Born to Win

Born to Win

Year: 1971

Runtime: 88 min

Language: Spanish

Director: Ivan Passer

DramaComedyCrime

A woman in her thirties, feeling lost and unfulfilled, impulsively joins a group involved in a questionable get-rich-quick venture. Hoping for a chance at a better life, she navigates the complexities of the scheme and the quirky individuals within it, searching for meaning and a sense of belonging along the way.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Born to Win (1971)

Trace every key event in Born to Win (1971) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

J's Turbulent Life

The film begins chronicling the life of J, a former hairdresser who is now a drug addict. His marriage is over, and he aimlessly navigates through the chaotic streets of Times Square, lost and in despair.

Times Square
2

Collaboration with Vivian

J's situation shifts as he begins doing occasional deals for the intimidating drug dealer known as Vivian, played by Hector Elizondo. This new association exposes J to the darker side of his addiction and further complicates his life.

3

The Plan to Steal

J and his fellow junkie friend, Billy Dynamite, devise a plan to steal a safe from a cashier. However, their plan is thwarted when they are caught, leading to a desperate attempt to escape.

4

Meeting Parm

In a surprising twist, while attempting to steal a car, J meets Parm, a free-spirited woman who captivates him. Their unexpected encounter blossoms into a deep romance, offering J a glimmer of hope amidst his turmoil.

5

The Tattoo Revelation

During their intimate moments, Parm discovers a tattoo on J's arm that reads 'Born to Win.' This tattoo symbolizes J's pride and the facade he maintains, despite his painful reality and addiction.

6

Back to Dealing

As J's addiction worsens, he returns to dealing drugs and continues spiraling out of control. After delivering narcotics to a powerful figure in Vivian's network, J's reckless choices lead him to further trouble.

7

The Attempted Robbery

J and Billy make the fateful decision to rob Stanley's girlfriend, which quickly goes wrong. Their plan collapses when they face corrupt cops, leading to a tense confrontation.

8

J's Arrest

The aftermath of the botched robbery results in J's arrest. Faced with jail time, he reluctantly agrees to become an informant, putting him deeper into the treacherous world of drug dealing and betrayal.

9

Escape with Parm

Seeking solace, J attempts to escape the city with Parm, hoping for a fresh start. However, their fleeting happiness is shattered when J is pulled back to the city for a drug delivery.

10

Billy's Tragic Overdose

A devastating turn of events occurs when J's friend Billy overdoses on drugs meant for J. Overcome with grief and guilt, J abandons Billy's body in an elevator, further spiraling his mental state.

11

Framing Parm

In a cruel twist, detectives frame Parm by planting drugs on her, separating the two lovers and leaving J alone again. This betrayal deepens J's sense of despair as he realizes the depth of his circumstances.

12

Dependency on Drugs

Feeling the weight of his decisions, J finds himself at Vivian's club, now dependent on the very drugs he once sold. This reflects his complete surrender to his addiction and loss of agency over his life.

Vivian's club
13

Reflection on Choices

Alone and haunted by his choices, J reflects on his life and the people he has lost. He confronts the stark reality that he may become just another victim of the drugs, labeling him a 'hot shot.'

14

Sitting Alone

The film concludes with J sitting alone on a bench in the heart of Times Square. This poignant moment symbolizes his uncertain future and the internal struggle he faces against his addiction.

Times Square

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 18:23

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Born to Win Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Born to Win, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Born to Win Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Born to Win

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Born to Win

More About Born to Win

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