Trainspotting

It's always exciting to put on a good 'cult' film. You're able to not only enjoy a decent story, be inspired or learn something, but also study what about it made it such a classic. 1996's 'Trainspotting' was just one of those; based on a novel by Scotsman Irvine Welsh and adapted into screenplay by Glasgow born John Hodge and directed by  English Danny Boyle whom you may know from '28 Days Later', '127 hours' and 'Slumdog Millionaire'; this film was a successful and moving 'coming-of-age/boy-into-man/finding-oneself' type of film. Nominated for 1 Oscar, and with 15 nominations and 19 wins, it's plain to see the immense caliber of greatness and influence this film had on it's viewers.

With an estimated $3 million and making well double back, this film was a breakout film for talented, narrative masterpiece of an actor Ewan McGregor. But all actors involved were 100% committed to their characters and what drove them. Scottish Ewen Bremmer whom you may recall from 'Black Hawk Down', 'Snatch' and 'Pearl Harbor', English Johnny Lee Miller, whom  you may remember from 'Aeon Flux' and 'Dark Shadows' Scottish engineer turned actor Kevin McKidd, voice from 'Brave and in 'Kingdom of Heaven, Glasgow bad-boy Robert Carlyle whom you may recognize from television's 'Once Upon A Time', 'The Full Monty' or '28 Weeks Later' and 'crazy Scottish beauty' Kelly Macdonald from 'No Country For Old Men', 'Brave' and 'Boardwalk Empire' all can credit this film to putting them on the map in the acting/film world.

Intense subject matter, honest acting, wonderful camera angles and decrepit as well as breathtaking sets and landscapes this film reminded me of 'Saturday Night Fever' in that it's 94 minutes of really 'how blessed you are' and about not being able to be grateful or aware of the beauty around you. Young adolescents/adults always look for something to move them, something to inspire them, something to assist in their rebellious spirit, when really, all you have to do or be is true to yourself.

Heavy-hearted in many instances, but chock-full of comedy and an inspirational message throughout, it is a film I'd recommend for every young person, looking to find themselves. It'd give them a positive perspective and save them a lot of heart-ache and distress. Life is only as hard as you make it - it's not easy, but if you have your best interest at heart, it's the first step to moving into a positive direction.

Set in Scotland with exceptional delivery and pacing; and a wonderful sound-track; certainly 'two-thumbs-up!' :))