Work of a genious (The Basketball Diaries (DVD))

Name: Harbingerz

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Product:	The Basketball Diaries (DVD)
Date:	11/07/02 (77 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Informative, real life, oscar worthy

Disadvantages: DVD features are poor

This film is actually based on the book 'The Basketball Diaries' by Jim Carroll. It's his own diary from his early teen years where he was taken into a world of heroin abuse and crime.
I've read the book too and the film is a credit to a written masterpiece (considering he was only twelve when he started writing it). Don't let the title deceive you though. It's not about basketball, although it does play a mojor role in Jim's life. It's more of a metephor for those care free days of youth when simple things like basketball are the only 'responsibilities' in your life.

Leonardo Dicaprio did this in his pre-fame days. He deserved an oscar for his performance of junkie Jim Carroll, who has an amzing gift of writing poetry and putting words together. Dont let him put you off the movie. His talent will astound you in this piece.
It also stars Mark Whalberg as Jim's wild heroin addicted friend.
Listen out for the soundtrack too. Some of these songs are now cult hits amongst Jim Carroll fans. Even Jim Carroll himself features on at least three of them, as well as his cameo appearance in the film.

This film can be pretty dark and real. The censors haven't clouded of 'hollywoodised' the real issues of drug addiction. It will shock you, especailly as it is true story. The film was given an 18 certificate, but I would show it young teenagers. This will show them that drug abuse isn't glam or intelligent. It's hard, truthful and a cult classic. I recommend his books too...his writing talent is truly beyond belief.

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