Local Hero Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A Texan goes to Scotland to buy a village for oil, but instead discovers whisky, the Northern Lights, and a girl who might be a mermaid, and his boss decides to build a planetarium instead because…reasons.

🍿 Local Hero: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Arrival in Ferness

MacIntyre, an acquisitions executive from Knox Oil and Gas in Houston, is sent to the remote Scottish village of Ferness to negotiate the purchase of the town for a new oil refinery. He is partnered with Danny Oldsen, a local representative of the company. Mac, used to a fast-paced, tech-driven environment, finds himself in a simple, slow-paced community.

Negotiations and Distractions

The locals, eager to profit from the deal, appoint Gordon Urquhart as their negotiator. However, Mac and Danny become increasingly distracted by the charm of the village and its inhabitants. Danny is captivated by Marina, a marine biologist with webbed feet, while Mac finds himself drawn to the natural beauty of the area.

The Beachcomber’s Land

The deal hits a snag when Ben Knox, a reclusive beachcomber, is revealed to own a crucial section of the beach. Ben is uninterested in selling, leading to a stalemate in the negotiations. Mac tries to understand Ben’s connection to the land and finds himself questioning his own values.

Happer’s Arrival

Felix Happer, the eccentric owner of Knox Oil and Gas, arrives in Ferness. However, Happer is less interested in the refinery and more fascinated by the night sky and the possibility of discovering a new comet. This throws the entire deal into question.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Felix Happer (Burt Lancaster): The eccentric oil billionaire is more interested in astronomy and the Northern Lights than in the oil refinery project.
• Mac (Peter Riegert): The American oil executive sent to Scotland to buy up the village, who gradually falls in love with the simple life.
• Ben Knox (Fulton Mackay): The local hermit and beachcomber who owns the crucial beach property and is reluctant to sell.
• Gordon Urquhart (Denis Lawson): The local innkeeper and accountant who acts as the negotiator for the village.
• Marina (Jenny Seagrove): The marine biologist with webbed feet who becomes Danny’s love interest.
• Danny Oldsen (Peter Capaldi): Mac’s local contact from the Aberdeen Knox Oil and Gas office.
• Moritz (Norman Chancer): Felix Happer’s psychiatrist.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Mac: “I could do this deal over the phone in an afternoon.” – Mac initially expresses his preference for handling the acquisition from his Houston office.
• Ben: “Would you pay me a pound for every grain of sand in my hand?” – Ben poses a hypothetical question to Mac, illustrating his unique perspective on value and wealth.
• Felix Happer: “I’m glad I got here in time to interrupt your refinery caper.” – Happer tells Mac his plans have changed and he no longer wishes to build the refinery.

💰Box Office

• Budget: £3,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $5,895,761
• Worldwide Gross: $5,975,220

💥 Local Hero Reviews

Personal Review

I stumbled upon Local Hero late one night and was immediately captivated. The film’s gentle humor and beautiful scenery felt like a warm hug. I was particularly drawn to Peter Riegert’s performance as Mac; his transformation from a materialistic executive to someone who appreciates the simple things in life resonated deeply with me. The scene where he’s collecting shells on the beach, seemingly forgetting his mission, really stuck with me. It’s a feel-good movie that reminds you to slow down and appreciate the world around you.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of British comedy”
  • “Viewers interested in environmental themes”
  • “Those who enjoy character-driven stories”
  • “People looking for heartwarming and thought-provoking films”
  • “Fans of Mark Knopfler’s music”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild Language”
  • “Brief scenes of alcohol consumption”
  • “Some thematic elements related to corporate development that might spark discussion”

Professional Reviews

• The Guardian: “A perfectly formed piece of cinematic charm, Local Hero is a gentle satire on American capitalism’s collision with Scottish sensibilities. Bill Forsyth’s direction is masterful, and the performances are universally excellent.
• Variety: “Local Hero offers moments of genuine insight and humor. Forsyth delicately balances the film’s quirky characters and the serious themes of cultural collision and environmental impact. A satisfying and thought-provoking movie experience.
• RogerEbert.com: “While not a laugh-out-loud comedy, Local Hero is a film of quiet observations and understated humor. Burt Lancaster shines as the eccentric oil tycoon, and the Scottish scenery is breathtaking. A gentle and thought-provoking film.

Audience Reactions

The quirky characters and their interactions are hilarious and heartwarming.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s gentle humor, charming characters, and beautiful Scottish scenery.

Mark Knopfler’s soundtrack is hauntingly beautiful and perfectly complements the film’s mood.: The music is consistently cited as a standout element, adding to the film’s overall charm and emotional impact.

Overall Consensus: Local Hero is a beloved film known for its gentle humor, charming characters, beautiful scenery, and haunting soundtrack. It’s a feel-good movie that celebrates the simple things in life.

Awards

1. BAFTA Award (Best Direction)- 1984

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The village of Pennan, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, was used as the primary filming location for the fictional village of Ferness.”
• “The film’s soundtrack, composed by Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits, was highly acclaimed and contributed significantly to the film’s atmosphere.”
• “Bill Forsyth, the writer and director, is known for his understated and character-driven style, which is evident throughout ‘Local Hero’.”
• “The movie was released in the United Kingdom on April 29, 1983.”

🖥️ How to Watch Local Hero?

Local Hero is available to rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play. Check local listings for possible broadcast options. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Local Hero, you might like these similar films:

• Waking Ned Devine (1998): Shares a similar quirky, small-town setting where the community comes together, and comedic elements arise from their unusual circumstances.
• Doc Hollywood (1991): Features a city doctor who gets stuck in a small town and gradually appreciates the slower pace and unique charm, similar to Mac’s experience.
• The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain (1995): Another British film with a gentle, humorous tone that explores cultural differences and the charm of rural communities.

🛒 Local Hero Related Products

• Local Hero (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A beautifully restored edition of the film from the Criterion Collection, featuring insightful commentary, deleted scenes, and behind-the-scenes documentaries, providing a deeper appreciation for the film’s artistry and cultural impact.
• Local Hero: The Unofficial Companion: Explore the film’s locations, characters, and themes with in-depth analysis and behind-the-scenes stories. Perfect for fans who want to delve deeper into the world of Local Hero.
• Mark Knopfler – Local Hero (Soundtrack) [Vinyl]: Experience Mark Knopfler’s iconic score on vinyl, capturing the film’s atmosphere and emotions. A must-have for music lovers and collectors.
• I Love Ferness T-Shirt – Local Hero Inspired Design: Show your love for the iconic Scottish village with this stylish T-shirt. Features a unique design inspired by the film’s setting and themes.

🎧 Soundtrack

Local Hero features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Going Home: Theme of the Local Hero” – performed by Mark Knopfler
• “Wild Theme” – performed by Mark Knopfler
• “The Mist Covered Mountains” – performed by Mark Knopfler

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes – Going Home (Theme From Local Hero) (Official Video)

Can you imagine a remake of ‘Going Home’ featuring Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, David Gilmour, and basically every guitar god ever? They made it, and it’s surprisingly awesome and all for a good cause!

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