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Trainspotting
Danny Boyle
(1995)
89min
bbfc_rating|ages_18_and_over Certificate
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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
see more
Other Information
Language:
English
Colour
Theatrical distributor:
Polygram Filmed Entertainment
Guidance:
Violence, swearing, sex scenes, nudity, drug abuse.
Available on:
video, DVD and Blu-ray
Drama
Full Episode Guide
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