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The theme of drugs is widely used by screenwriters and directors. True, such films cause a double feeling among the audience, as a result – conflicting reviews. Someone thinks that this is a kind of advertising of prohibited substances. Indeed, at first for most movie heroes, life develops quite successfully. Friends, noisy companies, “laughing” pills” or powder. And then a terrible word – dependence. Pain, fear, grief, obsessive desire, quarrels with loved ones, if you do not stop in time, death. So it is unlikely that viewers will want to try drugs if they watch at least a couple of films about this phenomenon.
If you are interested in this topic, pay attention to our selection of films and series about drugs. These are sad and life stories that will sink into your soul for a long time.
10 Training Day (2001)
A crime thriller about the everyday life of an ordinary policeman Jake Hoyt. He recently transferred to the drug enforcement department. His colleague and mentor Alonzo wants to see Jake in action. The first “training” day begins. Together they go on a raid through the streets of Los Angeles, where they will confront drug dealers. Jake will be very surprised when he finds out that his partner uses illegal methods in the fight against criminals, but this is a trifle compared to other troubles that will happen today …
9. Escobar (2017)
A dramatic film based on the biography of the Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar. He was born into a poor family, his father is a farmer, his mother is a teacher. Having matured, he, like other boys, began to dream of a beautiful life and easy money. Pablo did not use legal methods, but decided to build his own drug empire. He managed to do it in the shortest possible time. No wonder he made many enemies. But people are afraid of him, and no one will dare to confront Escobar himself.
Soon he realizes that he should not be limited to wealth, Pablo has new desires. Now the drug lord is eager for power. The film also shows the love story of Escobar and journalist Virginia Valejo.
8. Traffic (2000)
Crime drama, abridged adaptation of The Heroin Journey. Robert Wakefield, Chief Justice receives an assignment from the President. He must lead a team that will deal with the fight against the “sellers of death.” An intricate scheme is being built in which there is a place not only for police and drug dealers, but also for their loved ones. In the process, the main character learns that his beloved daughter is also heavily addicted to heroin. The film “Traffic” is several different stories, unlike each other, yet they have something in common – drugs.
7. Diary of a Basketball Player (1995)
The film is based on the biographical novel by Jim Carroll. Already at the age of 13, he became a basketball star, but his grandiose plans were crossed out by dependence on illegal substances.
This is a frank, tough and true story of the degradation of young boys and girls. The story is told in the first person. The main character, with the role of which Leonardo DiCaprio brilliantly coped, is a 16-year-old guy. He keeps a diary. There he describes all his experiences and events that happened to him. Together with his friends, he opens the world of drugs, the world of pleasure and unlimited freedom. Soon the young man goes to prison. This saves him from death, because there are no prohibited substances. Friends who remained at large are unlikely to live to see their 20th birthday …
Interesting fact. River Phoenix was originally cast in the lead role. The young and talented actor was the idol of youth. He never managed to star in The Basketball Diaries. River died shortly before filming began. The cause was a drug overdose.
6. Pulp Fiction (1994)
Pulp Fiction is a legendary film directed by Quentin Tarantino. It shows several stories. Crime, murders, robberies… Of course, there were some drugs here. They are the subject of a story called “Vincent Vega and the Wife of Marsellus Wallace.” Mia Wallace is a drug addict and regularly uses cocaine. This time the girl was not lucky, an overdose …
5. Trainspotting (1995)
Crime drama based on the acclaimed novel by Irvine Welsh. Trainspotting was voted the best British film of the last 60 years in a poll.
The action takes place in the 90s in Edinburgh. The protagonist Mark Renton is an experienced drug addict. He regularly tries to quit, get a job and start a normal life. True, so far he has not been able to do this. Mark’s friends are also drug addicts. Some of them are still trying to break free from drug captivity, and like Renton, start all over again, but some don’t care anymore. There is only one desire – another dose …
4. Cocaine (2001)
Another biopic based on the true story of smuggler George Young. This man once became one of the key figures in the cocaine trade in the 70s and 80s of the twentieth century.
An ordinary boy from the suburbs figured out how to fulfill his dream – to become rich and powerful. To do this, you just need to sell drugs. Young chose cocaine. Soon he has his own market, among his clients are the most successful and famous people in America. George masterfully fools the police and the FBI, as well as other drug lords …
3. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)
American black comedy. A classic of world cinema, it has long been a cult film.
The main character is a journalist named Raoul Duke goes to Las Vegas. His goal is to write an article about a sporting event – the Mint 400 race. Raul is not traveling alone, a friend named Dr. Gonzo kindly agreed to keep him company. The men took with them a large amount of “laughing” substances and alcohol. Grass, pills, tranquilizers… Duke forgets about the purpose of the trip, the drug race begins. Only pleasure and nothing else.
The film is based on the book “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” by Hunter Thompson, for which he used the occasion to write. It happened to him in real life.
2. Breaking Bad (TV series 2008–2013)
Crime drama series. A total of 5 seasons, 62 episodes were released. This project was recognized as one of the best in America, won many awards, positive reviews from critics and the love of viewers around the world.
Breaking Bad main character Walter White is 50 and works as a chemistry teacher. His wife is pregnant and he also has a disabled son. To support his family, he is forced to earn extra money at a car wash. Walter soon learns that he is terminally ill. Lung cancer, last stage. Now the only thing that worries White is how his loved ones will live when he dies. An idea comes to his mind – drugs. He finds his former student Jesse Pinkman, who has experience in this business, and offers him to go into business. They buy a motorhome and drive out of town to brew their first batch of methamphetamine…
1. Requiem for a Dream (2000)
American drama that tells about the fate of different people. Sarah, an elderly widow, dreams of being on a TV show. Her son Harold and his friend Tyler want to become rich. Harold’s friend Marion also has big plans for the future, she is going to open a fashion store. To achieve your goals, you need to put in a lot of effort, but the main characters of “Requiem for a Dream” did not use the traditional way. They got into drugs. Their dreams are not destined to come true, they have chosen the wrong path…