Mind-blowingly real

Rating: 10/10 (26 January 2001)

Every middle school in America should immediately scrap its DARE program and institute required viewing of "Requiem For a Dream" for all 14-year olds. I guarantee you would see a sharp decrease in intravenous drug use after a few years. This film punches you in the face; it uniquely adopts the perspective of drug addicts as they're actually shooting up or pill-popping, and the effect is quite unsettling. Sharp, jarring editing and disorienting sound design contribute to the effect. One of the most intense movies I've ever seen. I will never forget this movie and the implications of its' characters' sorry fate.