Local Hero

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Local Hero

PG

Released Feb 17, 1983

1h 50m

Comedy

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100%

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41 Reviews

87%

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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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Ed Potton

The Times (UK)

A Scottish-American charmer with a sublime soundtrack.

Rated: 5/5

May 23, 2023

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Peter Bradshaw

Guardian

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

Rated: 5/5

May 17, 2023

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Bob Thomas

Associated Press

Lancaster gets better with age; he is capital as the magnate with equal passions for astronomy and moneymaking. Peter Riegert is effective as his ambassador, and the Scottish actors are refreshing and adept.

Nov 12, 2018

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Josh Larsen

LarsenOnFilm

Just the right dose of daffy...

Rated: 3/4

Sep 1, 2025

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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

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

Rated: 2.5/4

Jan 27, 2024

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Tim Brayton

Alternate Ending

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

Rated: 4.5/5

Jun 5, 2023

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Tom P.

Sleeper hit with great performances throughout

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/05/25

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Stephen C

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

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/09/25

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Douglas G

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

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/30/25

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Steve B

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.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

01/25/25

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Elmer B

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.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/25/25

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Plinio P

Boring. Weird. Not funny. Terrible script. A dud.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

01/17/25

Full Review

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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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