Cinema has quite a long time managed to accustom us to the fact that it often raises topical issues. In particular, directors do not ignore various human vices, be it greed, anger, alcoholism and drug addiction. The last point is worthy of special attention. In the entire history of cinema, a huge number of various films have been created, the heroes of which were people suffering from drug addiction. It could be both acute social dramas and teen comedies, in which this problem is treated with humor. In this article we will talk in detail about the best films whose theme is drug addiction.
Films about drug addiction in adolescents
We decided to start the conversation with one of the most important and serious problems of modern society - drug addiction among adolescents. Unfortunately, nowadays even an ordinary schoolboy can get forbidden substances. The police are trying their best to stop the traffic. But in most cases they are powerless. We present to your attention the best films about drug addiction among adolescents.
"Basketball Player Diary"
Perhaps the most famous film of its kind. It tells the real story of a young man named John, who as a teenager learned about what heroin is. At first it was a simple hobby. But a few months later he was ready to steal, lie and even kill for the sake of his next dose. Can he get out of this situation?
Many critics noted that it was in this film that the future Hollywood star - Leonardo DiCaprio - was able to fulfill his first serious role. Already in the distant 1995, he fully showed his acting potential. The film itself is considered by many to be “difficult to perceive”, due to the maximum realism and topicality of the problem posed.
"Stoned and Confused"
The action of this youth comedy takes place in the distant 70s. It was then that weed gained incredible popularity among adolescents. In the center of the plot is a group of young children and girls who are about to finish school. And before they enter adulthood, they decide how to break away. All this leads to a number of extremely funny and curious situations. Sex, drugs and rock and roll - all these things will become the main motto of their youth.
It was thanks to this film that Richard Linklater became the darling of professional critics. Despite the fact that most of his career he made films designed for teenagers, many say that they seriously differ from typical representatives of the genre. This film has long gained cult status among the audience. The main roles in the film were played by numerous stars such as Matthew McConaughey, Milla Jovovich, Ben Affleck, Jason London and many, many others.
Domestic films
Our cinema is much less likely to delight viewers with high-quality films on the subject of drugs. But still we were able to highlight the most worthy Russian films about drug addiction.
"Morphine"
One of the best films of the modern Russian classic is Aleksey Balabanov. He presented us with many excellent films, many of which were distinguished by the most reliable representation of reality. His most depressing work was the film "Morphine", the plot of which is based on a series of short stories by Mikhail Bulgakov, "Notes of a Young Doctor." The action of the film takes place at the beginning of the last century. A young doctor arrives in the Russian hinterland to begin medical practice. As a result, he is faced with a number of difficulties that lead him to start consuming morphine ...
Feedback from viewers is extremely positive. Many note the general gloom and hopelessness of what is happening on the screen. But at the same time, it is simply impossible to depict a picture of the gradual development of drug addiction. Balabanov was awarded many laudatory reviews and rave reviews from his colleagues.
"Needle"
The cult Soviet drama, the main role in which was played by the notorious rock musician Viktor Tsoi. He played the role of a young guy who, several years later, decided to return to his hometown. But he wouldn’t want his relatives to know about his arrival. And then he recalls the best friend with whom he was once in love. Finding no other way out, he moves to her. But after some time, the main character realizes that she had already managed to get addicted to drugs for a long time ...
According to most residents of our country, this film is one of the best in the history of cinema. Almost everything is impeccably in it. And even after so many years, it continues to be relevant, as well as enjoying success among the audience.
Documentaries
For obvious reasons, documentary filmmakers could not get around this topic. Especially in this matter, the British succeeded, who are most concerned about the situation in their country. Presenting your listening to the dock. films about drug addiction.
"How do drugs work?"
A rather atypical documentary from the famous British company BBC. It talks about three popular drugs. The viewer will receive detailed information about exactly how they act on the human body and what this or that dosage leads to.
"Drug Industry"
Considering documentaries about drug addiction, you can not deprive the attention of the "Drug Industry". This picture raises a rather important issue of the distribution and sale of drugs within large states. Half a century ago, it was almost impossible to get heavy drugs. But these days they are traded even in educational institutions. All this leads to teenage addiction. Adults also often sit on a needle. The filmmakers will try to analyze the situation and identify those who are responsible for the situation.
Movies based on real events. Doors
The Doors is one of the most famous and influential rock bands in the history of music. In particular, their famous leader, Jim Morrison, succeeded. He was an extremely unconventional and eccentric personality. Among other things, Jim was a big lover of drugs, which is why he died at a fairly early age. His work will be discussed in this feature biographical film. The film "Dorz" is a major success among viewers and fans. Fans of the group note the maximum reliability shown on the screen, as well as a successful selection of performers of the main roles.
"Cocaine"
Looking at films about drug addiction on real events, one cannot help but recall this cult dramatic picture. We are talking about a notorious criminal involved in the sale of drugs on an especially large scale. According to fans of Johnny Depp, in this film, he played his last great role. It is believed that after this he finally turned into a freak, inflicting tons of makeup on himself and capable of only grimacing in front of the camera.
List of the best feature films about drug addiction
Finally, we present to your attention a list of the best foreign films about drug addiction filmed in various periods of time. You will find both a real classic and relatively new work.
"Requiem for a Dream"
It’s worth starting with a film that regularly makes the list of the best films of all time. That rare case when both critics and viewers agreed. Almost all, without exception, adore Requiem for a Dream for its drama. Also, no doubt, it was here that Jared Leto first revealed himself as an actor. The film tells about several friends sitting on hard drugs. With each new dose, they are sinking ever deeper into the social bottom.
"Good guys"
And of course, what list of addiction films can do without crime dramas? Crime and drugs are directly related to each other. And the best representative of the genre, undoubtedly, is Martin Scorsese's film "Goodfellas." Few will argue with the fact that this picture is one of the best in his career. That's what fans of his work think. Also, fans of the acting skills of Robert De Niro were delighted. The film tells the story of a young guy who gradually began to occupy higher positions in the mafia. But his situation became deplorable after he became addicted to drugs ...
"Face with a scar"
Another gangster drama about the mafia, which film critics simply adore. Even at the time of release, many noted the unsurpassed style and atmosphere of this film. It practically does not have a single flaw. A special mention was awarded to Al Pacino, who played his best role in Scarface.
The plot focuses on a young man who arrived in a major American city with the goal of not only earning money, but also becoming the king of the underworld. And in order to achieve his goals, he is ready to go for anything.
"On the needle"
The legendary black comedy Dani Boyle, who made the star of actor Ewan McGregor. The film was able to impress the audience with its extraordinary sense of humor, which from time to time crossed all possible boundaries. At the same time, the film is not without serious promise and a fair share of drama. Undoubtedly, a great movie, which has deservedly become a classic.
This is a story about a group of young people who have known each other since childhood. As they got older, they became addicted to heroin. Each month their dependence became more and more serious. Any attempts to tie up turned out to be a failure. Will they ever be able to stop?
We looked at some noteworthy addiction films. This list can be continued at your discretion. After all, how many people - so many opinions. Happy viewing!