Queer As Folk [DVD] [1999]

Queer As Folk is something of a turning point in the presentation of gay lifestyles in the western-world. The oft-though of as bleak Manchester, England is the setting and the many colourful and varied (gay and straight) characters provide an interesting contrast.

The show covers just about everything in modern gay life: heterosexual parents, gay-friendly parents, lesbian mothers, drug use, party-party-party, lust and sex, friendships, work, discrimination, happiness and joy, death, and much more.

Yet what most secured my attention was the similarity that the (otherwise rather ordinary) leading characters shared with myself and many of my friends. The issues faced by them in their pursuit of realising some meaning to their lives were very similar to ours. And although the show was at the centre of controversy for its use of a young teenage character, it was really pitched at the late 20's crowd, represented by the majority of the leading roles. For this reason I think Queer As Folk is a clever and ironic reminder of where gay men are at in their late 20's at the turn of the millennium. Many of the issues are difficult to stomach, even for someone who has faced similar. This is reminiscent of another British television series "This Life" (which is something of a heterosexual equivalent) and in stark contrast with various other gay-themed series or movies that often present the gay lifestyle as either too fluffy or totally miserable.

Queer As Folk touches many people for various reasons and whether you like it or hate it, its real success is in getting people to talk more openly about the issues it presents.

The DVD release of this title was cleaner and had a crisper sound quality to the VHS version, in which the sound seemed to be quite muted. Since there is a lot of music and varying sound levels in the dialogue I would certainly recommend the DVD over VHS.

Well I for one, loved watching it!!!

You wouldn't see anything different really if it had been about straight people. The sex would've been as graphic except showing practicaly every detail of the female body. The under-age issue still counts if the character had been straight as he was 15 which is under age even for heterosexuals. The drug taking is shown in many other TV dramas though they don't always show that just taking drugs once can kill you like QAF did! The promiscuous nature of the characters is no different to many many straight men and women.

So why all the who-ha??? Because is is about Homosexuals!!!! Well, being one, maybe I am biased, but it was so refreshing to see such and honest and factual drama about homosexual life. True, not all homosexuals live like that, and I'm sure some will be angry that it seems to be slightly playing on the stereotypes that all Gay men will sleep with anyone (and do!), but in a lot of cases this is in fact true.

Well the cast did a wonderful job, the characters were well thought out and the script is witty and sharp. The story is complex but well thought out. It has laughter, love, anger, sadness, discrimination, acceptance and lust.

What else can you ask for from a British Drama??

A 100% must for ANY video collection!