Simply brilliant

Rating: 10/10 (19 January 2011)

The more I think about Trainspotting, the more I consider it as close to perfection as I've seen. I was probably 17 when I watched it, and it captivated me until the very end.
It's possibly the only film I've ever watched that has truly shocked me, where my heart has genuinely stopped at certain revelations in the film. It somehow balances the truly dark and gritty nature of its subject matter with a peculiarly upbeat feel.
There's a reality about this film and its characters that makes it totally believable. For example, everybody is at least aware of someone as unpleasant as Begbie, and it's uncomfortable to watch his callous behaviour throughout. To me, that's how it should be.
It goes without saying that McGregor is fantastic, and Boyle's trademark of a superb soundtrack is as present in this film as any other. It's a classic that, for those of us who never really experienced the drug subculture of that time, is still a fascinating and incredible film.