Trainspotting

Starring:Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller, Kevin McKidd, Robert Carlyle, Kelly Macdonald, Peter Mullan, James Cosmo, Eileen Nicholas, Susan Vidler, Pauline Lynch, Shirley Henderson, Stuart McQuarrie, Irvine Welsh, Dale Winton, Keith Allen, Kevin Allen, Annie Louise Ross, Billy Riddoch, Fiona Bell
Director: Danny Boyle
Studio: Walt Disney Video
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

With its hallucinatory visions of crawling dead babies and a grungy plunge into the filthiest toilet in Scotland, you might not think Trainspotting could have been one of the best movies of 1996, but Danny Boyle's film about unrepentant heroin addicts in Edinburgh is all that and more. That doesn't make it everybody's cup of tea (so unsuspecting viewers beware), but the film's blend of hyperkinetic humor and real-life horror is constantly fascinating, and the entire cast (led by Ewan McGregor and Full Monty star Robert Carlyle) bursts off of the screen in a supernova of outrageous energy. Adapted by John Hodge from the acclaimed novel by Irving Welsh, the film was a phenomenal hit in England, Scotland, and (to a lesser extent) the U.S. For all of its comedic vitality and invigorating filmmaking, the movie is no ode to heroin, nor is it a straight-laced cautionary tale. Trainspotting is just a very honest and well-made film about the nature of addiction, and it doesn't pull any punches when it is time to show the alternating pleasure and pain of substance abuse. --Jeff Shannon

Description

From the director of 28 DAYS LATER ... The motion picture sensation that wowed critics and audiences nationwide, TRAINSPOTTING delivers a wild mix of rebellious action and wicked humor! It's the story of four friends as they try to make it in the world on their own terms ... and who end up planning the ultimate scam! Powered by an outstanding cast of stars including Ewan McGregor (BIG FISH, STAR WARS EPISODES I, II & III) Robert Carlyle (THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH, THE FULL MONTY) and Jonny Lee Miller (DRACULA 2000, MANSFIELD PARK), and a high-energy soundtrack, TRAINSPOTTING is spectacular, groundbreaking entertainment!

Customer Reviews:

A True Down-To-Earth story you can relate to........2007-06-30

There are plenty of movies that show the traditional comming of age tale, but nothing compares to the comical, extreme and sometimes painfully true film that is 'Trainspotting'. Trainspotting is the story of five screwed up pals looked upon as the dirt and rejected in their Scottish upbrining. Each over their heads in their own screwed up addictions. Everything from substance abuse, to theivery, to petefilia, these guys have dug their own graves so deep it would be a miricle to get out of it. Yet the main character Mark Renton played by the brilliant Ewen McGreggor is the one that is forced to change his ways against his own will. Through loving parants and a high school student he accidentally had relations with, Mark manages to begin enjoying life. Even when temptation arrives again in the form of his mates he still manages to free himself eventhough he admits to being a bad person he knows he is on the right track with our without the people that made a major impression on his life.

This story is one of the most relatable ones I have seen in all the movies I have seen that tell this story. In life we all grow up with a small circle of friends. These are the people who let into the deepest darkest corners of our souls. Even if they may the most brilliant of people, or low lives, from those who are pure to those that are pure evil we kept them close just because they trusted and understood who we were. Yet a time comes in all our lives where we must face the real world put aside the childish games and sacrifce our time to jobs and keep our lives in line with modern society. It is up to those same friends who we still hold dear to our hearts or just hate to join or be left behind in the gutter to rot. It is not because we are bad people who don't care about others, it's because they are not willing to join us on the road ahead.

Trainspotting Hit's the spot.......2007-05-13

I first saw this movie about five years ago. and every time I watch it I like it more, I still have a hard time with the dirtiest bathroom in Scottland. but overall The acting is excelent, I would recomend this movie to anyone.

Drug Movies Aren't An Easy Thing To Make.......2007-04-29

Bearing that in mind, I think Trainspotting is quite well done. The problem is there's so many things surrounding the drug issue I just don't know what to think of the film. Is Trainspotting a bit too glossy, too movie-like? In some ways it is... the characters are funny, and larger than life, easily able to get through 90% of their troubles even when these things could be profound issues in real life. There's barely a trace of existential despair. For the most part these anti-heroes are just self indulgent party guys, that create their own gritty, destructive life. You don't get the sense of any of them being alienated from families or social support. If they're supposed to be the genuine ghettoized, they don't come across as it other than behavioral problems they choose to have.

However, if you get past the fact that making a movie about drugs is hard as hell because you'll either come across as too cautionary or too glamorous, then Trainspotting is very witty, slick movie. In the end it doesn't make any final calls about drugs or morality, which is how it does manage to stay somewhat out of the realm of criticism, but at the same time it's slightly disappointing. Don't we watch movies to see what they can reveal about the center of human behavior? If that's the case, although Trainspotting is very amusing, it has no answers.

Who needs reasons when you've got heroin?.......2007-04-25

Mainly, this is the story of Renton, a heroin addict, and his friends Tommy, Spud, Sick Boy, and Begbie. Renton tries more than once to rid himself of the white horse on his back, but finds that being sucked back in is easier than fighting the horse.

This is a movie about people and personalities, not one particular event, though several of these everyday occurrences will stand out in your mind forever - Like the world's filthiest toilet that Renton is forced to use, and his toilet daydream that follows it. There's an unforgettable scat scene with morning sheets that will be sure to turn your stomach.

Warning: There is a dead baby scene in this movie that will turn most stomachs and perhaps make you hate every heroin addict that ever lived. Though nothing is ever said about it, the insinuation is that the baby died from neglect. Before even reporting it, the mother needs a "hit" to calm her down.

Set to a great soundtrack and filled with witty dialogue (although absolutely filled with flagrant curses) and narrative, 'Trainspotting' highlights not just the differences between "Us And Them" but the differences between the addicts themselves. The most violent of the addicts, Begbie, never touches heroin and considers it to be filth while swilling alcohol and stabbing people. Spud is simply confused all the time, while Tommy manages to steer clear of the horse until his girlfriend dumps him.

If you're a fan of the addiction movie, then this is a must-see. If you can't handle horrific scenes, such as the dead baby scene, then perhaps pass on this. Because of its languid, what-happens-everyday approach is far from an active script, a rental first might be the best approach to viewing this movie before buying. Enjoy!

The Dregs.......2007-02-18

Wow, it has already been eleven years since this film was released. I was first introduced to the film Trainspotting over a decade ago when I saw Iggy Pop's music video for his classic tune "Lust for Life" and I was quite intrigued by the bits of the film I saw and did indeed want to see it. However, like Irvine Welsh's novels, for some reason or another I never actually sat down to watch the film until the year 2002, but because of the incredibly thick accent of Ewen Bremner and my tired brain, it was the winter vacation after I finished my first semester of grad school, I turned off the film and would not watch it until a couple of days ago. I must say that I am definitely glad that I finally sat down and watched this highly regarded film.

In the vein, no pun intended, of William S. Burroughs, Murakami Ryu, Hubert Selby Jr., etc. Trainspotting focuses on a group of young men who have little going in their lives. Sure there are opportunities available, but these opportunities generally go to the better educated and richer members of their societies. Renton and his friends Sick Boy and Spud chase the dragon and indulge in heroin. At first things are not too bad. Renton and his friends involve themselves in petty theft in order to support their habits, but they also periodically go off the drug in order to recuperate, however, things of course do not remain on such a high note and Renton and his friends' lives soon unravel.

Now drug movies are a dime a dozen. Some can be quite intense like Scott Kalvert's The Basketball Diaries and, of course, Darren Aronofsky's Requiem for a Dream and some can have a humorous edge to them like Lou Adler's Up in Smoke and Tamra Davis's Half Baked, but the one thing that most of these films have in common is that they depict the ends one will go when one is addicted to drugs and Trainspotting is no exception to this rule. However, like the above mentioned Requiem for a Dream, Trainspotting depicts the nightmarish landscapes of withdrawal, the scene where Renton is locked in his bedroom with the hard thumping music in the background is amazing, and the grand high of shooting up heroin which always ends in a hard fall in a manner are threaded through with magical realism and are quite stunning to behold.

For those who enjoy the works of the above mentioned authors and filmmakers, Trainspotting is definitely not a film to be missed. However, for the casual film viewer there might be some scenes that are a bit much.

Average customer rating:

A True Down-To-Earth story you can relate to.
Trainspotting Hit's the spot
Drug Movies Aren't An Easy Thing To Make
Who needs reasons when you've got heroin?
The Dregs

Trainspotting
Starring: Ewan McGregor , Ewen Bremner , Jonny Lee Miller , Kevin McKidd , and Robert Carlyle
Director: Danny Boyle
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

Black Comedy | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

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DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

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Similar Items:

Requiem for a Dream (Edited Version)
Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels (Widescreen Edition)
Spun (Unrated Version)
Snatch (Special Edition)
A Clockwork Orange

ASIN: 6304806442
Release Date: 1998-03-25

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

A True Down-To-Earth story you can relate to........2007-06-30

Trainspotting Hit's the spot.......2007-05-13

Drug Movies Aren't An Easy Thing To Make.......2007-04-29

Who needs reasons when you've got heroin?.......2007-04-25

The Dregs.......2007-02-18

Average customer rating:

Trainspotting

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Art House & International | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

General | Foreign & International | Stores | DVD | Video
ASIN: B000AYW8N8

Product Description

PLOT OUTLINE: 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. Rated R for graphic heroin use and resulting depravity, strong language, sex, nudity and some violence. Was ranked number 10 on the British Film Institute's all time best British films. ++++ Note this officially licensed release from South Korea has 2.35:1 Widescreen display and Dolby Digital Surround Sound; the cover art includes some written information in Korean. The film is in ENGLISH with optional subtitles in both English and Korean.

Average customer rating:

A True Down-To-Earth story you can relate to.
Trainspotting Hit's the spot
Drug Movies Aren't An Easy Thing To Make
Who needs reasons when you've got heroin?
The Dregs

Trainspotting [Region 2]
Starring: Ewan McGregor , Ewen Bremner , Jonny Lee Miller , Kevin McKidd , and Robert Carlyle
Director: Danny Boyle
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

( T ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Requiem for a Dream (Edited Version)
Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels (Widescreen Edition)
Spun (Unrated Version)
Snatch (Special Edition)
A Clockwork Orange

ASIN: B00004R73L

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

A True Down-To-Earth story you can relate to........2007-06-30

Trainspotting Hit's the spot.......2007-05-13

Drug Movies Aren't An Easy Thing To Make.......2007-04-29

Who needs reasons when you've got heroin?.......2007-04-25

The Dregs.......2007-02-18

Trainspotting [NTSC/REGION 1 & 4 DVD. Import-Latin America]

Average customer rating:

Trainspotting [NTSC/REGION 1 & 4 DVD. Import-Latin America]
Director: Danny Boyle
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Average customer rating:

A True Down-To-Earth story you can relate to.
Trainspotting Hit's the spot
Drug Movies Aren't An Easy Thing To Make
Who needs reasons when you've got heroin?
The Dregs

Trainspotting [Region 2]
Starring: Ewan McGregor , Ewen Bremner , Jonny Lee Miller , Kevin McKidd , and Robert Carlyle
Director: Danny Boyle
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

( T ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Requiem for a Dream (Edited Version)
Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels (Widescreen Edition)
Spun (Unrated Version)
Snatch (Special Edition)
A Clockwork Orange

ASIN: B00004RYHP

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

A True Down-To-Earth story you can relate to........2007-06-30

Trainspotting Hit's the spot.......2007-05-13

Drug Movies Aren't An Easy Thing To Make.......2007-04-29

Who needs reasons when you've got heroin?.......2007-04-25

The Dregs.......2007-02-18

Average customer rating:

Trainspotting
Starring: Trainspotting
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

( T ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Trainspotting [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2.4 Import - Great Britain ]

Average customer rating:

Trainspotting [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2.4 Import - Great Britain ]
Director: Danny Boyle
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Art House & International | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Foreign & International | Stores | DVD | Video
ASIN: B000FTGJIS

Product Description

Great Britain released, PAL/Region 2.4 DVD: it WILL NOT play on standard US DVD player. You need multi-region PAL/NTSC DVD player to view it in USA/Canada. LANGUAGES: English (Dolby Digital 5.1), English (Subtitles), WIDESCREEN, SYNOPSIS: 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...
SPECIAL FEATURES: Scene Access,

Charlie Rose with Arianna Huffing ton, Lawrence O'Donnell & William Kristol; Danny Boyle, Andrew MacDonald & John Hodge; Malivai Washington (July 15, 1996)

Average customer rating:

Charlie Rose with Arianna Huffing ton, Lawrence O'Donnell & William Kristol; Danny Boyle, Andrew MacDonald & John Hodge; Malivai Washington (July 15, 1996)

Manufacturer: Charlie Rose
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Description

Arianna Huffington, of the Center for Effective Compassion, Lawrence O'Donnell, former campaign strategist and chief of staff for Senator Moynihan, and William Kristol of The Weekly Standard magazine discuss the struggling Dole campaign and the upcoming Democratic and Republican conventions. Then, director, Danny Boyle, producer Andrew Macdonald and screenwriter John Hodge discuss their new, much anticipated British film, Train Spotting. Finally, tennis player, MaliVai Washington discusses becoming the first African-American since Arthur Ashe to reach the Wimbledon finals.

Average customer rating:

A True Down-To-Earth story you can relate to.
Trainspotting Hit's the spot
Drug Movies Aren't An Easy Thing To Make
Who needs reasons when you've got heroin?
The Dregs

Trainspotting [Region 2]
Starring: Ewan McGregor , Ewen Bremner , Jonny Lee Miller , Kevin McKidd , and Robert Carlyle
Director: Danny Boyle
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video