Trainspotting

Danny Boyle (1995)

89min

bbfc_rating|ages_18_and_over Certificate

Review

Our Score

by Alan Jones

There was no doubt after Shallow Grave that the arrival of director Danny Boyle, producer Andrew Macdonald and doctor-turned-writer John Hodge on the British film scene was a major cause for celebration. However, it was the trio's follow-up - this devastatingly comic and tragic look at youth culture and its recreational habits - that put them firmly on the international map. Unapologetic and hard-hitting, Irvine Welsh's controversial bestseller is brought to the screen as a dazzling assault on the senses. Fiercely original and provocative, this shocker focuses on the disintegrating friendship of four Edinburgh lads as they embark on an endless drugs and petty-crime bender. In a true masterstroke, the harrowing and bleak subject matter is presented as a hilariously funny walk on the wild side, with no moral stance taken or punches pulled. Ewan McGregor is absolutely brilliant as smart-aleck junkie Renton, and Robert Carlyle gives a stunning performance as the violent Begbie. This is a savagely sophisticated work and a landmark British classic.

Summary

A heroin addict makes a series of attempts to kick the habit, but the grind of everyday life and a circle of similarly self-destructive friends keep dragging him back to his old ways. Following a near-fatal overdose, he comes to the realisation that the only way to put his life in order is to rid himself of his friends - which is easier said than done. Danny Boyle's drama based on Irvine Welsh's novel, starring Ewan McGregor, Robert Carlyle and Ewen Bremner.

Cast & Crew

Mark Renton Ewan McGregor

Daniel "Spud" Ewen Bremner

Simon "Sick Boy" Jonny Lee Miller

Tommy Kevin McKidd

Begbie Robert Carlyle

Diane Kelly Macdonald

Swanney Peter Mullan

Mr Renton James Cosmo

Mrs Renton Eileen Nicholas

Allison Susan Vidler

Lizzy Pauline Lynch

Gail Shirley Henderson

Mikey Irvine Welsh

Game show host Dale Winton

Dealer Keith Allen

Gavin / US tourist Stuart McQuarrie

Andreas Kevin Allen

Store security officer John Hodge

Flat buyer Andrew Macdonald

Director Danny Boyle

Other Information

Language: EnglishColourTheatrical distributor: Polygram Filmed EntertainmentGuidance: Violence, swearing, sex scenes, nudity, drug abuse. Available on: video, DVD and Blu-ray

Drama

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Danny Boyle (1995)

Review

Summary

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