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By Elizabeth Blair Daily Bruin Contributor

While millions of fans tuned in last year to watch Jimmy Smits' character die on "NYPD Blue," with the new film "Price of Glory" Smits proves that he is still alive and kicking. Or punching, that is.

In "Price of Glory," which opened nationwide Friday, Smits takes the big screen by storm. After being primarily known for his television work on "NYPD Blue" and "L.A. Law," Smits now embarks on his movie career with full force. In his role as a father and former boxer who tries to push his obsession with the sport onto his three sons, the Golden Globe-winning actor seeks to illuminate the American dream through the prism of boxing.

At a recent press interview at the Four Seasons Hotel, Smits was genuinely candid and warm in discussing his career goals, his hopes for a Latin explosion in movies and his role as a father.

While Smits and director Carlos Alvila were drawn to the film largely because of its complex familial relationships, they felt that the emphasis on boxing related to the American experience as a whole.

Smits spoke about how the movie parallels American cinema's history with boxing. He explained that boxing tells the story of the immigrant and speaks to the American experience.

"In the'40s, there were stories of the Irish-American boxers, then the Italian-American boxers came later on. Because that ring speaks of the underdog trying to overcome ... through brawn and brain," Smits said.

The film centers around a Latin American family in Arizona, headed by Smits' character, Arturo Ortega. Yet, as Smits points out, this film isn't a niche movie aimed specifically at Latino audiences.

"I don't want people to think, 'Oh, it's just another Latin American film. I'm going to have to sit and listen to half of this film in Spanish or read subtitles.' This is as American (a) story as any other."

Alvila added that "Price of Glory" can be compared to "The Godfather." While "The Godfather" was set in the very specific Italian-American community, audiences could extrapolate aspects which were very human: family bonds, loyalty and betrayal.

Likewise, at the heart of "Price of Glory" is the story of family, and it is the dark father figure that intrigued Smits. The actor discussed why the character of Arturo intrigued him.

"After doing the television show, the audience has seen me as idealistic and heroic," Smits said. "This guy appealed to me because his emotional (state) was a little bit more obscure."

While the role proved a challenge for the actor, he drew on his own experiences as a father of two children. Like Arturo, he too has questioned himself when it comes to parenting. One issue Smits still grapples with is how his divorce affected his relationship with his kids, now adults themselves.

"In this role of an overbearing father, the audience will stay with Jimmy and forgive him when he comes around because he is such a likeable character," said Moctesuma Esparza, the film's producer. "And besides, he's a star! People love him."

Yet Smits seems more than just another star. He balances his social conscience with his needs as an artist.

While an accomplished actor, Smits realizes his responsibility to be a role-model and representative not only to the world, but to his cultural community. Thus, he is very aware of the lack of Latino representation in the film and television industry, and openly shares his hope for a Latin explosion in film just as there is currently in music.

This year, Smits presented at the Grammy Awards,

"It was very encouraging to see Latin American artists (nominated) in every category. It was like, 'We are part of America.' I hope some that of that rubs off in the industry that I'm involved in, where I think the steps have been much, much slower."

While Smits isn't on a mission to push the issue of ethnicity, he deeply admires those actors who cross ethnic boundaries. Smits looked up to legendary actor Raul Julia, because he was from the same island that his mother was from.

"He had an accent and was able to do Shakespeare and Shaw and ... seemingly cross boundaries, and James Earl Jones also," Smits said. "They weren't bounded by what their ethnicity was."

As a young boy studying drama, Smits watched them on stage and felt that they could do anything.

Smits especially admires the versatility that these actors have shown in their work. And though Smits says that he still misses his partners on "NYPD Blue,'" he is following in the footsteps of his acting heroes who succeeded in many different genres. After playing a lawyer on "L.A. Law" for six years, and a police detective on "NYPD Blue" for four years, Smits felt ready to tackle other projects.

With a play in New York this summer and feature films starring Kim Basinger and Mel Gibson in the can, Jimmy Smits may continue to be a contender in the ring of entertainment.

FILM: "Price of Glory" is currently playing in theaters nationwide.

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