It is the most overrated and dangerous movie atrocity ever. It takes every stereotype about drugs and drug abuse and reinforces those stereotypes to absurdist, kafkaesque levels. Comparisons to the propaganda classic "Reefer Madness" (go watch it at archive.org and spot the similarities) are both valid and necessary. People who know nothing (and want to know nothing) about how addiction works give this film a high rating because it confirms their infantile views (Drugs=Evil)on the issues dealt with in the movie. Cater ignorance to the ignorant. Always a wise business decision.… Expand

Fine piece of work. From every aspect. You can tell the cast and crew worked so hard to compose a phenomenal film, like nothing you have seen before.

Unbelievable masterpiece. It's so deep on so many levels, that weeks afterwards you find yourself discovering new meanings. I see a lot of very ignorant reviews of this movie. Do not be fooled because however depressing or dark the movie is, it leaves you in a way of striving to avoid the downfall of the characters in the movie. A lot of bad reviews read of how terrible it was, but i think that most of the people who wrote those reviews did not get the point of the movie at all, ruining the whole experience. Brilliant, just brilliant.… Expand

Without a doubt, one of the greatest movies I have ever seen. It grabs hold of you and doesn't let go. 98% of the brilliance of this movie is in its excellent music. Clint Mansell is brilliant.

A powerful, underrated, classic film. Those who decry this movie as an overly simplistic caricature of the horrors of drug use completely miss the point of the film; what makes this film compelling and different from other drug films is its ability to show how drug addiction can afflict anyone and comes in many forms. From television to caffeine to heroin, everyone self medicates, and anyone can fall victim to serious addictions, be they old or young.… Expand

Greatest use of audio and visual technology of any film ever. Engrossing to the bitter end, building into a sensual crescendo metaphorically described as a classical rapsody of soundtrack and cenematics that overwhelms the senses into submission, leaving only the body to sink into the comfortable couch of emotion and stimulation. Perfectly cast, brilliantly edited, genius direction and interpretation of the writers vision and desire. 10/10… Expand

This film was amazing. I loved every second of it and was thinking about it days after watching it. The music was perfect through the whole thing.

The most brilliantly directed film in American motion picture history. How Ellen Burnstyn did not win the Academy Award for this film is far, far beyond my realm of thinking.

I just had to respond to Richie C.'s comment. Richie, do you only go to the movies to watch fairy-tale endings and Jim Carrey movies? That's like saying the only books that should be printed are kids' stories. If you can't handle drama, fine, but that's no reason to give the movie a 3. That said, this movie is hard to watch and does leave you bummed, but itis'; beautifully done and the fact that it can affect its viewers just goes to prove its power in grabbing you. Watch it.… Expand

Saw it, and ordered the dvd the day after. Just totally blew me away. I felt empty as the credits rolled, as if someone had grabbed my soul and dragged it out of me. Also the soundtrack is just so powerfull, never has a soundtrack had such in impact on me. And that Ellen didn't win the oscar is just unforgivable. One of my all time favourites, just behind Alien and Shawshank.

Never have I ever been so touched by a movie. I stared at the screen for 5 minutes after the film ended and could not think of anything else besides what I had just seen. Mind-numbing, breath-taking, heart-stopping, eye-opening. You just gotta see it.

This was the best drama movie I have ever seen. It has extremly nice acting. The plot is great and the filming was better. I love the scene where they see Ellen Burnstyn cleaning her apartment. I also loved the cradle camera they had on the actors. I think the only reason it got a lousy 72 was because people thought it was too depressing for them. I saw Traffic the same year and could not figure out how anyone thought it was a better movie then this?? Traffic does not even compare to this movie. … Expand

It was perfect. I cannot understand what anyone did not like about it. The music, acting, storyline, cimeatography, and everything I left out was the best I have ever seen,

Completely out of this world amazing. Can't get it out of your mind.

If only Hollywood made more films like this. I'm not talking theme here, or plot, but rather conviction and expression. It ain't perfect, but it's strengths are Herculean! A very gripping and involving film with outstanding performances from the entire cast, but especially Burstyn and Wayans. Given time to reflect, it is their two performances that stand out, as well as brilliant editing, novel cinematography and taut direction. Usually, one of the first facets of any film I look to critique is the screenplay. Oddly, with this film, I didn't. The script is really an irrelevance with this type of movie; we are watching the characters, living with them, and are utterly in the hands of the director. Aronofsky has delivered a powerful film and he is staid in his beliefs, unrelenting in voicing his message. And you will get it! This film succeeds where Leaving Las Vegas didn't. I don't wish to elaborate on that - just watch both and judge for yourself. At the least, watch this one - you won't forget it easily, and Burstyn's masterful skills will haunt you for days!… Expand

This film has a great and original vision, never before have you seen or will you ever see a movie like this one. Great style acting and pace. This movie has one of the best paces to a movieI have ever seen. It will not let you down with its powerful cimax

This movie is insane. I was glued to the T.V

Amazing movie. If you didn't like it, you didn't get it. The acting was amazing, the soundtrack was amazing, the cinematography was amazing. I LOVED it.

This movie is by far the most disturbing yet realistic outlook at how drug users become completely dislocated from themselves. The acting is outstanding (especially Burstyn and Connelly). Burstyn was robbed of the Academy Award for her performance in this movie. Ellen Burstyn's portrayal of "Sara" devastated me long after the movie was over. Simply amazing....

Like many others that have stated it, this is indeed a life changing movie. The first time I watched I.. I couldn't stop thinking about it. I had to go around and ask everyone if they'd seen it, and if they hadn't I told them they must!...The acting was amazing, the soundtrack (by Clint Mansell) was truly worth buying after hearing it and the true message of the movie made me wish I'd seen it 5 years earlier. Clint Mansell and Darren Aronofsky work amazing together. It was a dark movie sure, but to say reality isn't dark is ignorant. The critics giving it a 20 and 30 really must've been doing what the main characters in the movie got addicted too. I'll let you find out what that is if you haven't seen it. This movie is a must see in my books.… Expand

horrid. depressing, no plot. left me feeling disgusting, hopeless and depressed. i wish i could erase that hour and a half.

Haunting. Just haunting.

Undoubtly, this is the best movie I have seen this whole year. I cant believe that I didnt see this movie till today. Awesome direction, terrafic performances by actors and storyline is like something I cant be explain in words. If you havent watched it yet, watch it now.

This movie is a horror movie that you can't scream throughout and laugh with your friends about afterward. Instead, you just sit there, staring, not wanting to watch the depressing, frightening images but unable to tear your eyes away. The style and direction is distinct, the editing abrupt and jarring. It is very well filmed, but it doesn't bring much else to the table. You watch it, in awe of the darkness and despair of it all, and what do you get? Drugs are bad. Yes, yes they are. You want a more... INSPIRED message in the end, or at least a somewhat happy ending! But you don't get it. It is, all and all, a worthwhile piece of film, but don't watch it if you expect either of those things. Really, just watch it on hulu.com, it's free. And even then... be in a good mood.… Expand

Amazing! Can't find any word to describe except the one I just used. - Kazumi Kazum Hotogishi I never watched the movie but my husband said it was absolutely fabulous, I'm very posh and he's Jap - Daisy Elizabeth Hotogishi Oh I forgot to brush my teeth!!

Hard to describe. Gut wrenching, disturbing, thrill ride, engrossing; just to use a few. Darkly fascinating and wildly entertaining. Any movie that can get your pulse racing, be it good or evil, is an epic flick for sure.

Superb film, amazing director. just watch it.

Intricate, dark, amazing.

Chris K., it's not about the drugs. It's about the pursute of happiness. There's the spring board for starting to understanding this intense, earth-shatteringly bleak film. Also has the most incredible score of our generation.

No movie has made me feel the way i did after i watched this. Plus the music was amazing.

Brilliant-honest and artfully put together.

This movie blew my mind....I've never seen a more powerful and disturbing movie, but it was great...just unspeakably disturbing.

It was a very dark and depressing movie that left me feeling very depressed after watching it.However its a movie that dares to show the much darker side to drug abuse.I though it was well put together and the soundtrack was amazing.

I cant find words for this movie. One the one side a beautiful work of art and at the other site cruel reality. There are some small negatives but without them this movie wouldn't be THAT good! You have to see it to understand.

Best film i ve ever watched.

I quote the Rolling Stone review " No one interested in the power and magic of movies should miss it. " Such a powerful movie should not be missed by those who really care for their purpose which is to capture the audience in a way few films are capable this days. All the elements of film are focused in this movie, which are effects, music, story, scripts, characterization, camera takes, cinematographic emotion and feeling, and a lot more. A movie that when you finish watching you literally can't get off your seat, whether you liked it or not. It deliver such kind of suspense and drama and thriller and (in a matter of speaking if you watched the movie) such propaganda for drugs and at the same time its opposite, that at the end of the movie you can't realize that you've actually been watching what I think should have been a greatly acclaimed movie!… Expand

This movie is amazing! I love Jared Leto!!!

A very touching story of falling of four people mixed with brilliant acts and perfectly matched music.

Haunting. Dreamy. Gritty. Not sure how those three mix together but they do. Amazing film, do not miss.

In the vein of Trainspotting and the even more odious Human Traffic, beneath all the ostentatious showiness, is a lifeless, one-note film. The people are not so much characters as they are caricatures. Vices such as drugs, prostitution, antidepressants and erm... ECT are presented as dehumanising in the most reactionary, doctrinaire fashion imaginable and I felt very little empathy for Leto or Connelly, who are presented more as subjects to Aronofsky's painfest than as real people. We don't believe a word Leto says when he proclaims "I just want to make [his mum] happy", which brings us to the brilliant Ellen Burstyn, who is the heartbreakingly naive mother. She is the only reason to see this film.… Expand

If you love being depressed and miserable after watching something thats soposed to be entertaining and artsistic then watch this film from hell.

Like it or lump it, this film is an expirence like none other.

Repulsive, disgusting, intriguing, strange, ironic and utterly irresistible. This film is disturbing to the core, however there is a powerful message delivered, one that puts most of the rest of the film in context. This is truely a great cinematic work and should be admired as such. I suppose you can either love this movie or hate it, but if for nothing else, the soundtrack rocks! Mother looses her sanity, son looses his arm, girl looses her dignity and black guy looses his freedom, everything that we take for granted is ripped away at the end, and thats a pretty damn interesting message.… Expand

A technical and directorial masterpiece with amazing cinematography, music, acting, plot, pace, direction, and every other element of a movie. Simply top-notch; Aronofsky brings the Shakespearean tragedy into the present day and adds his own dark touch. Watch it, but make sure you watch the unrated version; Aronofsky made it that way for a reason, and watching an edited version would simply defeat the film's purpose.… Expand

I bought this movie today at Wal-Mart called 'Requiem for a Dream'. Of couse I got the R-rated Edited Version. I truly believe that it deserves WAY more than $5.50. I love this movie, it is a masterpiece, but I did not enjoy it. Why? Because it deals with lots of drugs. Nothing good happens in this film. Absoluely nothing. This was the first movie ever to make me cry, especially at the end. I wish I could say that it had a happy ending. I really do. Definitely a must-see.… Expand

Requiem for a Dream is a masterpiece and a movie you will never forget. The title alone should let you know it is not going to be a happy, uplifting movie. If you aren't a schizo on the subject of drugs, then this movie is a muse see. The theme song is incredible too!

This is an amazing movie. It makes you relate to the 4 characters first, then slowly spiral you into the oblivion that is addiction. Aronofsky does this through the amazing lens of a gifted filmmaker.

This is a great movie. Very stylish and thought provoking. The movie slowly sucks you in the leaden nightmare in which is filled up with harrowing truths, deep thoughts and breathtaking performances, especially by Ellen Burstyn.

A great movie in every aspect. one that will surely stick with you for years to come. Don't miss out.

Changed my life. Made me rethink things I've said and done. truly a masterpiece.

Hugely disturbing masterpiece. Some of the best acting across the board you will ever witness, period. If you've ever had a personal connection to any of the themes explored here, it will make your blood boil. The downward spiral of the 3 lead characters is putrid, uncomfortably hellacious.

Sorry Darren, you're not foolin this wily cat. I will give him credit for making a film that goes absolutely no where, dramatically or conceptually, seem 10X more complex than it actually is. Underneath the pretentious flash is a soul as or even more vacant as any mainstream Hollywood garbage.

In some ways, this is a bold American film made by someone with independent spirit and ingenuity. Feeling generous, we might confer upon Aronofsky the mantle of the daring artist, and there's no doubt that Aronofsky is bright, driven, and sharpwitted stylist. But is he saying anything new, unearthing some profound truth about modern life? Does he stand out of the crowd among the younger crop of filmmakers? I think not. To be fair, Aronofsky's use of slo-motion and fast-motion within the same frame is something I hadn't seen before, and the effect is devastating, illustrating the unbridgeable islands of human reality, that we may be few feet apart physically but in separate emotional universes; sort of like a one-shot Rashomon. Otherwise, while the movie's consistently gripping and watchable, our attention is generally maintained by endless dosages of visual fixes than with any startling discovery or revelation about desperate/delusional lives. Also, this notion of fuzzy reality has become a cliche, as the younger generation of filmmakers all seem to have been schooled not only in cinema and alot of dumb popmusic (notably rap and punk), but on drugs. I can see the average independent filmmaker, smoking alot of weed, occasionally doing harder stuff like heroin, feeling wild and creative and mistaking his scatterbrained mental imagery as the stuff of art. Sure, such can be the stuff of art, but it's now become the staple of every half-assed pretentious independent or quasi-independent(hollywood financed)movie. Whereas drugs like LSD pushed artists like David Lynch to look deeper under the facade of human consciousness, the newer directors seem fixated on the superficial effects of the drugs. You can see this in the aesthetics of David Fincher and his contemporaries. Enough already; and wouldn't it be more honest for the viewer to snort coke thru the nose than thru the eyes? Requiem may resemble Lynch's masterful, indeed tragic, Mulholland Drive but in fact it's closer a gonzo version of a Twilight Zone episode. It's clever and absorbing, eerie and unsettling but it's incomplete, sketchy, with ideas underprepared and half-digested. Aronofsky got all the ingredients together but didn't cook them long enough. Requiem is to art movie what Burton's Planet of the Apes is to today's action movie: all forward thrust with no rest stops. The rollercoaster effects may faithfully convey the mind of a junkie, but a movie should be more than the sum of its effects, which is why Taxi Driver is far more memorable, balancing the madness of its protagonist with the cerebral gaze by the author. Aronofsky overstates the theme of addiction. Judging from Rush Limbaugh's recent drug conviction, how obvious that addiction isn't simply a problem restricted to junkies but in how we live our lives, how we need endless distractions to keep our minds off reality, in order to hope for the impossible. And, Aronofsky is courageous in revealing there is no clear boundary between destructive addictive impulses and healthy instincts which, in their obsessive quality--sex, food, need for love and warmth--may be the very foundation of all addictions. Still, when everything in the movie is contextualized within the theme of addiction, Aronofsky is simplifying a complex subject, thinking like a drug addled paranoid himself. Sadly, the movie too closely resembles what it's attacking. Aronofsky shows the emptiness of dreams fed by our pop culture, by ambitions of overnight success, by craving for that wild rush of illusory euphoria. For beyond what the movie shows as the malaise of addictive behavior, there isn't anything else. And, Aronofsky, in his perhaps bold and noble attempt to show this ugly truth as it really is, goes over-the-top ala Oliver Stone(in Natural Born Killers)and revels in the very mess he's scrutinizing. The movie itself becomes little more than a fix, a wild rush of cinematic inventiveness that excites and thrills but brings us no nearer to truth, which is something that can't be said for Kubrick's masteful Clockwork Orange, which might have inspired certain aspects of Requiem. The two male leads are adequate playing silly mama's boys who think they're made for tougher things. Connelly looks great and shows real acting talent but her performance suffers from its sheer, gratuitous sleaziness. It's a sad phenomenon among pretty actresses that they feel inadequate and underappreciated as 'actors' and so must prove their worth by going over-the-top. Fonda did it politically by playing monkey on North Vietnamese artillery and Connelly, like many others, does it here by confusing baring her ass with baring her soul. She may think her skanky scenes faithfully depict the tragic downfall of her character, her debasement at the hands of greedy capitalistic men, but really, honey, you've been had by Aronofsky, just as Rossellini was duped by Lynch. Anyone seeking out the Director's Cut will not have Connelly's 'art' on his mind but her undulating ass. Don't fall for the hype, sister. The real performance in the movie belongs to Burstyn, so painful and total that it made me wonder about women like her I saw on subway trains. We dismiss them as crazies but this movie made me empathize, that their madness too may have been the end result of desperate lives, dashed hopes, and fixation of childish dreams. Ellen Burstyn role has raw power and exhibits a lifelong devotion to the art of acting, which ripens here to the point of bursty. It's a role as total, equally reckless and masterful, as Milland's in Lost Weekend. Also, as an actress who has seen better days, perhaps even personal, both a confession and a last hurrah. … Expand

This movie wont let you move, the the artwork that is this movie is haunting, and it is some of the best ive ever seen.

One of the most powerful films I've ever watched. An amazing look at addiction of many types (drugs, entertainment, sex, affection) which illustrates in painful detail just how empty these things are.

This movie is one of the best movies I have ever seen. It's stunning cinematography and hauntingly appropriate violin score only add to the emotional power of a film about the world as it really is. In the world there are rarely the happy endings that we see in the movies and it scares most people, but thats what Aronofsky delivers. A compelling yet gut wrenching look at the world of drugs. It is unbearable to watch an oscar worhty Ellen Burstyn (who reminds you of your grandmother) go through such a terrible transformation. Her lonely saddened life along with her longing for something more becomes her eventual downfall and the tragic climax that the audience is forced to see leaves us devastated. Her son Harry even though somewhat ego-maniacal does not lack any sympathy. … Expand

What a downer. All junkies should be forced to see this movie with their eyes pried open a la Clockwork Orange.

I would give it more than a ten if i could. This is the most powerful, thought provoking, most perfectly acted film I have ever seen (and yes, I've seen many of the so-called classics). I cried at the end. Burstyn was robbed, end of story.

I just liked it because it was so weird.

God!!! I luuve this movie...

This is a movie, that i personally got totally lost in. (and i mean that in a good way). It's so real and it torments me to watch it beause i know to an extent what i feels like to be addicted. I like how they gradually sink into the addiction so you can actually see what drugs do to you, and how much they impact your whole life.

One of the best films, i've ever seen...

Emotionally gripping, the director makes you feel as if you are living in hell with the characters.

This is a frightening movie and really shows how horrible life could get by drugs. And also so great=)

This film was definitely for the intellectuals. Not too many others would truly appreciate it's worth. True, it's a terribly negative piece, but aren't you sick of covering up everything bad in the world?

This is the best movie I have ever seen and only wish that I had been able to see it in the theatre.

Visually stunning, but narratively empty. This film goes over territory that has already been covered in a very one-note and unimaginative fashion. Arronovsky is no doubt a talented stylist. But he shows off at the expense of realism and character development. Rent "Trainspotting" for a more nuanced and interesting take on this subject matter.

Wow.

This movie made me puke, and thats a good thing... if you don't see it, you aren't complete.

I would like to know jennifer connelly, biblically.

Powerful indeed. Undoubdtedly delivers the intended messege.

This movie is definitely IT.

Despair so massive it almost swallows itself whole. That's the tone of this film. Doesn't appeal to you? Watch it anyway. It's just-so-important that it cannot be missed.

This movie is an intelligent, smart movie. It enforces its theme without any troubble, yet there is so much underlying the obvious.

First half was boring, little more than an exercise in film school technique. Second half was a little better, once the director stopped getting in the way of the story. If you want a good movie in this genre, rent "Trainspotting" or "Drugstore Cowboy."

How could anyone give this movie a bad rating? Not only are the audio and visual aspects of the movie stunning, the plight of the characters is heartbreaking and true-to-life.

It's SO damned good. It's really f.....d up but so damn good and powerful and emotional and just sickening at times. I thought that I had lost all faith in Jared Leto after PANIC ROOM and I KNEW that I lost all the faith that I didn't have in Marlon Wayans after The SCARY MOVIE movies, but those two just blew me away. Jennifer Connely has never been this hot hot hot ever. She was amazing. Ellen Burnstyn was incredible and deserved that oscar, she's always great. Darren Aronofsky is one of the most talented directors/writers in Hollywood today. It has that same feeling as PI did but more disturbing. One of the 3 best films of the year, short of AMORES PERROS and TRAFFIC. … Expand

Drugs are bad, mmkay?

more of a movie with intentions to "shock". Lacks thoughtful dialogue, and strays from complete development of characters.

There are few movies in existence that can emotionally draw you into the pit of despair that accompanies Harry, Marion, Tyrone, and Sara. If you even tolerated the movie, read the book. Amazing, that's all there is to it.

The reason it's an 8 and not a 10 is because it's so visually graphic and hard to stomach that it takes two points away. Otherwise it's a virtually flawless piece of cultural art.

I used to think "Trainspotting" was disturbing. As drug films go, this one makes "Trainspotting" look like "Up In Smoke."

Perfectly embodies the hopelessness of today's American society.

This is a film witch makes you learn more about the cruel reality for these victims. The film starts with normal people, no fear, and ends with total hell. The best film ever.

Schockingly true about the perils of addiction.

Just awesome...if you are in the drug's world you would enjoy it 1000, but if you don't know about these things, just shut up.

One of the most shocking films ever made. It is a great film with supurb acting especially by Ellen Burstyn. This film makes you never want to take drugs.

A stunning & powerful film that shakes you to the core & stays in your mind long after you've seen it. Its portayals of addiction & self-delusion - and their terrible consequences - may be extreme, but they have a powerful resonance. Ellen Burstyn's performance is especially poignant & heartbreaking - it is a depiction of tragedy itself.

THe filming of the movie was very well done and dramatic. It showed a lot of emotions.

This is a fantastic movie!!!!!!!!! Like duh it's god O.K.!!!!!

It is disgustingly beautiful. A must-see for anyone whose life is slipping.

A visual and audio masterpiece.

F....ing deck. You know how it is. This is Chank and scheist, yea.

Simply the best film of 2000 and in decades. Simply the most harrowing since "Exorcist" and "Psycho," yet it is not a horror film. Simply the best anti-drug film ever made...yet it is not truly about drugs.

It's just so nice to see something that doesn't follow the typical Hollywood formula. Because of this, it tugs on your emotions in ways other movies can't. Is funny in a sad and sincere way.

They should show this in school. I'll never do drugs, and I have this movie to thank. Completely honest.

Perfect and heartbreaking. It's not the fancy FX but the performances that will haunt you.

Done 100 times, yes; like this, no. Unlike the typical drug flick--which ends either in a bloodbath or with two uber-hip, model-gorgeous junkies continuing on down the highway in a mint '63 Lincoln--this movie both beats you up and breaks your heart. No one dies, but everyone pays a price. Brutal, breathtaking, heartbreaking. You won't forget it.