The setting is Edinburgh, Scotland in the 1990s. The weather is depressing, and the economy depressed. Renton (Ewan McGregor), the ‘hero’ of the story, revolves his life around his heroin habit, which is preventing him from being a contributing member of society. His fellow junkie Spud (Ewen Bremmer) is no less pathetic, but ignorance is bliss. Their group of friends also includes the opportunistic Sick Boy (Jonny Lee Miller) and the raging psycho Begbie (Robert Carlyle). Together, they try one dodgy scam after another, always chasing the next high. Director Danny Boyle and screenwriter John Hodge adapted Scottish writer Irvine Welsh’s eponymous novel with style and gusto. The soundtrack, featuring songs by a wide range of music icons such as Underworld, Iggy Pop, Lou Reed, and Blur among others, has become an instant classic for film and music fans alike. Roses are red, violets are blue. Drugs are bad, but Trainspotting is always cool.

Danny Boyle (b. 1967, United Kingdom) made his directorial debut with Shallow Grave (1994), a breakout hit for both him and actor Ewan McGregor. The pair reunited with Trainspotting (1996), which quickly became one of the definitive works of British cinema in the 1990s. Boyle’s dynamic visual style translated well in different genres, including the zombie horror 28 Days Later (2002) and space drama Sunshine (2007). Slumdog Millionaire (2008) took his career to new heights, winning eight Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director. After years of planning, Boyle filmed T2 Trainspotting (2017), the sequel to the 1996 classic with the original cast.