If you want to see a film that really gets your pulse going, really has you gripping your seat and gritting your teeth, then Shallow Grave is it.
This Scottish crime thriller is expertly directed by Danny Boyle in his cinematic directorial debut, the screenplay brilliantly written by John Hodge. Hodge collaborated again with Boyle in massive hits Trainspotting (1996) and The Beach (2000).
The stars of Shallow Grave play their characters perfectly. Christopher Eccleston, in particular, shines with an astonishing performance.
There are some very humorous moments in this excellent film. Our advice: treat it like a comedy and let the filmmakers have the last laugh.
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You can find more information on this British movie on Wikipedia and IMDb.
As always, we recommend you don’t ruin any surprises by reading spoilers or watching trailers. The following trailer explains the whole movie. You have been warned!
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Title: Shallow Grave (1994)
Language: English
Direction: Danny Boyle
Screenplay: John Hodge
Cinematography: Brian Tufano
Editing: Masahiro Hirakubo
Score: Simon Boswell
Stars: Ewan McGregor, Christopher Eccleston, Kerry Fox
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Wonderful Cinema 
This film is set in my hometown Edinburgh but I believe they actually shot most of it in Glasgow! Good film though. 🙂
I love this film! The acting, humour, philosophy, music,… and it’s British!
Purrfect
Boyle is a genius 😀
I agree with you. I really enjoyed this film, as you say: gripping AND funny.
Great show. This was when Ewan was daring/less mainstream in his choice of movies.
Looks good! I gotta check it out. I also like your site design btw, very clean.
Watched the trailer and it looks very entertaining.
Looks like a film I’d enjoy. Plus I’m a fan of Ewan McGregor.
Looks good! I’ll give it a try.
Oh! I love Danny Boyle and haven’t seen this one…I must watch it asap! nice review 🙂
Love this blog! Great idea for people like me: when we want to find a film there are at least four voices in the house and we end up having circular conversations without coming to any decisions. Hope it goes well for you!
This is such a brilliant Danny Boyle film!
As a forerunner to Trainspotters this is a must-see.
Love Danny Boyle and always really rated Trainspotting. Kept meaning to see Shallow Grave and this post has totally renewed my interest. I shall seek it out and watch McGregor when he was a young, raw, up-and-coming Scot. I’d also like to note I really like A Life Less Ordinary – another Boyle/Mcgregor combo, perhaps underrated in my mind.
We didn’t like A Life Less Ordinary. Trainspotting is amazing, isn’t it; a unique film.
Shallow Grave is fantastic. Another great thriller with Ewan McGreggor (besides the aforementioned Trainspotting) is 1997’s Nightwatch. And, of course, Christopher Eccleston went on to become one of the most iconic incarnations of Doctor Who.
Actually, the original Nightwatch is much better than the 1997 remake. It’s a 1994 Danish film called Nattevagten. Check it out.
The first Danny Boyle film I ever watched and my favourite!
Agreed, this is such a brilliant film and really has you sweating. If not seen, go and watch. NOW! MM
Thanks for reminding me of this film! If I remember correctly, it scared me to death! I can’t wait to see it again. 🙂
I love this film and hadn’t actually realised it was directed by the great Danny Boyle! Thank you for following my blog Vohn’s Vittles. You are most welcome & I hope you enjoy my articles. Vohn x
Hi Vohn. Yes, indeed: Danny Boyle. He’s made a few good ones, hasn’t he!