Union Square

Herald rating: * * * *

Documentary-maker Stephen Szklarski took his camera to Union Square, New York, to film the lives of seven homeless heroin addicts. Surprisingly, they opened up to him and told their stories of how they ended up on the streets, slaves to their addiction. Each reveals how they were seduced by the drug and made the choice to fall into a living death.

It's in your face film-making, but if you can stomach the filth, rotting teeth and scarred arms, this is an outstanding chronicle of despair and hopelessness.

The disc offers little more than Szklarski's commentary track and a return visit to the addicts. Those who were still there ...

* DVD, Video rental today