Absolutely Brutal And Honest (and Brilliant...) "Cautionary Tale"

Rating: 10/10 (13 March 2006)

I don't know why I'm just now getting around to reviewing this film - it truly is a modern masterpiece and one of the most powerful films I've ever seen - and I watch a lot of this kind of thing. Anyone who has gone through addiction or personally has a friend or family member that has should be able fully relate to this film - and those that haven't should look at REQUIEM FOR A DREAM as a realistic portrayal of the devastating effects of drug abuse. I will keep my synopsis brief, as no words I could come up with could possibly describe the sheer "rawness" and honesty of this film...
Harry, Marion, and Tyrone are kids who are recreational drug users - a little pot here, a little blow there, a taste of H once in a while...no big deal at first. Then the friends decide to deal heroin to make some cash and begin "sampling the goods" a little too often. Soon the group is spiraling into the descent of lies, denial, and sheer madness that is hardcore drug addiction. Meanwhile, Sara (Harry's mother), is fighting her own addiction to diet pills and is swiftly losing the battle. Everyone involved is on a one-way path of self-destruction until the shocking and harrowing conclusion.
REQUIEM FOR A DREAM is honestly one of the most powerful films I've ever seen. Being able to identify with this film - I can attest to the realism of some of the things portrayed and feel that it is one of the best "cautionary tale" pictures ever made. As graphic and unrelenting as some of the scenes are - I feel that this film should be mandatory viewing for high-school aged kids as a big "WHAT-NOT-TO-DO-WITH-YOUR-LIFE" piece of education. I can't recommend REQUIEM highly enough - 10/10