Review of Christiane F. (1981) by Nicki M — 10 Jan 2015

All time favourite movie of mine. I first saw this back in the 90's on an almost knackered VHS with a bad overdub. Have since purchased the DVD with subtitles and in proper German language.

I am not sure why I love this movie so much, it's hardly a cheerful story about a young teenage girl who slowly becomes hooked on heroin and then becomes a prostitute to support her habit. Maybe it's the 70's setting, the soundtrack including David Bowie and the excellent performances by the young cast.

I recently got hold of the original novel this is based on, which I have been trying to find in English virtually since I first saw this movie. (Not easy to find at all as it is long out of print and only available in other languages). It astounds me that the vastly inferior "Go ask Alice" is still in print. This book seriously should be given to kids to read in school - it would scare the crap out of them and put them off for life. The movie I guess is a little more glamourous as the actress who plays Christiane is a pretty girl and, though it is still pretty gross, particularly by the end, I can understand how there were certain young girls who would try and copy her. (I read a little online about it and apparently this was the case).

The book is definitely better than the movie (Can't believe I am saying that!), but they are both pretty damn good.

This is the best movie about drug addiction I have ever seen.