Genre: Drama
Runtime: 117 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Ewan McGregor, Robert Carlyle, Ewen Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller, Kelly Macdonald
Description: After 20 years abroad, Mark Renton (Ewam McGregor) returns to Scotland and reunites with his old friends Sick Boy (Jonny Lee Miller), Spud (Ewen Bremner), and Begbie (Robert Carlyle).
Review: A life, a job, a career, a family and luxury. At the beginning of the first “Trainspotting”, lead character Mark Renton didn’t want to think about all this. He was hanging out with his friends, hoping for a heroine kick. ‘Rent Boy’ wanted a clean sleight and got clean. But his friends had a bad influence on him.
Doyles work of art from 1996 pictured the relentless subculture. What made “Trainspotting” so good, were the quick montages, rough edges and a pulsating soundtrack.
Boyle waited so long for a sequel, because he wanted his actor to physically look older. Twenty years later it looks like Mark is finally leading a normal life. He lives in Amsterdam, has a solid job and is even married. He returns to Scotland to settle some issues. He visits Spud, who is still an addict and has a struggling relationship with his ex and son. Simon is leading a life a crime, but has big plans for his pub. And then there is Begbie, who has been in jail for twenty years. He wants his son to follow in his footsteps and is out for revenge on Mark.
“Trainspotting” was a unique film. “Trainspotting 2” is a really good sequel. The evolved dynamic between the characters is the best part of the film. The film isn’t as intense and visually rough as the first. But still has a lot of depth.
Real friendships last a lifetime, that’s one thing that’s sure. Even with the unstable factors present.
History repeats itself, but also manages to adapt and change. “Trainspotting 2” is a solid sequel, totally worth waiting those 20 years for.
Rating: 4/ 5
