Choose... THIS film

Rating: 10/10 (4 November 2014)

Despite an offshoot of moral crusaders berating 'Trainspotting' in 1995 for allegedly 'glorifying heroin' there seem to be few who can doubt the greatness of such a cult classic.
Yes, it is about a band of horrible, nasty people, but - most importantly - it does NOT glorify any form of drugs. On the contrary, it would recommend that this film is shown to youngsters as a way of showing just how wretched and awful people's lives can be when they're hooked on substance abuse.
Ignoring 'Shallow Grave' this could be considered as Ewan McGregor's 'breakthrough' performance and, although he does steal the show in every scene, the whole 'ensemble' cast should not be forgotten - special mention to Robert Carlyle as 'Begbie' who is a truly terrifying on-screen psycho.
It's hard to imagine there are too many people who don't like Trainspotting. It's a great British film which catapulted many of those involved into mainstream stardom. Some people say that it's quite bleak and, although the subject matter is pretty dark, the cast handle it with enough wit and charm to have us - sort of - rooting for them (or at least Ewan McGregor's 'anti-hero' - Renton). Yes, it can be a bit dark and disturbing at times, but the real life 'horror' of the 'junkie lifestyle' has to be shown in all its glory if its really going to portray it accurately.
So, if you're any way interested in popular culture the Trainspotting perfectly sums up the nineties. Even if you're not, it's one of those films that you really should see before you die - if nothing else then sooner or later you'll find yourself in a situation when all those around you are talking about it and you really don't want to be left out!