Zoot Suit is set in the midst of the racial tensions and social upheaval of 1940s Los Angeles. The film tells the story of a group of young Mexican-American men who are falsely accused of murder and sent to jail without a fair trial. The film explores the racism and xenophobia that were pervasive in American society at the time, particularly towards minority groups.
The film is based on the true story of the Sleepy Lagoon murder case, in which a young Mexican-American man was found dead near a reservoir in Los Angeles. Thirteen young Mexican-American men were charged with the crime, despite weak evidence and conflicting testimony. The trial was widely criticized for its racial bias and unfair treatment of the defendants.
The film's protagonist, Henry Reyna, is a charismatic leader who is determined to fight for his and his friends' innocence. As they navigate the legal system and confront the prejudices of their day, they begin to understand the broader political and social forces at play.
Through the story of the Sleepy Lagoon case and the subsequent zoot suit riots, the film highlights the challenges faced by Mexican-Americans and other minority groups in the United States. Zoot Suit is a powerful portrayal of an important moment in American history, and a compelling exploration of the enduring struggle for justice and equality.