Peter Sollett's astonishing feature debut establishes the director as one of American cinema's most refreshing new voices. Miraculously capturing the grittiness of life on Manhattan's Lower East Side while maintaining an air of hopeful innocence, RAISING VICTOR VARGAS plays like a combination of KIDS and THE GOONIES. When Victor Vargas (Victor Rasuk) is busted hooking up with "Fat Donna" (Donna Maldonado), he sets his sights on a more respectable target. That target is "Juicy Judy" Gonzalez (Judy Marte), a gorgeous teenager who has been looking for someone to keep the neighborhood leeches away. After being formally introduced to Judy by her younger brother Carlos (Wilfree Vasquez)--who just so happens to have a crush on Victor's younger sister Vicki (Krystal Rodriguez)--Victor gets his wish. But to Judy, this is merely a business proposition. As Victor gradually realizes that his feelings for Judy are becoming much deeper, he must contend with his stubborn grandmother (Altagracia Guzman), who wants to punish him for being a negative influence on his little brother Nino (Silvestre Rasuk). Gorgeously photographed by Tim Orr and brilliantly acted by its non-professional cast, RAISING VICTOR VARGAS is a universal tale that crosses all racial, social, and economical lines.

Theatrical Release: MARCH 28, 2003 (NY)

DVD Features:

Region 1
Keep Case
Widescreen
Audio:
Dolby Digital 5.1 - English
Additioanal Release Material:
Audio Commentary - 1. Peter Sollett - Director/Screenwriter, Cast
Featurette - 1. FIVE FEET HIGH AND RISING - A Short Film By Peter Sollett
2. The Making of FIVE FEET HIGH AND RISING
Text/Photo Gallery:
Production Stills

Victor Rasuk: Actor, RAISING VICTOR VARGAS (2003)
Judy Marte: Actor, RAISING VICTOR VARGAS (2003)
Melonie Diaz: Actor, RAISING VICTOR VARGAS (2003)
Altagracia Guzman: Actor, RAISING VICTOR VARGAS (2003)
Silvestre Rasuk: Actor, RAISING VICTOR VARGAS (2003)
Krystal Rodriguez: Actor, RAISING VICTOR VARGAS (2003)
Kevin Rivera: Actor, RAISING VICTOR VARGAS (2003)

Peter Sollett: Director, RAISING VICTOR VARGAS (2003)

Alain De La Mata: Producer, RAISING VICTOR VARGAS (2003)
Robin O'Hara: Producer
Peter Sollett: Director, RAISING VICTOR VARGAS (2003)
Scott Macaulay: Producer

Peter Sollett: Director, RAISING VICTOR VARGAS (2003)

"...[A] delicate and altogether satisfying romantic comedy....The VARGAS casting is magical; the new-to-movies actors assume the roles like they were born to play them..."
"...Director Peter Sollett takes the familiar and turns it into hot, heartfelt movie magic..."
"...[The actors] give themselves over to the camera with a spirit of improvised play that morphs into vivid, layered acting..."
"...The movie keeps you guessing right up to the end, a wait made pleasurable thanks to cinematographer Tim Orr..."
"...When the film taps into its dramatic core, raw emotional substance springs eternal..."
"...What's true about Sollett's characters is that their dreams, their grace and their struggles are as real as it gets..."
"...An understated coming-of-age story..."
"A coming-of-age tale that feels fresh thanks to docu-like realism and heartfelt improv from the novice teenage cast..."