Rating: 
Summary: Touching and Unforgettable.
Review: Scottish writer/director Bill Forsyth created something truly touching and unforgettable with this 1983 masterpiece about a Houston-based oil conglomerate and its plan to buy a scenic fishing village and bay on the north coast of Scotland as the site for a massive refinery. Peter Riegert stars as McIntyre, the young, successful, immaculate and lonely site acquisitions manager sent to clinch the deal. Burt Lancaster stars as Happer, the dignified but eccentric Knox Oil and Gas chairman who takes a personal interest in the project, if for reasons more to do with the stars than oil production. Awaiting McIntyre in "the old country" are a host of the most original, sweet and memorable characters, including Danny, McIntyre's gentle but lustful Knox counterpart in Scotland; Urquhart, the smart and worthy innkeeper/accountant representing the villagers; Stella, Urquhart's quiet, pretty and sexually-charged wife and boss; Viktor, the boisterous and passionate Russian fishing fleet captain out of Murmansk who drops in for a friendly visit; and Ben, the aging, polite and solitary beachcomber who holds the key to everyone's future.These are only a few of the many interesting and eccentric characters that populate the village, people who are more than ready to sell their property and move away for a chance to be rich and attain a better life. In this respect, while Local Hero has genuine comedic appeal, there is also an undercurrent of sadness in the movie that is inescapable to the viewer. For just as the villagers see Knox Oil as their savior, McIntyre and ultimately Happer see the village and its existence as the better way -- an we agree. The realization comes to us slowly, through McIntyre, who prides himself on his position and the accoutrements of success -- the Porshe 930, the hi-fi with quad and video (this is 1983), the finely-tailored suits and Italian shoes, the stock and solid income, the watch that keeps him alert to meetings occurring way back in Houston. He is a man of the future! ("Can you imagine a world without oil?" he asks at one point, assured of his purpose.) His concerns and former life take on less and less importance as he befriends the locals and the peace and beauty of the area take hold of him, filling in what has been up to this point, in reality, an unfulfilled and loveless state of being. Adding to the positive yearning one feels watching this movie is the excellent score by Dire Straits' Mark Knopfler, who creates a series of musical pastiches full of mood, beauty and place and as gentle as the waves gliding in to the bay's pristine and quiet beaches. You will want this soundtrack. In fact, with the final scenes of Local Hero, after Happer has made his unexpected appearance, resolution is achieved, and McIntyre is ordered back to Houston -- an ending that builds measurably and is sure to move anyone with a trace of soul -- you will want to find this place they have changed and which has changed them, or at least add its lessons to your life. In this respect, Local Hero is a very fine example of how great movies can be when the heart is remembered.
Rating:
Summary: An absolute master piece; flawless filmaking at its best!
Review: I have been viewing this movie for over ten years and never tire of it. I see something new with every viewing. I read the other posted reviews and pretty much agree with all the praise. It makes my all time Top Ten list. I see it at least once a year (also see Forsyth's "Comfort And Joy", another beautifully cast and crafted movie in the same vein)along with "The Ritz", "Christmas Vacation", "The Blues Brothers", etc. I keep two copies on hand and can't wait for the DVD version to be released. Forsyth is a master!
Rating:
Summary: it gets better with each viewing!
Review: This movie is one of those of which it can be said that you can find something new every time you see it. The cast is wonderful (especially Burt Lancaster) and the soundtrack is fabulous. Also, the setting is magnificent--it was one of my inspirations to visit Scotland! (That, and the Diana Gabaldon series of novels!) I just got a DVD player, and I hope that this movie will be on DVD in the near future--it's a definite keeper!
Rating:
Summary: Offbeat and wonderfully funny - An alltime personal favorite
Review: I LOVE this movie! Entertaining and hilarious the humour ranges from quirky to silly to subtle and intellectual. The soundtrack is perfect, Mark Knoffler skillfully bridges the gap between rock and traditional Scottish music. A bonus is the insight into small-town Scottish life. I must warn you, when the movie ends, you will want to hop a plane and go to visit! You will wear out your copy of this tape for every time you watch it; you will like it more.
Rating:
Summary: Top Ten of all time?
Review: I think so. At least I find myself watching this at least once a year...in the 'Wonderful Life' tradition. It ages well. One of the great pieces of trivia is discovering the connection between this movie and the Star Wars trilogy.
Rating:
Summary: Unique, quirky, and just plain fun!
Review: Definitely makes my top 10 list due to its interesting approach, fantastic score by Mark Knopfler, and witty transitions. Can't miss movie if you are looking for something just a little different from the mainstream.
Rating:
Summary: !!!!! Five Bangs - One of the all time hidden favorites
Review: Local Hero is not just an entertaining movie, it's a film that offers some introspection for many of the people that have seen it. It's a "Tuesdays with Morrie" that doesn't make you want to cry.
Rating:
Summary: The only film I've watched 6 times
Review: Bill Forsyth proved himself a storyteller par excellance with this incredible film about cultures colliding. Forsyth turns one film cliche after another on its ear with satiric but gentle humor as he reveals the common humanity beneath what appear at first to be the differences between his characters. Romantic without being sentimental, this film is one of the few I have ever watched more than once. Mark Knopfler's anthemic music is perfect.
Rating:
Summary: All-time best, feel-good movie
Review: Do you know what a "ceilidh" is? Watch this movie and find out. I watch it at least once a year as a reminder of how good movies can be. See "Wedge" in another role.
Rating:
Summary: A Classic
Review: A great movie for fans who appreciated the characters and wit of films like "The Full Monty" and "The Commitments". The new Irish film "Waking Ned Devine" borrows heavily from "Local Hero". An added benefit to this movie is a terrific score from Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits. His moody and uplifting guitar melodies added a nice touch to the charm of this film.
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