Choose a big television, then watch Trainspotting on it

Rating: 9/10 (13 April 2018)

Trainspotting is a film which plays a precarious balancing act. It's shocking and brutal, yet it's hilarious at the same time. The screenplay is incredibly witty and thought-provoking; the characters are well-rounded and the fast pace makes it very engaging. Its portrayal of drugs is honest, yet the film delves very much into the fantastical.
The best thing about Trainspotting, however, is the brave soundtrack. Many of the best sequences in the film feature hard drug taking, overdoses, withdrawal symptoms and graphic violence to upbeat 90's songs. Whilst I admit that this sounds like a recipe for potential disaster, the outcome is genius.
It makes you question basic ideas of friendship and family, staying in your mind even after you've finished watching it, like all great films should. From start to finish, it keeps you guessing as to what will happen next, playing with your expectations and delivering some serious surprises, most notably in the form of Kelly MacDonald's character.
What I would say is don't watch this if you want a lovely, passive feel-good film. Whilst Trainspotting is funny, the level of humour is dark and the overall tone of the film is quite rightly pessimistic.
If you like this film, I highly recommend Shallow Grave for further exploration of Danny Boyle's work. If you don't, choose life and watch the Greatest Showman or Frozen and have a nice sing.