Local Hero

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Local Hero

PG

1983

1h 50m

Comedy

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Popcornmeter

100%

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42 Reviews

87%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

Up-and-coming Houston oil executive Mac MacIntyre (Peter Riegert) gets more than he bargained for when a seemingly simple business trip to Scotland changes his outlook on life. Sent by his colorful boss (Burt Lancaster) to the small village of Ferness, Mac is looking to quickly buy out the townspeople so his company can build a new refinery. But after a taste of country life Mac begins to question whether he is on the right side of this transaction.

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Critics Consensus

A charmingly low-key character study brought to life by a tremendously talented cast, Local Hero is as humorous as it is heartwarming.

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Nick Roddick

Sight & Sound

Nov 4

Though Local Hero undoubtedly offers more hope than any other British film of the 1980s so far, the question of whether it is possible to merge the two traditions remains sadly open.

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Ed Potton

The Times (UK)

05/23/2023

5/5

A Scottish-American charmer with a sublime soundtrack.

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Peter Bradshaw

Guardian

05/17/2023

5/5

Local Hero snares your heart because it takes on a fantasy element: something to do with Happer’s visionary obsession with the stars.

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Josh Larsen

LarsenOnFilm

Sep 1

3/4

Just the right dose of daffy...

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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

01/27/2024

2.5/4

...a decent-enough comedy that generally feels like it should be much, much better.

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Tim Brayton

Alternate Ending

06/05/2023

4.5/5

It plays it as the mixture of British kitchen-sink realism and Robert Altman that I never knew I wanted.

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John S.

@talarico Oct 6

I’ve been rewatching around every 5 years and it’s way up on my best-of-ever list. And usually something forgotten or new to appreciate. Like the Ruskie’s capitalist bent, or a young Peter Capaldi debuting & Marina’s mermaid tail revealed at the end. And obviously the soundtrack & Ceilidh music too!

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Tom P.

@icarus413 Aug 5

Sleeper hit with great performances throughout

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Stephen C

@bob25009 Jun 9

Funny in 1 hour and 50 minutes!!!!!!!!!!! Starring the late Burt Lancaster as Happer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Douglas G

May 30

It's a quietly beautiful movie that you will enjoy and sometimes laugh; lots of subtle humor.

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Steve B

Jan 25

Trying real hard to hit a couple of viewpoints but mostly fails because of a quirky script and weak attempts at humor. It has a fantasy vibe that pleases some. Bert Lancaster gives it some weight......the quaint Scottish townspeople have some appeal.

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Elmer B

Jan 25

About fifteen years ago I decided that this would be my favourite film of all time, and I still maintain that today. The film it's a reflection of the very early 80s, where it seemed like nothing bad could happen. The subtle underlying surrealist touch, as well as Mark Knofler's unforgettable soundtrack, elevate the film to new heights. Obviously, it's not a film that can be understood by those born in the 21st century, with their hasty TikTok mentality. Possibly, it is not even understandable for those under 40.

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Bill Forsyth

Director

Burt Lancaster

Happer

Peter Riegert

Mac

Denis Lawson

Urquhart

Fulton Mackay

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Norman Chancer

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Synopsis

Up-and-coming Houston oil executive Mac MacIntyre (Peter Riegert) gets more than he bargained for when a seemingly simple business trip to Scotland changes his outlook on life. Sent by his colorful boss (Burt Lancaster) to the small village of Ferness, Mac is looking to quickly buy out the townspeople so his company can build a new refinery. But after a taste of country life Mac begins to question whether he is on the right side of this transaction.

Director: Bill Forsyth
Producer: David Puttnam
Screenwriter: Bill Forsyth
Distributor: Warner Bros.
Production Co: Enigma Films
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 17, 1983, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2009
Runtime: 1h 50m
Sound Mix: Mono
Aspect Ratio: 35mm

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