Directed by:
Danny BoyleScreenplay:
John HodgeCinematography:
Brian TufanoCast:
Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller, Kevin McKidd, Robert Carlyle, Kelly Macdonald, Peter Mullan, James Cosmo, Eileen Nicholas, Susan Vidler (more)VOD (2)
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The successful adaptation of Irvine Welsh's novel about a group of young Edinburgh heroin addicts. Ewan McGregor stars as Mark Renton, the most reflective member of a group that also includes the compulsive womaniser, Sick Boy (Jonny Lee Miller), and the hapless Spud (Ewen Bremner). Renton, Spud and Sick Boy's issues with drugs alternatively irritate and amuse their friend, Begbie (Robert Carlyle), a periodic psychopath whose outbursts of violence are one of the many factors that convince Renton to leave for London in the hope of starting a new life. Renton enjoys some success remoulding himself as an estate agent in the English capital, but it isn't long before his Edinburgh friends catch up with him. Begbie and co need the money Renton has saved from his job to finance the drug deal that could make them all rich. (Channel 4)
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Reviews (10)
Three... And if it weren't for Ewan McGregor and Robert Carlyle, I'd take one more star off. I put off Trainspotting for a long time and I probably knew why. I've hadn’t seen it up to now and I haven't missed anything extravagant. I can listen to the soundtrack (or rather the few tolerable songs) on its own, and the story about a bunch of junkies, whose stories and catchphrases seem funny and wacky to many of my friends (similarly to the Czech Loners), but to me they just seem stupid. Shallow Grave goes unsurpassed. ()
A film I was a bit scared of before, simply because it is about drugs. Now I wasn't afraid anymore and I watched the film, curious to see what I would get. It is definitely a spectacle that is not easily forgotten and it is definitely not a film that glorifies drugs. But everyone can take what they will from it. An interesting story, great direction, excellent acting performances, and a great soundtrack. ()
So, let’s go over this again: Drugs are great, aren’t they... Danny Boyle is an excellent director, isn’t he... Ewan McGregor has now left the category of hopeful young actor and definitely moved into the category of “Mr Actor", hasn’t he... The Scots are cool, aren’t they... Born Slippy, isn’t it... Trainspotting is a cult movie. Is that clear? YES! ♫ OST score: 4/5 ()
Can a film that is repulsive also be beautiful? Trainspotting tells the story of human scum in such a humorous and unusual way that we end up feeling comfortable with the characters and able to tune into their addictive wave to some extent. The distinctive visuals have the most momentum and verve in the first half hour, and by the end Boyle starts to repeat himself, but the music is so perfect, the characters so original, and the scenes so iconic and entertaining (not only in execution, but also in content) that it can be watched over and over again. And Ewan McGregor is the best junkie in history. ()
Probably the most difficult film for me to rate that I have ever seen. On one hand, it features one of Ewan McGregor's best performances, breathtaking scenery, and for me a very interestingly depicted though unfamiliar setting. On the other hand, the second half is not surprising at all and unnecessarily obscures the original idea. As I write this review, I am left with mostly positive memories, so I'm rounding it up to a solid 70%. ()
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