Shocking, Horrifying and Important.

Rating: 8/10 (5 September 2011)

To view a film like Requiem you must approach it with a different set of goals than you would with most other films. The film takes you through the lives of four addicts who's addictions eradicate exactly that, their lives. An audience must brace themselves when approaching Requiem as the emotions felt at the end of the film are merely sad, distraught and cold, however, the film itself is one that should be viewed by all, for this heartbreaking roller-coaster ride presents unbelievable craftsmanship and acting which is Oscar-worthy from not only Ellen Burstyn, who was in fact nominated, but the other three stars also ; Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly and Marlon Wayans who's abilities as a serious actor were astounding, ( yes, he was Shorty in Scary Movie).
Requiem is one of a few stand alone films of the previous decade, who's motive is not to entertain as such, but to demonstrate a universal message that addiction, no matter what it may be, can take control of an individuals life and ultimately destroy it and those around it. To start it provides hope that things can turn out beautiful, but the further in you get, the more you realise that they are inevitably doomed, this film brings you down with the four protagonists to the bottom, a pit of desperation and despair. As the credits rolled it felt like my breath had been held throughout the final climactic twenty minutes. Requiem is different from other horrifying movies due to its' realism, it makes you feel what they feel, it creates a bond between you and the protagonists as they are in fact likable characters who are however immoral, tainted by their addictions.
It is a brutal, honest and harrowing masterpiece, delivered through a medium of beautiful cinematography and fine craftsmanship, backed up with some of the most heartfelt and poignant acting I have seen in cinema. Watch Requiem, you won't regret it.... well, you might, but in a good way.