Junk (TV 1999)

Tar and Gemma, 14-year-olds, run away to Bristol, but soon become involved in drugs and prostitution.

Director:

Marcus D.F. White

Writers:

Melvin Burgess (novel), Barry Purchese

Stars:

Trevor Byfield, Ben Cato, Anita Dobson

1 win.

Cast

Credited cast:
Trevor Byfield	...	Skolly
Ben Cato	...	Junky
Anita Dobson	...	Mrs Lawson
Marcelle Duprey	...	Lily
Lee Ingleby	...	Rob
David Mallinson	...	Mr Lawson
Daniel Newman	...	Tar Lawson
Susan Penhaligon	...	Mrs Brogan
Jemima Rooper	...	Gemma Brogan
David Schofield	...	Mr Brogan
Joe Shaw	...	Jerry
Katryna Thomas-Shell	...	Vonny

Storyline

Tar and Gemma, 14-year-olds, run away to Bristol, but soon become involved in drugs and prostitution.

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Plot Keywords:

prostitution | drugs | runaway | teen | based on novel

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Filming Locations:

Barleywood, Wrington, Somerset, England, UK

Company Credits

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Gemma Brogan: I'm really looking forward to being clean again. It's this weird thing with smack. First off it makes you feel so good. But after a bit, after your body gets used to it, it stops working like that. You start needing it just to stay normal... Then you get sick of it and give it up for a few days. And that's the really nasty thing because then, when you're clean, that's when it works so well.

User Reviews

A powerful drama with a serious message

I watched this series predominantly because I am a serious fan of Daniel Newman, who played Tar, but I was struck by the vivid portrayal of heroin addiction displayed. The cast was brilliant, and the script carefully thought out. The imagery was horrific in places, and rightly so, as the film was trying to deter the use of drugs. I also liked the way that young people could relate to it; as a young person, I found myself empathising with the characters, and understanding why they did what they did. It proved how easily impressionable people can get dragged into heroin, using shock tactics rather than preaching. And of course, Daniel Newman acted brilliantly - he really deserves some more good roles!