One of the great gen x movies

Rating: 10/10 (8 September 2009)

This movie is well written, smartly directed, and brilliantly acted. Ewan Mc Gregor gives his best performance as Mark Renton, a young Scottish screw up. Many of the actors are in their early twenties and new to film, which makes their performances even more incredible.
The lasting success of this film is due to the subtle brilliance of the major part actors that lives on each time we watch a scene. Irvine Welsh's vision of the downtrodden youths is uncanny, real and worthwhile. The actors,notably newcomer Kelly McDonald act without overacting. Making the characters engaging and believable.
This film became so popular because it can be viewed by many different viewers on many different levels. Some can watch it for the junkie screw up value. Some watch it to see a Scottish Comedy. Some of us view it for the camera shots, where there are generous profile monologues . Some see it as a cultural piece, and praise its cult value.
Its definitely worth a look, then a second, third and so on. I have seen the movie 16 times now, and I still catch nuances.