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Summary: Scotland's scenery, euphonic music and tranquility prevail
Review: Use this movie as a stepping stone to let go of reality. Merely step into a character's life and live vicariously through that character. It is only when the movie is over that you realize you have surrendered to that character's lifestyle. Reflecting back you might ask yourself: what's really important in life.
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Summary: One of the best!
Review: If you like the quirky characters of Waking Ned Divine, or the TV show Northern Exposure, you'll love this movie. I own a copy and watch it every now and then, still laughing at the subtle humor. Everything from characters to the soundtrack are top notch.
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Summary: understated brilliance.
Review: everytime i see this film again, i am surprised by something i didn't notice the last time i watched it...and i've probably watched it 25 times now, at the very least. it is so rich, and yet so modest: the scenes veer unerringly between wide view and narrow focus. in the background, even the streetsigns in houston reflect the megalomania of the oil tycoon; the locals spill out of a church stealthily while the transplanted african minister dickers with the oil rep and his scots sidekick -- who notices the exodus but never says a word -- and fighter jets practice bombing runs overhead; a youth on a motorcycle narrowly misses our hero as he enters, stageleft or stageright, but the margin widens as the character acclimates to his surroundings.i've heard it said that "local hero" was the inspiration for "northern exposure," and i suppose i can see that, in the first season, at least; or in the episode in which the russian comes to town, to the dismay of the most american of the bunch, and sings cowboy songs at the bar; i thought of victor at the ceilidh. there is that same sense of slightly skewed magic taking place. in this town, the out-of-the-ordinary is commonplace, and the person who finds it at all unusual is the outcast. in time, as the story unfolds with a wink, the outcast is transformed, and that is, perhaps, the most magickal thing of all.like a lot of people, i'd like this story to be real. and maybe it is. years ago, i was in love with a man from the outer hebrides who was transplanted to l.a., a stranger in a strange land. we watched this movie together, nursing peaty singlemalt, and between the moments of laughter, he wiped away tears and said, "och, this fillim, it makes me homesick."
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Summary: Another voice in the chorus
Review: in 1984 I spent a year in the UK. The personalities in this movie are much more real than many people might expect. For instance, I once went into a pub in Wales and asked for change for a phone call - everyone at the bar offered up their 10p coins. Just like the scene in the movie! This charming film brings back many great memories.
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Summary: My choice for favorite American film ever made
Review: Many reviewers here have given excellent outlines of the film, and I can't top them. "Local Hero" is simply magic. If you're planning on seeing this too-little-known masterpiece, here's a few things to look for: Peter Riegert's manner of dress, reflecting his state of mind, changes gradually from day to day. Nice touch, as the button-down three-piece suit gets looser and more relaxed as he finds the magic of the Scottish countryside and its people. The impersonations...was that John Wayne or James Cagney? Hmm.... See if you can solve the unanswered mystery of "Whose baby is that?" Track the disintegrating (and hilarious) relationship between Burt Lancaster's rich oilman and his bizarre therapist. See if you can count how many grains of sand are in Ben's hand...and ask yourself if it would have mattered. And mostly, enjoy what I think is the best ending of any film I've ever seen. Absolute magic. What? You haven't seen "Local Hero"? Here, let me loan you my copy. Sorry it's so worn...
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Summary: Too many 5-star reviews
Review: The first time I looked at the reviews for this film, I thought "They're all 5 star reviews". Now I like to be different, but I'm afraid it's impossible for me to give this film anything less than 5 stars. Basically, it's wonderful. My all time favourite film. I first watched the film because the music was written by the lead singer in my favourite band - then I fell in love with it. It's generally a wonderful film. Gently funny without being outrageous, it also has a quiet seriousness to it that's totally compelling. My only advice: Buy this film.
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Summary: My alltime favorite!! Seen dozens of times.
Review: A wonderful film that I agree is heading for cult classic status (reading reviews here from other multiple viewers has made me feel less weird). If, like me, you're a corporate robot in a large hi-tech conglomerate, who longs for the simpler, slower life, and also feels somewhat detached from their Celtic roots, this lighthearted comedy will touch your soul. And even if you're not, it will be wonderfully entertaining. Mac's burned-out company man is right on target. Burt Lancaster's comedic skills will amaze those who've thought of him as a strictly dramatic actor. And the characters of the isolated fishing village are depicted with a rare reverance and a surprisingly authentic tone (when Gordon accepts a teacup from his wife in one scene and acknowledges the handoff with a one-syllable phrase that I heretofore had only heard my Irish father use, I was hooked). The only way this film could get better would be to release it on DVD.
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Summary: Absolutely Great Movie for a Romantic Saturday Night
Review: This Forsythe film is his best, especially if you like music by Mark Knopler. My room mate and I were so taken by the movie that when we were in Scotland we searched out the filming site. The beach is located somewhere on the western coast of Scotland, but the village is on the northern coast, tucked away under the cliffs along the sea. It was a little deflating that the village and the beach were not actually in the same place, but inspiring and fun to visit none the less. I could relate to Mac, having worked for an oil company for 20 years. And Mr. Happer's offices and style of management were not too far off from reality!!!!
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Summary: A film to watch when you feel your soul slipping away
Review: Like other reviewers here, I have watched 'Local Hero' many times. And each time it takes me away to that small village by the sea with individuals I would like to know. It will recharge you. Buy the sound track as well, it is worth it.
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Summary: If ever stuck in some remote place .........
Review: "Local Hero" is a movie I return to time and time again. Knopfler's Celtic tinged score gets to my soul, the cinematography is stunning, wonderful story and dialog, and no way to single out any peformances because nearly all of the actors are right on to the role. (Well, maybe the rabbit with two names stands out -- I love all the scenes involving the hare!). For me, even more than this being arguably Forsyth's best (out of so many choices), it is an all-time 10 best film.
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