Ellen Burstyn is reason enough to watch this movie. Very well done and very, very disturbing.

LOL Tucker!

Not good for a first date. Not good.

Yet another masterpiece created by the hands of the divine Afronosky. This was the only work of his I hadn’t seen and now that I have, I am nothing short of fulfilled.

Story aside for the moment, this film is a piece of cinematic genius. The editing must of taken a fantastic amount of time and it very obviously paid off. His finger-snap-speed scene transitions are enough to enduce an epileptic seizure (also scene in the opening of Pi) but properly convey the mass choas, euphoria, and utter loss of control associated with addiction. The score is, of course, amazing and only enhancing the wonderful direction. In short, it was perfection.

As for the plot line and the characters, they were realistic, amazing, and totally heartbreaking. Having my own personal connections with addiction, I found this film to be not only a wonder to view but surprisingly emotional. The things may family has gone through in relation to addiction, especially drug addiction, is all in that film emotionally. That and more.

I spent a solid half an hour sobbing when the credits started rolling. This isn’t counting the tears that began to appear during that montage where their lives have finally spun out of control…then the aftermath.

Though dramatic, it’s not too far from the truth, and that is what makes it so incredible. That is what makes it an expierence.

If you’ve ever thought about using drugs, watch this movie. Unless you are a souless masochist, your desire will be knocked down many notches if not eliminated entirely.

I expected this film, permeated with the sense of human downfall through means of legal and illegal substances and methods, to be more in-your-face, but no. Instead, this film is heart-felt, warm and lucid, at the same time as it’s living Hell. The direction is radiant with audacity and calm; there’s nothing here to indicate that director Darren Aronovsky is trying too hard or, indeed, too little. The absolutely brilliant soundtrack (yet again delivered by Aronovsky’s long-time cohort Clint Mansell, this time with The Kronos Quartet) delivers a massive backdrop to the unpredictable scenery. Avant-garde quick clips between iconographic imagery are used to punctuate movements in time (e.g. person getting high on drug). The acting is acute and good. This is like a story you want to end, but when it has, you keep it in your heard and mind forever. Please, see this.

When the dvd first came out, I used to watch this at least once a week. Strong, disturbing stuff – but at least it distracted me from real life. Not that it was that bad. Sure, I lived in a shoebox somewhere near downtown Brooklyn, and I’d never seen nor wanted to see RfaD’s part of this borough… but some circumstances in my life were mirrored in the movie. It was catharsis of some sort, every week. Watching it on the tv I found on the street and lugged up three floors to my room. Watching their addictions bloom and unfold. Maybe catharsis isn’t the word I’m looking for. Maybe it’s transference.

That seems so long ago.

Tonight out of the blue, I decided to put on Requiem again. I moved out of Brooklyn some 3+ years ago and it’s not like you can forget a movie that’s this strong. It still shocks and disgusts and twists my stomach like the old days. And I thought I left that all behind me.

I’d recommend this film to anyone
a. With a strong stomach
b. A film student – hey, Aronofsky’s technique IS something else
c. Who thinks that horror has no place in the urban setting

But mostly, I’ll say just watch it. Maybe you’ll learn a few things. Maybe not. Me? I’m putting the disc away for another year and we’ll see if I feel like reliving the life (that I’ve gone through so much to unlearn) in a movie. What do they say about forgetting the past – you’re condemned to repeat it? Something something.

this might technically be a “good” movie, but it disturbs me so much that i have to say it’s not worth it. not for me anyway!

i think it would be great for other people because it most definitely makes you want to never be addicted to anything. however, not being addicted to anything, it was just sort of life-scarring for me.

This is a great movie.
Most likely one of the best you will see for the year.
But make sure you do not do what I did and watch it in the morning.
My whole day was ruined.
I was crying a little through it and when the credits came up I sat up and cried for like a half an hour.
Before you watch, Go do something.
Watch it around the late afternoon.
Then get yourself back together and go do something again.
Also I do not know if I should recommend it if you are in a good mood or bad mood.
It will ruin your good mood.
But if you are in a bad mood things could get worse.
ahahha.
But do watch it.
Don’t let any of these reviews scare you.
Everyone should see this at some point.

wow. my first though after the movie was “that’s f*cked up.” but it is so much more than that. the film is dark and disturbing. it graphically depicts the world of addiction and drug use. i love druggie movies so i’m sure as this one settles in i’ll appreciate it more. it’s wierd because i can’t recommend it because it’s so harsh, but i think it’s a movie everyone should see. the actors performances were excellent – i got so into it i thought it was real. i never once thought “that’s acting.” the cinematography is very original but extremely shocking. the movie is very powerful . . . i’m not sure if it ruined my night because it was so disturbing, or if it peaked my creativity.

Many people felt this was a depressing movie. I was actually cheered by the fact that I’m not a heroin addict and that I didn’t feel that their situation was anything like my life. After watching it, I felt all my dreams could come true if I keep my head on straight. I didn’t relate to the characters, yet I had much empathy for them, which says something for the acting and writing of the film.