Trainspotting

Choose life.

“Choose life… But why would I want to do a thing like that?”

Not only did Danny Boyle manage to put Irvine Welsh‘s “unadaptable” novel ‘Trainspotting’ on celluloid, but he did it with such kinetic, frenetic and phenomenally stylish aplomb that he also managed to craft one of the 90s most singularly defining films – and stars of its fantastic ensemble. Ewan McGregor commands the lead role of heroin addict Mark Renton, who stumbles through bad ideas and sobriety attempts with his unreliable friends – including Sick Boy (Jonny Lee Miller), Begbie (Robert Carlyle), Spud (Ewen Bremner) and Tommy (Kevin McKidd). He even also has an underage girlfriend, Diane (Kelly Macdonald, in her film debut), along for the ride. After cleaning up and moving from Edinburgh to London, Mark finds he can’t escape the life he left behind when Begbie shows up at his front door on the lam, and a scheming Sick Boy follows.

“A brutal, often times funny, other times terrifying portrayal of drug addiction in Edinburgh. Not for the faint of heart, but well worth viewing as a realistic and entertaining reminder of the horrors of drug use.” (Rotten Tomatoes)

“TRAINSPOTTING, buoyed by a great Brit Pop soundtrack and Brian Tufano’s agile cinematography, captures the stoned-out, gut-churning experience of hardcore addiction with hallucinogenic acuity.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Wednesday, August 7
Doors 8:45 pm | Movie 9:15 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Tickets HERE

Why not start the party early with a double bill of 2023’s concert, blur: LIVE AT WEMBLEY STADIUM for one sweet price HERE

TRAINSPOTTING (Danny Boyle, 1996 / 93 mins / 18A) 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.


*Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service.
*Rio Theatre Groupons and passes OK for any single film only. Please redeem at the door.
*We recommend purchasing your tickets in advance at www.riotheatretickets.ca. If a screening or live event is not sold out, the remaining tickets will be available for purchase at the Rio Theatre’s Box Office prior to showtime (subject to availability).
*Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats, and time for treats at concession.
*If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance and give us a “heads up,” or do it at the box office prior to showtime.

*All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. No refunds or exchanges.

Hilarious but harrowing, the film charts the disintegration of the friendship between Renton, Spud, Sick Boy, Tommy and Begbie as they proceed seemingly towards a psychotic, drug-fuelled self-destruction.

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About The Rio

Voted the #1 Independent Theatre in Vancouver, the Rio Theatre is a multimedia venue featuring arthouse, mainstream and cult-classic cinemas as well as live entertainment. Built in 1938, the Rio has been fully restored with a state of the art digital projector, surround sound, a huge stage and 420 luxurious seats.

1660 East Broadway, Vancouver, BC

Phone: 604.879.3456

Info Line: 604.878.3456

Email: [email protected]

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