TRAINSPOTTING (1996)

Although not quite the same smash box-office hit in the US as it was in the UK, this film nevertheless became an instant cult classic. Unfortunately for it, it came out the year America saw one of its most intense presidential election battles ever with the war on drugs high on everybody's agenda. That is why most critics in the USA felt this movie glorified drug abuse.

However, the true message conveyed, is just the opposite. It shows the dark side of the illegal drug world as seen through the eyes of a junky, Mark Renton (absolutely brilliantly portrayed by Ewan McGregor) and his struggles to break free from the habit. In the end, I believe, it actually sends a strong message of hope to all trapped users that getting clean is indeed possible if you are prepared to do whatever it takes to make it happen.

This is definitely not a movie for all tastes, especially for the squeamish. But if you are into serious film collecting this DVD is a must; it is still readily available. Due to the graphic content, which I found a bit off-putting, I can only award it 3 out of 5 stars.

Trailer link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LuxOYIpu-I

Ewen Bremner, Robert Carlyle, Ewan McGregor and Johnny Lee Miller