Queer as Folk

This is really a delight. Despite seeing all episodes in one marathon session, it remained great fun all the way. The high-energy and really interesting characters (including some great lesbians) kept interest from flagging.

This series are really the best gay-soap of all times!! It's never boring, you get always a laugh and the characters will be more interesting by every episode of the series. I think that this TV-series will go to the classics... Well, I hope so. I'll give it 12/10 (!)

I have been privileged to see this superb series on DVD, as our national TV channels have been somewhat reticent to air it. I thought it was a fascinating and realistic (to some extent) portrait of what it's like to be gay in this end of millennium Britain. But even though I'm bisexual myself, I felt that the characters sexual preferences were not the central issue. Relationships, love, coping with life's little petty annoyances & major issues was. And the acting was excellent, particularly Craig Kelly (an often under-rated actor), Denise Black and Aidan Gillen. It was a breakthrough drama as far as the portrayal of gay characters on mainstream TV is concerned. I'll admit to that. But more than anything it was a glimpse of televised fiction at its best. No one should miss it. And your (eventual) prejudices might be challenged. All TV drama should aim for similar goals, I think...

It's easy to see where this original British version of "Queer as Folk" generated talk when it debuted in the UK. Its liberated tone and sassy manner flings itself at the viewer with uninhibited abandonment.

It's certainly time for more honest depiction of alterative lifestyles, even though these characters may represent a cultural minority. Russel T. Davies' script is pointed and efficient, and Charles McDougal's and Sarah Harding's direction (of episodes 1-4 and 5-8, respectively) keeps the action moving and the dialogue sparkling.

Harding's direction is particularly effective, as Davies escalates character development as the series moves toward the end. The viewer begins to understand the selfish arrogance of Stuart, and the dependent relationship of Vince, to the viewer's dismay. Even the young Nathan emerges as a bit of a disappointment in the ethical department.

The driving rock beat of the score adds a flippant touch to these characters whose lives are closely attached to the flashy bar scene and superficial materialism. One night shagging, drug taking, and regular boozing complete a pretty empty portrait.

Selfish, self-centered, and immature, these characters are more to be pitied than censured as they engage in "La Ronde"-type laisons several nights a week. There's very little Canal Street has to offer, other than elaborate distraction, and these fellows play into its fold with addictive verve.

Turn up the volume, spin the crystal, boogie til dawn . . . it's all part of the escapist route-of-no-return. No matter that a mate ODed on heroine, as a result of a quick, irresponsible pickup. The funeral is as routine and unfeeling as as the last relationship. A stark and thought-provoking drama has been fashion by Davies, and played up a storm by a highly talented cast, headed by Aidan Gillen, Craig Kelly and Charlie Hunnam.

Gillen's work seems particularly reminiscent of Gary Oldman's in "Prick Up Your Ears." It's a highly detailed characterization that seems to come from the inside out. Both Kelly and Hunnam are seasoned professionals, and provide skillful insight to their presentations.

If anyone thought the cockney in "Beautiful Thing" was difficult to understand, give a listen to the dialect here. It can be uniformly cut with a knife, yet it also adds to the authenticity of its blue collar setting.

"Queer as Folk" certainly did what it set out to do: set a genuine precedent in mature and intelligent television filmmaking.

Having never watched this back when it was on TV back in the late 90's I finally caught this on Netflix. I guess I thought it was irrelevant being far from gay and not really being particularly interested in that scene. I'm happy to say I was wrong. Gay, straight, in-between, whatever...this is a story about love and sex and how you deal with those emotions in a modern world. It is very clever - cleverly written and cleverly acted. Especially Aidan Gillen stands out and carries the role of the emotionally shut off Stuart with the perfect mixture of charm and arrogance. He is a real anti-hero. Just when you're convinced he is a right bastard, he surprises you.

The show is also interesting to watch these almost 15 years after it aired. I keep reading about how shocking it was and times must have changed because I didn't find it shocking at all. Sure, there is partial nudity but nothing explicit and sure: it deals with homosexuality - doesn't shock me. It's sort of a "Sex and the City" for the gay man.

Also I find it refreshing that Queer As Folks for the most part stays clear of the stereotypical over-the-top and almost feminine "gay man" as seen in shows like "Will and Grace". Different times back then perhaps?

The ending was, giving no spoilers, not really up to par in my opinion. But I guess they had to end it somehow and it feels like they were in a hurry. It did seem a little far fetched.

In some ways I would kinda like to see how Stuart and Vince live life in their 40s but at the same time a reunion done poorly would be devastating when the original is so enjoyable. Cannot do anything but recommend watching it. Gay, straight, whatever...