Rent Trainspotting (1996)

4.0 of 5 from 410 ratings
1h 29min
Rent Trainspotting Online DVD & Blu-ray Rental
  • General info
  • Available formats
Synopsis:
"Choose life. Choose a job. Choose a career. Choose a family..." This is the story of Mark Renton (Ewan McGregor) and his so-called friends - a bunch of losers, liars, psychos, thieves and junkies. Hilarious but harrowing, the film charts the disintegration of their friendship as they proceed seemingly towards self-destruction. Mark alone has the insight and opportunity to escape his fate - but then again does he really want to "choose life"?
Actors:
, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Directors:
Voiced By:
Archie MacPherson
Writers:
Irvine Welsh, John Hodge
Others:
John Hodge
Studio:
Universal Pictures
Genres:
Comedy, Drama
Collections:
Award Winners, Films & TV by topic, Getting to Know..., Getting to Know: Cameron Diaz, Getting to Know: Ewan Mcgregor, The Big Match: Gregory's Girl v Bend It Like Beckham, The Biggest Oscar Snubs: Part 2, The Instant Expert's Guide to Powell and Pressburger, Top 10 Guest Houses On Film, Top 100 BFI Films, Top Films
Awards:

1996 BAFTA Best Adapted Screen Play

BBFC:
Release Date:
22/06/1998
Run Time:
89 minutes
Languages:
English Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles:
English Hard of Hearing
DVD Regions:
Region 2
Formats:
Pal
Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen 1.78:1 / 16:9
Colour:
Colour
BBFC:
Release Date:
01/06/2009
Run Time:
93 minutes
Languages:
English Dolby Digital 5.1, English DTS 5.1
Subtitles:
English Hard of Hearing
DVD Regions:
Region 2
Formats:
Pal
Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen 1.78:1 / 16:9
Colour:
Colour
Bonus:
  • Memories of Trainspotting with Danny Boyle, Andrew Macdonald, John Hodge, Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Kelly Macdonald and Robert
  • Carlyle
  • Deleted Scenes with commentary
  • The Look of the Film - Then and Now
  • The Sound of the Film - Then and Now
  • The Beginning
  • Archive Interview with Irvine Welsh
  • Behind the Needle
  • Danny Boyle on Trainspotting
  • Ewan McGregor on Trainspotting
  • Cannes Snapshot
  • Cannes Vox Pops
  • Trailers
  • Gallery
  • Commentary on feature

More like Trainspotting

Reviews (3) of Trainspotting

Modern Masterpiece - Trainspotting review by GI

Spoiler Alert
10/04/2021

A dark journey through the squalor of drug addiction told through a brutally and shocking black comedy and one of the best British films of the post modern age. The film follows five Edinburgh based friends, three of whom are committed heroin users, one a violent sociopathic criminal and the fifth a clean living fitness freak who acts as the groups conscience although his fall is inevitable. Ewan McGregor, in arguably his best role, is Renton who narrates his journey through heroin addiction, underage sex, habitual theft, HIV and the disloyalty that accompanies drug misuse. There are scenes of overdose, cold turkey and some very realistic violence mainly committed by the psychopathic Begbie (Robert Carlyle). Brilliantly written for the screen by John Hodge based on Irvine Welsh's novel (who cameos in the film too) and superbly directed by Danny Boyle, this is by far his best film and it deserves multiple viewings to appreciate the subtleties in the film's themes and construction. Yes it's clearly a sharp and obvious condemnation of the grimy sub culture of drug addiction with surreal elements that highlight the collapse of reason and responsibility all told in some highly memorable film making. This is a remarkable achievement and it's a film that has a cult status and a relevance that, sadly, continues on. It's an important film and certainly needs to be seen if you've somehow missed it so far. This is a powerful film, and will make you cringe, wince, laugh and shudder but it's also a masterpiece.

2 out of 2 members found this review helpful.

Who needs reasons? - Trainspotting review by HW

Spoiler Alert
12/01/2023

I watched the sequel recently and thought it was surprisingly good. But it doesn’t come close to the cinematic experience of the original. Having not seen this in years, I’ve forgotten how absolutely gripping this cocktail of black comedy, striking visuals and musical energy is. Yes it is fun and funny in places (if you have dark tastes) but there’s no denying this is a strong anti-drug film; not shying away from the grim consequences of heroin addiction while refusing to judge the characters involved. Read the novel for even more amoral chaos. 

1 out of 1 members found this review helpful.

The best British film ever made. Flawless, incredible with perfect performances - Trainspotting review by TB

Spoiler Alert
31/08/2023

Sometimes, words just aren't enough. Despite the hundreds of thousands of them in the English language, there are a few things they cannot adequately do justice to in terms of describing how something makes you feel. From the closest of bonds with a friend or family member to an experience/something that touches you profoundly, you can try to talk about it, yet nothing you say fully conveys how you feel.

And that is how I feel about Trainspotting.

Of the multiple reviews I have written/films rated, I have given many 5 stars. And they are all 5 star films. But there are some, including this one at the top, which I would give 10 stars to if that option was available to me. I love this film, adore it, revere it. It is perfection. From the cast, led by Ewan McGregor in what is and always will be his best performance, through to the magnificent script, the masterful direction & iconic music/soundtrack which still today is a best-seller, not one thing isn't flawless.

This is British filmmaking at its best. It has never been bettered. It will never be bettered. To me, if you don't love this film, then you cannot have a pulse.

0 out of 0 members found this review helpful.

Unlimited films sent to your door, starting at £15.99 a month.