Director Ulrich Edel has spared us none of the grimmest details of a young junkie’s life. And, thank goodness, because he’s managed to destroy a lot of glamorous myths about the subject.

[An] unflinching portrait of a teenage addict and sex worker...

This is one of the most horrifying movies I have ever seen. That it is based on actual events makes it more heartbreaking.

Seen today (and with its original soundtrack), the film still retains its power to shock and stun viewers without condescending to either them or the characters on the screen.