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Local Hero

Play trailer Poster for Local Hero PG 1983 1h 50m Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 42 Reviews 87% Popcornmeter 5,000+ Ratings
Up-and-coming Houston oil executive Mac MacIntyre gets more than he bargained for when a seemingly simple business trip to Scotland changes his outlook on life. Sent by his colorful boss 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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Local Hero

Local Hero

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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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Critics Reviews

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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. Go to Full Review Ed Potton The Times (UK) 05/23/2023
5/5
A Scottish-American charmer with a sublime soundtrack. Go to Full Review 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. Go to Full Review Josh Larsen LarsenOnFilm Sep 1
3/4
Just the right dose of daffy... Go to Full Review 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. Go to Full Review 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. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Theo C @RT06258744 Feb 10 Overall an absolutely fantastic film for a quiet watch. It's subtle in its setting and its filming, the soundtrack is nothing short of a masterpiece by Mark Knopfler and the acting is well-done and makes the characters feel like "just people". The cinematography is nothing to scoff at either, with certain frames just making you want to scoff at their visual brilliance. The humour is funny and typical of the area. The ending is fantastic, with Mark Knopfler's thunderous "Going Home" putting a brilliant full stop at the end of this film. Overall, an absolute sensation in every second that your eyes and ears are on it. See more Jim P @RT08384096 Dec 22 A magical movie. Watch it more than once for clues to the Meaning of Life and the human need for community. Money isn't everything! See more David B @Bowcoyi Dec 18 Not worth watching, a poor plot line and very slow the humour is okay but that's about it. Burt is more of a cameo showing so don't expect much from him or the movie. See more 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! See more Tom P. @icarus413 Aug 5 Sleeper hit with great performances throughout See more Stephen C @bob25009 Jun 9 Funny in 1 hour and 50 minutes!!!!!!!!!!! Starring the late Burt Lancaster as Happer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! See more Read all reviews
Local Hero

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Cast & Crew

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Bill Forsyth

Director

Burt Lancaster

Happer

Peter Riegert

Mac

Denis Lawson

Urquhart

Fulton Mackay

Ben

Norman Chancer

Moritz

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Local Hero

Local Hero (1983) Local Hero (1983) Local Hero (1983) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Up-and-coming Houston oil executive Mac MacIntyre gets more than he bargained for when a seemingly simple business trip to Scotland changes his outlook on life. Sent by his colorful boss 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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