Trainspotting (1996)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Randy T

  
  Boyle rummages through the trash heap of heroin addiction and exposes a bit of humor and humanity. Contrary to what's been written in various reviews, <i>Trainspotting</i> doesn't glorify the junkie lifestyle but it does present it with flair and pugnacity.

• Sophie B

  
  I can understand why people may like this film as it has some really good acting however the story just wasn't for me. I can't relate to drug culture, crazy actions, poverty in Edinburgh or going cold turkey. By the end I was glad it was over!

• Sam B

  
  Gross yet stylish, Transporting is visually fascinating and constantly energetic. I didn't much appreciate the (undoubtedly intentional) uncomfortable shifts between humor and disgustingness, but if you don't mind disturbing realism, you can't really go wrong with this… More
  Gross yet stylish, Transporting is visually fascinating and constantly energetic. I didn't much appreciate the (undoubtedly intentional) uncomfortable shifts between humor and disgustingness, but if you don't mind disturbing realism, you can't really go wrong with this captivating and realistic portrayal of the darkest edge of society.

• J P

  
  I really liked this movie. It's been on my instant queue for like ever now, but I finally got a chance to watch it the other night. I think this movie really gives an interesting perspective on drug addiction and life. The acting and directing was amazing. I really enjoyed it.… More
  I really liked this movie. It's been on my instant queue for like ever now, but I finally got a chance to watch it the other night. I think this movie really gives an interesting perspective on drug addiction and life. The acting and directing was amazing. I really enjoyed it. There's a lot of comedic moments, as well as tragic ones. It's a very realistic movie (with a good ending) about a group of people who struggle with their drug addiction.

• Daniel P

  
  It might be my favourite movie ever, and every time I watch it I see something new. Based on an amazing novel, this is one of the rawest films I've ever seen and it's at once exhilirating and terrifying. A seminal film of the 90s with a soundtrack among the best ever… More
  It might be my favourite movie ever, and every time I watch it I see something new. Based on an amazing novel, this is one of the rawest films I've ever seen and it's at once exhilirating and terrifying. A seminal film of the 90s with a soundtrack among the best ever assembled, the movie is humor laced with horror - sort of like the drug addiction it uses as its subject, I would think. For everyone getting in on the No Country for Old Men hype, here's where Kelly MacDonald made her start... yeah, she's not Texan, just Scottish and ridiculously talented. Probably Ewan MacGregor's best movie, and when I read the book a couple of years after first seeing it, while I could imagine most of the characters a little differently, I couldn't shake Begbie's image from my head, which I think stands as a tribute to Robert Carlyle's performance. I could go on for days about this one, but it's a truly outstanding piece of art.

• Jameson W

  
  So excellent...

• Phil H

  
  Probably the first British film to hit the bigtime after 'Four Weddings' and boy does it! talk about in your face. I've never read the book so I have no idea how it compares but the film seems to have been accepted pretty well with no complaints. When I first saw this… More
  Probably the first British film to hit the bigtime after 'Four Weddings' and boy does it! talk about in your face. I've never read the book so I have no idea how it compares but the film seems to have been accepted pretty well with no complaints. When I first saw this film I really didn't like it to be honest, it was bleak and kinda depressing plus I was young, naive about drugs and unsure of the films presentation and style. After watching recently I must admit I do enjoy the dark gallows type humour with sickening visuals, it does seem to engage and hold your attention very well, much like a car wreck, you don't wanna look yet you can't turn away hehe. The cast really make the film what it is basically, the direction by Boyle is impressive and he knows what he wants looks wise but the main leads are terrific in their performances as they repulse you and charm you. McGregor is superb as 'Renton' and looks wonderfully pale, skinny and gaunt yet also makes the 'heroin look' kinda cool at the same time, a cult character and look for sure in cinematic history. After that Carlyle as 'Begbie' is much like a new Pesci with his small slim frame and wildfire rage from within that is both amusing and scary, Miller as 'Sickboy' is probably the funniest of the bunch with his natty [i]Connery[/i] impressions and lastly Bremner as 'Spud' fits the druggie bunch perfectly with his 'Jack Skellington' profile and whip fast speech that is probably the strongest accent in the film. I think one of the best things about the film is the lack of understanding with the dialog and Scottish slang, for anyone outside the UK it will be near impossible to understand I'm willing to bet haha its hard enough for me being British but it all adds to the total gritty realism and down to earth, edgy, streetwise vibe that you feel from the flick, seeing Begbie get into scraps whilst shouting every swear word under the sun is really very watchable despite being crass. I see this as an almost Tarantino-esq style film really with its disjointed approach and over the top colourful characters (with odd names), even the films posters were abit 'Reservoir Dogs like' in their design. Very much a character driven film with plenty of little plots buzzing around the main plot which happens to be about drug addiction, I tend to overlook the drug side and just enjoy the little sub plots going on which include some great surreal visuals. Can be a touch too depressing at times as I said but its certainly extremely unique and most definitely a cult.

• Drake T

  
  A quaint honest tail of a Scottish Junkie, Trainspotting is a stylistically engaging dark comedy showcasing the lives of a niche community without all the usual judgement and disdain. But for all its attempts at insight and social complexity there isn't much of a resonating… More
  A quaint honest tail of a Scottish Junkie, Trainspotting is a stylistically engaging dark comedy showcasing the lives of a niche community without all the usual judgement and disdain. But for all its attempts at insight and social complexity there isn't much of a resonating story or message, or at least it's not very clear. Still, it's this open forum of intrigue that really reveals this film to "deep" thinkers. It's entertaining, fun, and may or may not spark provoking questions. A good watch!

• Chris W

  
  I once tried reading Irvine Welsh's Trainspotting. I found it unreadable, and only got like a paragraph or two into it. I'm so glad that I can say that this, the film adaptation, is far from unwatchable. Not only that, but it's also one of the greatest and most… More
  I once tried reading Irvine Welsh's Trainspotting. I found it unreadable, and only got like a paragraph or two into it. I'm so glad that I can say that this, the film adaptation, is far from unwatchable. Not only that, but it's also one of the greatest and most influential British films of modern times. Directed masterly and with great energy by Danny Boyle, this film is a stylish and edgy look into the world of Scottish junkies. Thankfully, even though the film is filled with great style, it is, like basically every drug film, a cautionary tale that pulls no punches when it comes to showing how bad things can get when you are addicted to drugs. Parts of it are hard to watch, but, unlike Requiem For A Dream, this is actually got some humor in it, even if it is on the gallows and scatological sides. Ewan McGregor leads a great cast, and, even though none of these characters are really all that likeable or easy to sympathize with, we do kind of feel for them. I love when films are able to do stuff like that. Not only that, but there stories are told in very imaginative ways that utilize some excellent cinematography, editing, and music. This is just one of those films that gets talked about all the time, and it does live up to the hype. In a way, trying to review this film properly is like trying to give a unique and original essay about The Beatles; it's really hard, and all the best things to say have been said already, so just sit back and enjoy.

• Spencer S

  
  Tried and true, the story of drug addiction and the criminal and sociological changes that accompany it are exemplified in this shocking film by none other than director Danny Boyle. Exmaining every aspect, and including such shocking scenes as armed robbery, bar fights, sex tapes,… More
  Tried and true, the story of drug addiction and the criminal and sociological changes that accompany it are exemplified in this shocking film by none other than director Danny Boyle. Exmaining every aspect, and including such shocking scenes as armed robbery, bar fights, sex tapes, and rehabilitation, this is a poignant piece that centers on an idealistic Renton trying for the American dream in a Scottish setting. Through stealing and cheating every addict is out for themselves, the next hit more important than the next set of consequences. A vivid and realistic portrayal by featured actors Ewan McGregor, Kelly MacDonald, Ewen Bremner, and Johnny Lee Miller. Astounding.

• Cassandra M

  
  This film is gritty and dirty. There is content which is not pleasant, swearing and violence amounts other things. What else would you expect a film about drug addiction to be about? Well more than that actually, it about choices and what you Choose! Never at any point did this film… More
  This film is gritty and dirty. There is content which is not pleasant, swearing and violence amounts other things. What else would you expect a film about drug addiction to be about? Well more than that actually, it about choices and what you Choose! Never at any point did this film make drugs look at all appealing to me in any way, I never did understand why so many people thought that it did. At no point did it ever say "Look at this, its cool." For those who think the level of swearing in this film is too much then they clearly haven't spent any time with working class people in Britain, not just Scotland. I being one of them can say its fairly accurate in that account. That being said, those things do not take anything away from the film, the quality of plot and story, or the acting which is Stunning! Robert Carlise as Begbe was excellent, and Ewan MacGregor shined. Also the character Spud was worth a mention he really was quite good. This film is in my Opinion a work of Genius, that represents the book accurately.

• Unknown H

  
  Although it is one of my favorite movies I think it is a little overrated, but as a quintessential capsule of British culture, it is a masterpiece. Sticking relativly well to Irvine Welsh's novel I feel that this movie is one of the ones that you have to see before you die or… More
  Although it is one of my favorite movies I think it is a little overrated, but as a quintessential capsule of British culture, it is a masterpiece. Sticking relativly well to Irvine Welsh's novel I feel that this movie is one of the ones that you have to see before you die or indeed get addicted to heroin :P. As an owner of many different copies of the movie, the t-shirt, the book in many forms, posters and postcards I must say that as cult classics go this one blows irritating exagerrations like Pulp Fiction out of the water.

• Mike S

  
  Danny Boyle's all-time best achievement! When I saw this the first time back in the 90's, I was mostly just grossed out and depressed by it. It simply wasn't my cup of tea. Now that I'm older and wiser, however, I can appreciate it on a whole different level. Sure,… More
  Danny Boyle's all-time best achievement! When I saw this the first time back in the 90's, I was mostly just grossed out and depressed by it. It simply wasn't my cup of tea. Now that I'm older and wiser, however, I can appreciate it on a whole different level. Sure, it's still quite appaling to look at, what with its volatile settings and gag-inducing moments. And the scene with the baby that crawls in the ceiling is yet as creepy as ever. But it's a story told in a really mesmerizing way, and one that came to define the decade in which it was made. Danny Boyle's directing is right on the money and the dialogue as superb as dialogue can be. It's stylish, raw and loaded with interesting characters. I didn't know who Evan McGregor was in those days, nor most of the other cast members, so it's fun to suddenly recognize a lot of faces that were unknown to me before (like <i>Rome's</i> Kevin McKidd for instance). Perfect tempo, pristine acting and a tremendously enjoyable watch. Just be wary of the fact that it's quite a graphic experience. So if you got a sensitive stomach, you might wanna reconsider. To the rest of you though, I'm happy to give it my highest recommendation. For one thing is for sure here: films of this superior quality, certainly don't come in a bundle.

• Mark W

  
  Director Danny Boyle's marvellous debut "Shallow Grave" was always going to be a hard act to follow but to attempt an adaptation of the 'unfilmable' Scottish novel "Trainspotting" by Irvine Welsh, seemed like lunacy. Boyle, however, captures… More
  Director Danny Boyle's marvellous debut "Shallow Grave" was always going to be a hard act to follow but to attempt an adaptation of the 'unfilmable' Scottish novel "Trainspotting" by Irvine Welsh, seemed like lunacy. Boyle, however, captures Welsh's book brilliantly and despite "Slumdog Millionaire" gathering numerous Oscars recently, this still remains his best film. It follows the lives of a group of friends from Edinburgh as they experience the high's and low's of life through heroin use. Renton (Ewan McGregor) decides to go clean and rid himself of his affliction and his low-life chums but finds that's easier said than done. Spud (Ewen Bremner) is too needy, SickBoy (Jonny Lee Miller) is too controling, Tommy (Kevin McKidd) has just taken some bad direction and Begbie (Robert Carlyle) is just plain pychotic. Renton, however, enters into making a one off drug deal with his old pals, so as to make a new life for himself altogether. Boyle's film has often been criticised as glorifying drug use. Glorifying drug use? Really? People who believe this must have been watching a different film. The characters involved all behave despicably. They are responsible for thefts, fights, deaths - including the death of a baby. Get imprisoned. Contract HIV. Ruin their lives and others', all because of their drug habit. What this film has in depth, vibrancy and fun, is the reason it could be mistaken for being pro-drug use but having these qualities is more of a testament to the filmmakers involved, in making a bleak and depressing subject matter, very entertaining. The characters are extremely well written (kudos to writer Welsh) and acted by an ensemble of excellent actors. It made a star of Ewan McGregor, who's character, although likable- and brilliantly played - is essentially the person responsible for the downfall of many of the other characters. Notable other performances are Ewen Bremner as "Spud", the most endearing of the group and a character too gentle for his lifestyle. The best of the bunch though, is Robert Carlyle as the psychotic "Begbie", who's choice of drug isn't heroin but violence, and he's just as destructive with it. He's a dangerous and highly volatile person and Carlyle perfectly captures the on-edge feeling of his terrifying unpredictability. It's an award worthy performance that was sadly overlooked. Everything about the film reeks of class. From it's rollicking soundtrack, to the rich, snappy dialogue, with great characters in hilarious situations and kinetic fast paced direction. This film has everything going for it and stands as one of the finest films of the 1990's. A relentlessly energetic experience that leaves you craving for more, much like the habit of it's protaganists. Pure uncut, Class A.

• John H

  
  I don't really see the appeal. It's just another movie about taking drugs and getting high.

• Thomas J

  
  Just simply did not enjoy it... their English was to difficult to understand!! lol

• Eliza N

  
  That's what Renton (Ewan McGregor) said and the thing is that he is right : "Choose Life. Choose a job. Choose a career. Choose a family. Choose a fucking big television, choose washing machines, cars, compact disc players and electrical tin openers. Choose good health, low… More
  That's what Renton (Ewan McGregor) said and the thing is that he is right : "Choose Life. Choose a job. Choose a career. Choose a family. Choose a fucking big television, choose washing machines, cars, compact disc players and electrical tin openers. Choose good health, low cholesterol, and dental insurance. Choose fixed interest mortgage repayments. Choose a starter home. Choose your friends. Choose leisurewear and matching luggage. Choose your future. Choose life... But why would I want to do a thing like that? I chose not to choose life. I chose something else. And the reasons? There are no reasons." Ordinary people just do all those stuff, he stays to the side and he realises how pathetic we all are.Despite the heroin and all the depressing feelings, he is right and that's the reason why everybody admits that this movie is special.A cult movie which teaches a lesson of life.

• Thomas B

  
  Pretty darn good stuff. Full review later.

• Alice S

  
  Hilarious, devastating, and vindictive. Ewan McGregor is so dirty and raw. I wonder why he's playing all these pretty boy roles recently.

• MisterYoda ?

  
  Trainspotting is what film should be: honest, imaginative, surprising, and groundbreaking. LIke Goodfellas, Trainspotting is a meandering movie that manages to grip you the entire time. It is funny and heartbreaking at the same time, anchored by Ewan MacGregor's absolutely… More
  Trainspotting is what film should be: honest, imaginative, surprising, and groundbreaking. LIke Goodfellas, Trainspotting is a meandering movie that manages to grip you the entire time. It is funny and heartbreaking at the same time, anchored by Ewan MacGregor's absolutely devastating performance as Renton. Put his performance up against the Best Actor nominees in any given year and I dare you to say it doesn't belong. Contrary to what others have posted, Trainspotting absolutely made an impact here in the States. That may have been to Danny Boyle's detriment as he's never quite reached the same heights since. But for us, in the U.S., you have to realize that it was basically a foreign film because you can't understand about 25% of the dialogue because the accent is so thick. Begbie's dialogue is purposely opaque, I think. Not that it matters - the performance is rock solid. If you haven't seen the movie, go out and get it. It's in my all-time Top 10, and it holds up beautifully over time.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings