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Parents' Guide to

Trainspotting

By Kelly Kessler, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 18+

Cult comedy has graphic drug use, sex, and swearing.

Movie R 1995 94 minutes
Trainspotting Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 17+

Based on 10 parent reviews

bigisaac20
bigisaac20 Adult
July 20, 2020
age 15+

This title has:

Great messages
Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
2 people found this helpful.
Pure H.
Pure H. Adult
July 3, 2017
age 14+

Trainspotting

Trainspotting takes a detailed look at drug addiction, however the film is far from depressing throughout and is mostly fun, while it does have some dark moments. The film is far from pro-drugs as displayed in multiple scenes, however the fun side of drugs is simply shown to give the characters a motivation to start them in the first place. The film does include an instructional method of how to take heroin and also includes some sex scenes. The language is very strong throughout; the C word is said quite often by the character Begbie in particular. The violence is very infrequent, however it is surprising when it does happen. However despite all of this, Trainspotting does have positive messages in the end of to not do drugs and lead a normal life to be truly happy. I recommend for mature teens who understand that drugs aren't the path to take in life. RATING SYSTEM: U - Suitable for all ages PG - Parental Guidance advised PG-T - Content of a PG film, with a few things you may expect from a T film T - Teen M - Mature Teen A - Adults MY RECOMMENDED AGE RATING: Trainspotting - Rated M for graphic drug use, strong sex, brief violence, very strong language

This title has:

Great messages
1 person found this helpful.
See all 10 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Tracking the exploits of a group of friends in Edinburgh, Scotland, TRAINSPOTTING is narrated by main character Mark Renton (Ewan McGregor). The film covers the roller coaster-like cycles of heroin addicts, alternately cleaning out and retracting back into the comfort of their addiction. In the final third, the focus shifts to the interpersonal politics amongst Renton and his friends as they attempt to earn a sizeable amount of money through a risky heroin deal, showing how even when the heroin isn't running Renton's life through addiction, his friends function as a negative drain on him.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (10 ):
Kids say (26 ):

For a unique, consummately entertaining, and yet utterly harrowing look into the life of heroin addicts, this movie offers open-minded viewers an unforgettable experience. But Trainspotting is wholly inappropriate for kids.

McGregor's performance, along with Robert Carlyle's as Renton's psychotically violent friend. Begbie, made big enough impressions to bring both actors many other choice roles in the wake of this movie's success. It also elevated director Danny Boyle's profile, making it possible for him to undertake bigger-budget films in subsequent years.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what gives Trainspotting its cult film status. What makes something a "cult" hit?

  • Do you think the movie sensationalizes drug addiction or gives an accurate picture? How well does the film balance the euphoric visions of heroin highs with the low moments of addicts being driven to steal, hurt others, etc.?

  • The narrator seems to present himself as in control of his actions, but is he really? Are his final actions towards his friends warranted? Do we feel that he has truly changed his ways at the close of the film?

Movie Details

  • In theaters: January 1, 1995
  • On DVD or streaming: June 1, 2004
  • Cast: Ewan McGregor , Ewen Bremner , Jonny Lee Miller
  • Director: Danny Boyle
  • Studio: Buena Vista
  • Genre: Drama
  • Run time: 94 minutes
  • MPAA rating: R
  • MPAA explanation: graphic heroin use and resulting depravity, strong language, sex, nudity and some violence
  • Last updated: August 1, 2023

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