Local Hero (1983)
Overview
User Rating:
7.4/10 (8,453 votes)
Director: Bill Forsyth
Writer: Bill Forsyth
Release Date: 17 February 1983 (USA)
Genre: Comedy | Drama
Plot: An American oil company sends a man to Scotland to buy up an entire village where they want to build a refinery. But things don't go as expected.
Cast
Burt Lancaster... Felix Happer
Peter Riegert... Mac
Fulton Mackay... Ben
Denis Lawson... Urquhart
Norman Chancer... Moritz
Peter Capaldi... Oldsen
Rikki Fulton... Geddes
Alex Norton... Watt
Jenny Seagrove... Marina
Jennifer Black... Stella
Christopher Rozycki... Victor
Gyearbuor Asante... Rev Macpherson (as Christopher Asante)
John M. Jackson... Cal (as John Jackson)
Dan Ammerman... Donaldson
Tam Dean Burn... Roddy
Viewer Comments
Pure Magic!
Whenever I am asked my favorite film, I answer Local Hero without hesitation - there is never a question of its position on my list.
I have no idea what provoked me to see this film in the theatre lo those many years ago, but I am grateful to the serendipity which has brought this piece of magic into my life. I am constantly amazed that a piece of fiction (and not even a written one) could have such an impact on my heart and soul.
I must confess, I am surprised there are no other reviews of Local Hero by women. I've always found the lyrical nature of the film to have a distinctly female sensibility. But on the other hand, I don't know any other women beyond myself who have seen it (or recall having seen it). The best recommendation I can make for this film is, when I find the world closing in on me, I watch Local Hero. I smile. I laugh. I even cry a bit. But most importantly, I come away knowing that I might someday find that very possible magic in my life. [Author: Maryte from Austin, Texas]
All-time Favorite Movie!
Simply my favorite movie ever. Never fails to warm my heart, even after many, many viewings. Beautifully written, filmed, acted- everything works. I loved the whole movie, but especially the last scene. It just sums up the whole movie for me- friendship, not the material, is ultimately all that matters.
Great writing; a dozen well-developed characters. Gentle good humor, without demeaning anyone. A beautiful score, that fit the mood of the movie perfectly. Can't say enough about this movie- see it, see it, see it [Author: kingbad from Florida]
A Captivating Sleeper!
Here's the key - - EVERY TIME I encounter this movie on TV I stop what I'm doing and watch it. I once arrived at a hotel after midnight, tired and with a meeting at 8:00 am. I flipped on the TV while I unpacked and there it was, just a little past the beginning. I sat on the end of the bed for an hour, then pulled up a chair. I finished unpacking when it was over!
And just whose baby is that, anyway? [Author: SquirePM from Birmingham, Alabama]
Technophile Goes to RemoteVillage and Finds the Real World!
What a lovely, quiet film this is. Mac personifies modern man--out of touch with nature,out of touch with his own soul, who needs "electricity" to function. He is all technology of that period. Although he is a "telex man" (this was before the computer-cellphone era), he reluctantly goes in person to buy a village in a remote area of Scotland for the glory of oil production. The place he finds is paradise. No urban sprawl. No locked doors. Gradually, Mac is seduced by nature.
What makes a film memorable are great moments, and this film is a series of great moments that stay with you long after the film is over. I will offer no plot summary. You must see this magical film for yourself. But be forewarned: if you are in love with all that modern technology can offer, you will not like this film. You may find it too slow; too outdated; too sentimental. But, if (like me)you yearn to be away from the horror that modern technology has created in us and around us, you will love and dream of your own remote village by the sea. [Author: Brenda Lester from Rhinebeck, NY]
Possibly the Most Delightful "Grown-up" Film Ever Made!
Warning: you may fall in love with Scotland (a Scotland that may exist only in Forsyth's imagination) upon seeing this. Do it anyway! [Author: Brian Leonard from Springfield, VA]
Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder!
I don't "know" anything about films - and for that reason, I'm not qualified to comment on the direction, script or characterisations of "Local Hero". But then, unlike some of those who have criticised it, I don't feel any burning desire to take the film apart and put the bits under the microscope. All I know is that it makes me feel great, like a walk in the countryside on a bright spring morning. It makes me feel happy, positive, warm and hopeful. It makes me love the world even more than before - I want to rush out into the street and invite passers-by in for a cup of tea. It hits the soul-button that, as an atheist, I shouldn't have. So who cares about the plot or the pace or "where it's going"? It touches me ... in the same way that it's obviously affected a great many other people.
Yup, I reckon it'll be my favourite film of all time. [Author: Rob Devereux from Suffolk, England]
Saw it Again and Re-voted: from 9 to 10!
This movie is a magical masterpiece. It is heart-warming and touching, filled with quiet magical moments and sophisticated comedy. But most of all, it is about people and (modern) life. Well, everybody knows it´s kind a fairy-tale, but this is okay to me, as long as it reminds me that there are more precious things in life than a decent job, city life, Porsche etc. Take it as a holiday from this. Just enjoy this great movie. [Author: MacaulayConnor from Germany]