Chop Shop Poster

Chop Shop 2008

★ 6.780 votes84 min📅 2008-02-27

Set against the gritty backdrop of a Queens junkyard, *Chop Shop (2008)* follows the determined journey of Alejandro, a resourceful Latino street orphan on the cusp of teenage life.

Director: Ramin Bahrani

Cast

Alejandro Polanco
Ale
Isamar Gonzales
Isamar
Ahmad Razvi
Ahmad
Carlos Zapata
Carlos
Rob Sowulski
Rob
Anthony Felton
Carlos's Uncle
Evelisse 'Lilah' Ortiz
Evelisse 'Lilah' Ortiz
Michael 'Gringo' Nieto
Construction Foreman
Carlos Ayala
Carlos the Pigeon Worker
Laura Patalano
Laura Patalano
Laura

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chop Shop (2008) about?

*Chop Shop* follows Alejandro, a sharp-witted Latino orphan navigating the harsh streets of Queens. Working in a junkyard auto shop by day and dreaming of a better future by night, he fights to keep his family together while facing the realities of poverty and adulthood.

Who directed Chop Shop?

The film was directed by Ramin Bahrani, an acclaimed filmmaker known for his socially conscious and realistic storytelling.

Who stars in Chop Shop?

The film stars Alejandro Polanco, Isamar Gonzales, and Ahmad Razvi in central roles that bring its emotional core to life.

Is Chop Shop (2008) worth watching?

If you appreciate raw, character-driven dramas with a strong sense of place, *Chop Shop* delivers a poignant and immersive experience. Bahrani's direction and the authentic performances make it a compelling watch, even if it's emotionally heavy.

How long is Chop Shop?

The film runs for 84 minutes, a tight runtime that keeps the story sharp and engaging.

🎥 Trailer

About Chop Shop (2008) — A Gritty Coming-of-Age Drama in a Queens Junkyard

Set against the gritty backdrop of a Queens junkyard, *Chop Shop (2008)* follows the determined journey of Alejandro, a resourceful Latino street orphan on the cusp of teenage life. Directed by Ramin Bahrani, this raw and immersive drama captures the harsh realities of survival in an adult world where dreams are fragile and resilience is forged through struggle.

Told through Alejandro's eyes, the film paints a vivid portrait of his relentless hustle—working long hours in an auto-body shop, scraping together every penny to support his teenage sister, Isamar. With its unflinching realism and emotional depth, *Chop Shop* explores themes of family, ambition, and the price of hope in a place where opportunity is scarce. The atmosphere is electric, blending tense moments with quiet heartbreak, as Alejandro navigates a world where trust is a luxury and every day is a battle for something better.