It's not for everyone, and neither is heroin

Rating: 9/10 (2 May 1999)

"Trainspotting" is one of those markers. The kind of film where you can determine a lot about a person's threshold for the ugly side of humanity, based on how they feel about this film. It is an excellent film, but not the kind you want to take your first date to.
The toilet scene, which makes most people squirm, myself included, is a fine example of a surreal moment that will quickly lose the audience member or rivet them. Truly one of the most repulsive sequences ever captured on film, but with a darkly comedic aspect, that you either get, or try to forget.
The heroin scenes, which are littered throughout the film in hefty proportions, may not be as objectionable on the surface, but have their moments of unsettling, unnerving consequences that will stay with you for some time to come.
I see it is a tightly woven, "beautifully illustrated" film about redemption. Others may see it as simply a depressing film for those characters that do not redeem themselves or worse. There is nothing glamorous about heroin, and this film makes every effort to demonstrate the harsh, brutal reality of the life of an addict, and in that, its purpose can be drawn. The characters are so vivid and familiar that despite their ugly habit, you can find sympathy and understanding for them. Either that or you'll hate them and the movie and the person who recommended it. So, uh... don't see it.