Trainspotting (1996)

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. (IMDb)

Daring and dynamic: Death and drugs are depicted with mercilessly horrible bluntness (see the neglected baby) and potent editing (see the anxiety-filled withdrawal scene in Renton’s bedroom), capturing well the tragedy and pain of addiction, while sub-plots with tamer bits of hedonism (see the outrageous aftermath of the three sex-capades) add unexpected comedy. Excellent existential ramblings a la Radiohead’s “Fitter Happier” frame the story and add a mischievous ambiguity to its conclusion.

8/10 (Great)