I was surprised to read so many comments and reviews see the ending as a happy, optimistic one. And I'm not talking about how Renton says "there are final hits and final hits", implying a continuous relapse. Which is a good point... but what really interests me, and the reason I'm not sure what to make of that ending... is the "Choose life" speech which bookends the film, as well as the fact that the claimed "happy ending" is based on morally suspect money to fund it.

First, we hear the "Choose life" speech at the beginning told in a completely sarcastic, dismissive tone. Renton describes a mechanical, consumerist existence and informs us that he chose something else. Renton eventually decides that this something else is undesirable... but at the end, the fact that they chose to refer back to that cynical opening speech to look at his future, drugs-free, "happy" life is surely significant. I'm not sure how exactly, but it definitely didn't give me a "happy" vibe.

My unsure feelings about the ending are also increased by the fact that Renton now wants this materialistic future which he rejected at the beginning only after he makes loads of dirty money. I have slight reservations about seeing a hopeful ending when that hope is enabled by drug money and betrayal.

I'd like to hear other people's takes...

You're judging this thing on merit, when in storytelling it's about relative values. I think you know this instinctively, as most people do who have consumed uncountable stories through books, movies, tv, play, etc.

Renton at the end is in a different place than he was at the beginning. He has grown, his outlook has altered, and he is moving in a different direction. How different, only time will tell, but clearly he is changed.

Maybe the money is tainted... but so what? If he didn't have it in his possession it would be circulating in crime and drug circles still. What matters is what he does with it.

I don't think his cynical attitude towards 'normal, consumerist life' had particularly changed much by the end of the film. The change is mostly to do with removing himself from the crowd. It's a step away to something new.

I love the scene where he takes the money. One of the greatest uses of music in a movie ever. I think.

Jean and Scotty never have to worry.

I think he's still mocking the materialistic world while he marches on... even if it was dirty money. Though that dirty money job did help put away a crazed fool like Begbie, put Sickboy back to square one, & Mark did offer some positive karma leaving money for Spud.

Mark's probably happiest that he's broken free of that drug nonsense of a lifestyle, while at the same time not prepared to sell his soul to become a materialistic sheep.

I haven't read Porno, so I won't judge too much on their paths.

A+ though, my #49 all time. Its soundtrack is sublime & changed my life.