Buy Queer as Folk Series 1: British Version

Queer as Folk Series 1: British Version

C1TV / Year: 1999

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Synopsis

The boldest, gayest, sexiest British television drama ever produced; absolutely essential.

Review

Queer as Folk is a remarkable phenomenon - so amazing the American cable network Showtime had to create a tamer American version. But this is the real thing - it's unedited - unexpurgated - and unbelievable. Millions of addicted British viewers tuned in every week undisturbed (and indeed thrilled) by the graphic nudity, foul language and less than savory characters.

Queer As Folk is an eight part soap opera/drama that takes an unflinching look at what it is like to be gay in the late '90's in Manchester's gay village. Teen sex, rampant drug use, promiscuity, broken hearts and unrequited love all figure in the story. The series focuses on the tumultuous lives among the young, beautiful and gay.

Told with pulsating music, and rapid-fire story telling and humor, the viewer is propelled along through the lives of the three main protagonists. There is 29-year-old Stuart (Gillen), an unrepentant party boy whose good looks, ready cash and ravenous sexual appetite keeps him in the limelight and allows him the nightly pick of the litter. He may be shallow and vain, who’s complaining? There is also his best friend Vince (Kelly), a handsome but insecure young man who joins Stuart on their nightly forays into clubland, but all the while quietly holding a torch for Stuart. Adding to the mix is 15-year-old Nathan, a blond beauty just itching to join in the gay fun.

And he enters it with a bang: Nathan (Hunnam) has sex with Stuart and develops an obsessive puppy love. Stuart swats him off like a persistent mosquito. Add a child born by Stuart (acting as a donor to a lesbian friend), emotional complexities and an interesting assortment of supporting characters and you’ll get an immensely enjoyable peek into a witty sexy world that has entranced people around the world.

"No one in Queer as Folk is remotely admirable... [with its] promiscuity, age-exploitation, unlawful drug use, deception, filthy language, drunkenness, infidelity, betrayal and callousness."
-John Macleod, The Herald of Glasgow

Keywords

Adolescence, British, UK, Drama, Drugs/Alcohol, Family Life, Friendship, Gay Male, Gay/Lesbian, Intergenerational Romance, Nightlife/Clubbing, Sexuality: Gay Male

Genres

Drama

Customer Reviews

Queer As Folk-British Style

JANORM wrote on 06/28/2010:

I have followed this Series on the Ovation Channel and found it to be just as addictive(no pun intended) as the Showtime Series. This was even more entralling as I was fortunate to be stationed in FRG(Germany) and took many passes and leaves to London during the 80s. Some people may find this Series a bit of an exaggeration of Gay life in the English Isle. Nothing could be further from the truth, in fact, a lot of the more erotic aspects were toned down considerably, by the screen writers. The main actors in this series produced some of the best and finest performances that I have ever witnessed. The main premise of this Series was to capture that slice of unbelievable Gay life that occurred in England, which it accomplished magnificiently! THE DRAMA OF RECOGNITION IS THE SAME ON EITHER SIDE OF THE ATLANTIC. NJMJr!

As Good As It Gets!

Just One Opinion wrote on 07/29/2004:

This British version of the seminal QAF is as good as it gets, but don't discount the American version either. The titles are the same, but I don't confuse the Stuart/Vince/Nathan lads with the Brian/Michael/Justin boys. They may be living in alternate universes but they are 6 distinctly different characters. My advice is to enjoy both of these series. They are equally excellent with fantastic stories to tell by top notch actors. I love these characters (and that includes all the QAF folks) so much that I own every single version of QAF including the three novels and background books that have been published about the shows. Start with the original British series and work your way through. You won't regret it.

Pure And Simple-A Work Of Art

Green Giant wrote on 02/03/2003:

When it was first broadcast on
British televison the spring of '99 QAF was an eye opener
to say the least. and it is a
testament to the actor's zest
and zeal that it remains so
even today. the 3 leads-Adian
Gillen,Charlie Hunnam and Craig Kelly give absolutely stellar performances. each of the 8 episodes is perfectly
acted, written and directed.
its sexual frankness is quite extraordinary as well-case in point the second scene between Gillen and Hunnam in episode #1. i won't spoil it
for you but both actors are
naked and the intimacy with which they play the scene is
rarely seen in the legitimate
media. plus Charlie Hunnam has
6-pack abs to die for and his
stunning butt is well get the
dvd and see for yourself.

Hey triple the price--I don't care

skinnyebert wrote on 07/24/2001:

No what it costs. It is totally worth it. Its priceless in my books. Lives up to the hype.

Unique

theaterfan wrote on 05/14/2001:

Genuinely enjoyable, the British series will be overshadowed by the Americna version. Still, I have to say that the acting in the original is superior, the writing is more meaningful, and the direction is solid. This series is brief but it says more about gay life, some unique individual characters, and life at this challenging time of a new century, with a new society, and real challenges for the gay community. Mind you, I enjoy the US series, but it is more clearly soap opera than a video play. This British video series is a keeper.

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