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Trainspotting (1996)

 -  Crime | Drama  -  19 July 1996 (USA)
8.2
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Ratings: 8.2/10 from 282,711 users   Metascore: 83/100
Reviews: 461 user | 121 critic | 27 from Metacritic.com

Renton, deeply immersed in the Edinburgh drug scene, tries to clean up and get out, despite the allure of the drugs and influence of friends.

Director:

Writers:

(novel), (screenplay)
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Title: Trainspotting (1996)

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Top 250 #146 | Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 19 wins & 15 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
Mr. Renton
...
Mrs. Renton
Susan Vidler ...
Allison
Pauline Lynch ...
Lizzy
...
Gail
...
Gavin / US Tourist
...
Mikey Forrester
Dale Winton ...
Game Show Host
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Storyline

A wild, freeform, Rabelaisian trip through the darkest recesses of Edinburgh low-life, focusing on Mark Renton and his attempt to give up his heroin habit, and how the latter affects his relationship with family and friends: Sean Connery wannabe Sick Boy, dimbulb Spud, psycho Begbie, 14-year-old girlfriend Diane, and clean-cut athlete Tommy, who's never touched drugs but can't help being curious about them... Written by Michael Brooke <michael@everyman.demon.co.uk>

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

Choose life. Choose a job. Choose a starter home. Choose dental insurance, leisure wear and matching luggage. Choose your future. But why would anyone want to do a thing like that? See more »

Genres:

Crime | Drama

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for graphic heroin use and resulting depravity, strong language, sex, nudity and some violence | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Official Sites:

|

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

19 July 1996 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Ferrovipathes  »

Box Office

Budget:

$3,500,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

ITL 7,964,777,000 (Italy) (15 November 1996)

Gross:

$16,501,785 (USA) (13 December 1996)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
See  »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

In one scene in London, while Renton is "visited" by Begbie, he's reading a book about actor Montgomery Clift who had lots of experiences with drugs and medication of all kinds. See more »

Goofs

The suppositories disappear and then reappear in Renton's hands when he is swimming. See more »

Quotes

[first lines]
Mark "Rent-boy" Renton: [narrating] Choose Life. Choose a job. Choose a career. Choose a family. Choose a fucking big television, choose washing machines, cars, compact disc players and electrical tin openers. Choose good health, low cholesterol, and dental insurance. Choose fixed interest mortgage repayments. Choose a starter home. Choose your friends. Choose leisurewear and matching luggage. Choose a three-piece suit on hire purchase in a range of fucking fabrics. Choose DIY and wondering who the fuck ...
See more »

Crazy Credits

Profile pictures of the cast are shown during the beginning of the end credits. See more »


Soundtracks

"2:1"
Performed by Elastica
Written by Donna Matthews (as Donna Lorraine Matthews)
Published by EMI Music Publishing Ltd
Courtesy of DGC Records and Deceptive Records Ltd
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

See more (Spoiler Alert!) »

User Reviews

 
My new favorite movie
22 June 2000 | by (Andover, MN) – See all my reviews

Trainspotting is the best movie I've ever seen! Danny Boyle did a excellent job of directing a movie based on Irvine Welsh's bestselling novel about desperate and hopeless Scottish heroin addicts. And all the cast did a superb job acting some of the most outrageous and offensive characters I've ever seen. The only downside of this movie is understanding those thick Scottish accents, but that also adds a bit of humor to the movie.

What I liked best about Trainspotting was the characters. They were the most unbelievable low-life, junky, sleazy, immoral, trash I've ever seen. I loved it! They'll make you both despise and pity them while loving them at the same time.

And the plot (which can be credited to Irvine Welsh) was unbelievable. Although some of the shocking elements this movie had distracted me from the story at first, repeated viewings of it made me appreciate it as one of the most profound stories ever.


87 of 126 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you?

Message Boards

Recent Posts
Sequel...really??? GiricNS
Why did Diane's parents not react to a strange man being in their house? nicotineprincess
How old were you when you saw this movie? fascinate
Spud's penis bass47
Best deterrant? Trainspotting, Requiem for a Dream or others? cara-macdonald
Why are they friends with Begbie? indotexan
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