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Local Hero (1983)

Rate: 7
Viewed: 8/21

8/21: Before there were Hugh Grant's English comedies, there was Local Hero.

Reminding me a lot of The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill but Came Down a Mountain, the movie takes place in Pennan, Scotland (Ferness), has a well-thought-out story, and is supplied with great cinematography and terrific acting. Unfortunately, it's too long for my liking.

A lot of time was spent on community togetherness, but I got the point already halfway through. Of course, MacIntyre felt it and therefore missed what he had, wanting to call somebody there after he got back to Houston.

Peter Riegert, not Burt Lancaster, is the star of the film. However, I don't think he's the local hero. That's Danny Oldsen who's wonderfully played by Peter Capaldi. It's he who listened and understood what the island should be about. Burt Lancaster is just there to serve as a plot device for the film. Also, it's a fabulous job by Denis Lawson and Jenny Seagrove.

All in all, having captured the human spirit, Local Hero is a quiet Scottish gem.

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