One of my all time favorites.

Best movie ever!

The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

I have seen this movie more times than any other. I watch it nearly every year. I love everything about it and loving Scotland probably helps. The various characters, the scenery, Knopfler's beautiful music, the humour, the dialogue, the longing. I came to visiting the seaside town where some of it was filmed, but regrettably didn't. Maybe one day.

This like fine wine. It gets better with age. I first saw it on cable not too long after it came out and was in love immediately. I bought it first on VHS tape and now have it on DVD. Every now and then when I need some emotional quiet I pull the DVD out and give it a watch. I'm sure it's over 20 times and I enjoy it more each time. It's a movie with texture like my most comfortable shirt. SPOILER ALERT. I enjoy and anticipate many (well most actually) of the scenes and feel sorry for anyone who thinks the movie ends in Houston. Others have gone over the plot and commented it was weak. Well, YEAH, it's a movie about people and feelings, not plot twists and action scenes. And it asks questions that may or may not be answered, and that's the point. It asks you to ponder various things. Who is the babies father? Is Marina a mermaid or not? What was the name of the boat being renamed? Who is the biggest capitalist? Who is the most 'normal' person in the village? What is the significance of the last scene (if you didn't quit too soon)? Which scene is the defining moment showing Mac has gone native? And just who is the Local Hero? I have my answers but think it would be unfair to you to reveal them. Watch and decide for yourself. Then let's compare answers and have a great conversation. Wait! I just discovered there is a Facebook page for Local Hero. The discussion can be there!

In the course of human civilization, it has been keenly observed that the activities of buying and selling are not as simple as one expects them to be. This is due to the fact that in any financial transaction, apart from the exchange of cash and properties, human emotions are also involved. Keeping in mind this aspect of financial transactions, Scottish director Bill Forsyth directed "Local Hero", a film where more than buying and selling of goods, a precious exchange of human emotions take place in abundance. 'Local Hero' oscillates between comedy and drama as it contains elements of both genres. There is a lot for both critics as well as viewers to learn from an American's visit to a Scottish fishing village in order to negotiate the sale of land which would be used to construct an oil rig. One gets to watch how an ordinary American man becomes completely besotted with the simplicity of a Scottish village to such a large extent that he expresses his desire to swap his American existence for a much quieter stay in the fishing village. Director Bill Forsyth is a keen watcher of human foibles which he has succinctly shown in his film. One watches bemusedly how two lonely men feel the need of female companionship. Apart from ubiquitous concern for environment and nature, there is empathy towards animals too. In a moving scene there is string indignation when the American discovers that he has been made to eat his pet rabbit as food. Local Hero has celebrated more than 30 years of existence. It would be remembered by future generations as a film about local people who are neither hostile nor overtly nice. This is something which works in this film's favor as more than a single 'local hero', there are numerous 'local heroes' who care for their surroundings.

Local Hero has been one of my favourite films for years, and will always remain so. And it's nice to see how many of the reviews on here are positive as well. This is such an understated (and often misunderstood) film. The main thing to say: all those people complaining that the film is really slow and doesn't seem to go anywhere, clearly you've never lived in a small village. It's a pretty much perfect depiction of life in such a place. Nothing really happens, and it's all very sleepy. That's the whole point of the film! The acting may not be overly theatrical, but again that's the point. The script doesn't really leave room for grand performances, and so everything is kept on a very real level. It's true, the comedy is very subtle and some moments can easily be glossed over and missed. But the gentle nature of this film is part of its charm. The story itself is also gentle and takes its time. Just let it wash over you and you'll be swept away in no time. The director certainly did a good job of utilising the stunning locations, and the shots of the beach are just incredible. And I have to tip my hat to Mark Knopfler as well. This has to be one of my favourite soundtracks of all time. If you're inherently a city person and can't fathom the attraction of the country, this may not be the film for you. But to anyone else out there who's not seen Local Hero, I highly recommend it.