The Best British Movie of recent times

Rating: 10/10 (30 June 2006)

I can safely say without a doubt that this is the Best British Movie of recent times, definitely the best film of 1996. It is amazing how the story can focus on such a controversial story and contain an incredible amount of humour, as well as intense sadness and fear. It is all those elements that stimulate the soul that makes this such a compelling and wonderful film.
Set in Leith and Edinburgh, this film focuses on a young Scotsman called Renton (The charismatic Ewan McGregor), his addiction to heroin, and his relationship with his friends, who are all different in their personality, yet all unified by their old friendships. However, it is Renton's realisation at the life of horror that he is living that gradually threatens to destroy the relationships he has with his so-called mates, and makes him review his views on life, which he lays out in the funny yet shocking opening monologue.
This film explores with genuine success how drugs in modern culture is viewed by many different people who live in a place which is notorious for the activity of drug addicts. It tells how the addicts live with it, how they try to keep it, how they view life, and how others view them. The reason for it being controversial is that it both seems to glorify drug use but it more than balances out with the shocking consequences that come of its use.
Ewan McGregor gives his most charismatic, enduring and humorous performances to date as the troubled Renton, who deals with the series of events unfolding around him. But, McGregor is not alone with his amazing portrayal. The performance of Robert Carlyle as the psychotic Begbie is flawless as is Kelly MacDonald's portrayal of the charismatic Dianne. You won't see any of the actors giving a better performance than they do in this outstanding film.
Based on Irvine Welsh's incredible book of the same name, this film deserves to be given praise for the issues it raises, the awareness it brings with it, and it's relevance to modern culture even now as it reaches its 10 year mark. Embued with wonderful performances, a perfect Soundtrack and humour that will make you laugh and cringe at the same time, this is a film that simply must be seen before you die. One warning, this isn't for the light-hearted.