Human Traffic

Human Traffic is a lively, reality-based British film from 1999 directed by Justin Kerrigan. The movie becomes an exploration of '90s youth culture, addressing themes of friendship, youth, and identity, alongside the defining backdrop of club culture and the constant quest for the ultimate escape.

The story revolves around five friends living in Cardiff, Wales. The dynamic cast includes John Simm as Jip, a disillusioned retail manager dealing with issues of low self-confidence and anxiety; Lorraine Pilkington as Lulu, an effectively adventurous female lead; Shaun Parkes as Koop, a striving record shop employee with jealous tendencies; Nicola Reynolds as Nina, Koop’s outspoken and bold girlfriend; Danny Dyer as Moff, an eccentric who resents his middle-class upbringing yet, ironically, is a full-time drug dealer.

Their lives portray a fretful existence of anxiety and disillusionment in their mundane day jobs. Jip, Koop, Nina, Lulu, and Moff are stuck in monotonous occupations, including selling shoes, working at a fast food joint, and dealing drugs. However, their anxieties and discontentment are temporarily washed away during the weekends when they throw themselves into the vibrant club scene for fleeting moments of euphoria and camaraderie. The movie effectively delves into the distinct universe of nightclubs, raves, and drugs that became the quintessence of the '90s youth culture.

Human Traffic uses the lives and interactions of these five friends to provide insightful social commentary and intricately delve into the issues affecting British youth culture at the time. Their mundane weekday lives in stark contrast to their colorful and lively weekends provide a vivid account of the dual identity gripped many young people of the '90s generation. The film truly captures the essence of the clubbing culture, where music, dance, and human connection are escapes from the humdrum of daily life.

The weekend, for these five friends, is an ephemeral utopia where they can break free from the chains of societal expectations and pressure. Recurring themes of anxiety, drug-use, and dissatisfaction are woven throughout the narrative. Jam-packed with wit, the narrative parallels the energetic club scenes, full of house music and rave culture, alongside more pensive moments that provoke thoughts about the uncertainties of youth and the quest for identity.

However, while the film portrays drug use and the clubbing lifestyle authentically, it mainly focuses on the human aspect, the characters' lives and interactions, their dreams, dilemmas, and disappointments. That’s where the title "Human Traffic" might derive its meaning from - the constant human flow through life's mundanities and excitements, through despair and euphoria, through reality and escapism.

The film effectively uses the lens of comedy to touch on complex themes, brilliantly portraying the contradictions of life, the uncertainties of love, and the ups and downs of friendships - all present in the lives of young individuals. Each character is developed well enough that the viewers can identify with their struggles and cheer for their triumphs. The movie’s charm lies in it representing a slice of life so accurately, making the characters and their experiences relatable to viewers, especially those familiar with the club culture.

In terms of technicality, the film's candid camera angles and intimate close-ups contribute significantly to its storytelling, giving it a documentary-like feel. Moreover, its original soundtrack encapsulates the essence of '90s clubbing, with a mélange of tunes ranging from dance to house to drum & bass, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the era it seeks to depict.

In summary, Human Traffic is not just a story about five friends navigating their way through life; it is also a social commentary that captures the '90s spirit, illustrating the propensity of the youth to escape from humdrum realities into the world of music, dance, and short-lived euphoria. The charm of the film lies in its honest and unfiltered portrayal of '90s youth culture, friendships, and the search for identity amid chaos. While filled with humor, entertainment, and a pumped-up soundtrack, the film leaves its audience pondering over more profound, underlying themes of life and youth.