Movie: Human Traffic (COM, D, R)

Human Traffic is a film about twentysomethings in the drug-drenched club scene in Cardiff, Wales. (I watched this film because it contains one of my favorite actors, Richard Coyle, who has a funny scene explaining why Star Wars is actually a film about the drug culture.) Despite the subject matter, I was moved by these characters and surprised at how much we have in common.

The film does a good job of explaining why these "kids" do ecstasy: they all have dead-end jobs and painful home lives, and clubbing is a way of getting together with their friends and escaping their problems. (These people look like they're having a great time getting high, but the film is realistic about the fact that drug use often comes with a price. It shows us the pain of coming down off a high. References are made to the possibility of brain damage, impotence, and even death.) These characters don't expect to have weekend drug binges for the rest of their lives; instead, they see it as easing the pain of the transition into adulthood.

The story also includes a tender love story, one that celebrates life and shows how meaningful social contact can also help us deal with the pain of living. (I plan to buy the DVD just to rewatch this couple's scenes.)

As a person struggling with my job and other personal issues right now, this film really touched a nerve. If you can look past the bad language and drug use, you'll find characters you really care about. Grade: A