Can you spot the train?

Rating: 10/10 (26 January 2006)

This was the first British film that I've seen, and it remains the best one I've seen so far. It features great acting, superb background visuals, and some of the most bizarre & disturbing moments ever shown on a movie screen.
The story focuses on the many drug-filled misadventures of Renton(played by Ewan McGregor) as he tries to figure out if he wants to really "choose life". He also faces a challenge in which he has to decide on his friendship with his bungling buddies: The braindead Spud, the suave Sick Boy, the psychotic Begbie, the truthful Tommy, and his under-aged girlfriend Diane (played by the adorable Kelly Macdonald). All along the way, heroine and music are saturated in the story.
The characters stick to their characterizations so well that it actually works. Renton is very honest about himself, but also dishonest in some situations. The character of Spud is a doped-out as he can get. Sick Boy is a sociopathic James Bond copy. Begbie is crazy and villainous. And Diane acts very mature for her age (which is just like most teenage girls nowadays). Tommy is a little too regular for his own good, especially since he is living among his deranged and unusual friends.
There are some scenes that are very bizarre, disgusting, and disturbing. These scenes include Renton swimming in a toilet, Renton having sex with the much-younger Diane, and Renton's deadly "withdrawal from drugs" scene. These scenes may be disturbing & gross for many people, but it shows how unusual life can really get (I must point out that all these scenes feature Renton as the main character. This is a great thing, since it keeps the viewer's attention fixed to Renton when needed).
The music featured in the movie is pretty good. You will hear some groovy tunes from Iggy Pop, as well as some nice dance tunes from Underworld and other gods of dance & techno music.
Overall, the movie was excellent and sticks to its story very firmly. It's also based on a book that I haven't read yet. Upon watching this movie, I have an urge to read the book that inspired this movie. Once I find the book, I'll read it.
I give this movie a 10/10.