Gritty but good.

When first released this film garnered outrage from the usual sources, shocked that an 18 certificate might have unpalatable storylines. While there are unpleasant scenes this should not detract from a engaging fim which has superb cinematography. Larry Clark manages to portray inner city New York teenagers as neither entirely evil or entirely virtuous, but as a changeable combination of the two.

For those who have seen it only once I'd recommend another viewing as I think the film can be better appreciated.