as backdrops to the characters' struggles.
Location
Miami
The movie takes place in Miami, specifically in its most dangerous district known for its urban decay. This area is characterized by a gritty landscape, which includes swamps and neglected neighborhoods that have become breeding grounds for crime and violence.
Themes
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Redemption
The theme of redemption runs throughout the film as the young misfits strive to overcome their troubled pasts and seek a second chance. Their journey highlights the importance of camaraderie and personal growth in the face of adversity, as they attempt to transform their lives and surroundings for the better.
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Conflict
Conflict emerges prominently as the characters face not only their inner demons but also external threats from the drug lord and his clientele. The tension between their aspirations for a better life and the violent world around them creates a compelling narrative filled with risk and consequence.
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