Salton Sea
(2002 - Director: D.J. Caruso)

This one is a bit too shocking for me (I don't like movies like Seven or The Passion of the Christ). I felt almost sick watching some scenes. Apart from that it's a well-made amphetamine film noir. Very beautiful but also very dark. My favorite part: the presentation of the history of methamphetamine.

Plot: Val Kilmer plays a man who turns himself into a speedfreak to be able to get some revenge.

My rating: 3-
(if you like violent films
then it's worth a solid 4)

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Human traffic
(1999 - Director: Justin Kerrigan)

Here we got a funny and graceful film about some ravers in the UK. It is a bit like Trainspotting but with party drugs instead of heroin. Filled with nice lines like "When I'm high on drugs I make love to music ... and believe me, I can go all night".
The filmmakers obviously have some first hand knowledge regarding party drugs and if you've tried it you will probably recognize yourself in this picture.

Plot: Five friends spend a weekend together (raving). All of them dealing with their own particular problems in life.

My rating: 4

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Vanishing point
(1971 - Director: Richard Sarafian)

Splendid metaphorical film about a former cop (who has turned rebelious) and accepts a challenge to drive from Colorado to California in record time. He is on speed for most part of the movie which adds to the cool atmosphere. A wonderful, original road movie mixed with great music.

Primal scream (the band) liked this movie so much that they recorded a new soundtrack for it.

Plot: Out hero Kowalski tries to drive (on speed) non stop from Colorado to California while being chased by the police.

My rating: 4

Trailer: Have not found any

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Requiem for a dream
(2000 - Director: Darren Aronofsky)

Take wonderful and innovative editing, beautiful footage, excellent actors, a clever screenplay and you get this extremely dark but marvellous movie. RFAD isn't just about drug addiction but about addiction in general (sex, sugar...). I'm not sure of which drugs they use in this one but it is mainly heroin and some kind of uppers. If you loath depressing movies stay away from this one, but if not - see it ASAP!

Plot: The film depicts the lives of Harry, his friend, mother and girlfriend on their quest for satisfaction in life.

My rating: 5-

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Quadrophenia
(1979 - Director: Franc Roddam)

This movie is loosely based on The Who's album Quadrophenia. Don't worry though if you are not a fan of their music, the film is still great. Drugs don't play a very important part of the story but there is definitely some pill popping going on. I easily identified with the lead character and his struggle with being a teenager and life in general. If you like coming of age-movies, don't miss this one!

Plot: The film tells the tale of a working-class London teen that is a mod. We get to follow him and his problems with belonging and finding his identity.

My rating: 5-

Trailer (click on Watch preview)

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Tweeked
(2001 - Director: Beth Dewey)

Someone described Tweeked as a "Thelma and Louise on meth" which made me curious. For some reason though I didn't enjoy this one as much as my friends watching it with me. I thought it was a bit predictable and even a bit boring. Maybe this film would have been better with a bigger budget.

Plot: All seems like fun and games for party girls Carrie and Michelle until some bad thing happens and the girls flee town. On the road, sexual escapades and drugs start to take their toll on the heroines.

My rating: 2+

Trailer: Have not found any

I have not found any shop that sells it either

Drugstore cowboy
(1989 - Director: Gus Van Sant)

Drugstore cowboy is a drama based on James Fogle's novel and has turned in to a bit of a cult film. It is very realistic and I find it hard to say anything negative about it. It won't make you laugh but it is an intense movie that really grabs your attention and makes you want to watch it more than once. William S. Burroughs has a small role and Matt Dillon is great as the lead character Bob.

Plot: A group of friends drive around and rob drug stores.

My rating: 4

Trailer (click on Watch preview)

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Cookers
(2001 - Director: Dan Mintz)

This is the best anti speed movie I've seen. Intense, exciting and nail biting. It is not an annoying "Drugs are bad, okay?" film but rather something you can enjoy, and learn from, even if you like meth. The directing is wonderful, the editing fantastic, the use of colors, sound, lightning ... everything works perfectly well together and left me with a smile on my face.

The most impressive thing about cookers though is the acting. The three lead actors are all wonderful but especially Brad Hunt delivers what might be the best performance I've seen together with Daniel Day Lewis in Gangs of New York. Give Brad an Oscar now! How come he only gets big roles in small movies or small roles in big movies? Life is unfair, but at least we can enjoy his work in this wonderful movie.

Plot: Two meth cooks and their accomplice set up their gear in an abandoned house in the middle of nowhere and starts cooking. But strange things starts to happen.

My rating: 4+

Trailer

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Rush
(1991 - Director: Lili Fini Zanuck)

I watched this one because someone told me "Rush tempts the viewer to try new things - be careful." After viewing it I wasn't disappointed. It is supposed to be based on a true story which makes it even more interesting.
You get an intense and convincing drama with some impressive acting (you don't always get that in drug movies). Nice bluesy score by Eric Clapton.

Plot: Raynor is an undercover narcotics cop. For his next assignment he chooses the more inexperienced but tough and good-looking Kristen. Their ultimate target is Gaines, a renowned but very elusive drug dealer. While doing their work they unexpectedly fall into a morass of drug-addiction.

My rating: 4-

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Fear and loathing in Las Vegas
(1998 - Director: Terry Gilliam)

I've seen this one on three occasions (stoned) and laughed my ass each time. It actually got better and better. The movie is maybe a bit too long but the first 2/3 of it is brilliant. People who don't use drugs usually dislike this film so you better watch it with some cool people, or on your own.

There is a lot of drug consumption in this one, not surprising since it is based on a book by Hunter S Thompson. He also appears briefly in a scene. I don't think any other drug movie has given birth to so many classic drug quotes as this one.

Plot: Thompson, and his lawyer Dr Gonzo, are going to Las Vegas and are doing a lot of drugs on the way. That's all you need to know really :o)

My rating: 4

Trailer

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