Christiane F (UK)

The merits of the film are on the slightly-dubious side. Far more so than kids, to which is has been compared, Christiane F reeks of a film made by people who have no experience of what they are dealing with yet are absolutely desperate to obtain a documentary realism, instead only achieving a hyperbolic sensationalism that`s as perverted as it is caring. On a simply cinematic note, the dialogue and perfomances are mostly wooden and theatrical. Still, the endless grime of it all has a certain aesthetic charm, and shots in a dirty squat tracking from underage sex to a junkie with a needle in his foot inspire a chuckle.

I`m really writing this review to contend the notion that the transfer is of poor quality. Regardless of the quality of the film, the quality of this disc - especially compared to the shameful antics of higher profile companies like Metro Trartan and Carlton - is something to be applauded. Removable subtitles, for a start. Common place in r1, but not in r2. But on to the transfer - sure, there are film artifacts. Some dirt, grain, etc. But these things are only part of the story, and personally don`t bother me. What matters is the film-tape transfer, and in this case the qualities of the original film are captured excellently. Sure, the disc isn`t anamorphic, but it`s arguable whether 16:9 reeps any benefits on a 1.66:1 film. The picture is clear with no visible edge enhancement or artifacting, and there`s really very little else one could ask for.

So Second Sight - very well done, but perhaps pick a better film next time... Maybe try and buy some of the Metro Tartan back catalogue before they can mess up any more classic films...

Be prepared, grim and uncompromising Christiane F packs a hefty punch in the guts.

Personally I was unaware of the origin of this film before viewing it so when the dedication to junkies Babsi, Atze and Axel rolled up at the end and I realised it was a true story I nearly sobbed.

Set in West Berlin in the Seventies the movie has a gripping energy all be it a dark one. The spunky teen actors combined with a classic Bowie soundtrack make for some uplifting moments that counter the teen angst, boredom and despair.
One specific sequence when Christiane leaves her favoured hang out `The Sound` with her clique and they descend on the closed shopping precinct, running and tumbling after each other to the timeless `Heroes` is especially tender and should take you right back to your own first exhilarating taste of freedom and the feeling that life could offer more than the mundane.

From here on in it charts Christiane`s gruesome spiral into heroin addiction and prostitution, mostly in the company of her young hustler boyfriend Detlev.

If needles make you squeamish then avoid this film. If you find scenes of naked teens exploitative avoid this film.

If you have an open mind and intense, gritty realism is your cup of tea then you will definitely appreciate Christiane F. An honest, vivid interpretation of a true story that tells of the devastating affect Heroin has on the lives it touches.

Well shot with superb acting, strong characters, and a killer soundtrack make this a definite drug fuelled classic. The relationships contained and the identifiable natures of the characters however make this film much more.

The best film on addiction I`ve ever seen.

Note: this film is based on the book ‘Wir Kinder Von Bahnhoff Zoo’ the true story of Christiane Felscherinow and her friends.

I`m only 15, but when me and my friend switched onto FIlm Four one Saturday, a film was about to start, it was called "Christiane F" and we were both like "Whats That Abou!?" and so we started watching it, and straight away i was into it, forget the subtitles you get sooo into the quality of the acting and the the storyline that you feel like you can understand entirely what they`re saying .. although, i don`t know about you, but i don`t speak a word of german!!!
The film is brillaint though, you experience all different emotions, from sympathy to Incomprehension, admiration to disgust, it is just so well done. It is definatly a film you will not forget!!!