Local Hero

Play trailer

Local Hero

PG,

1983,

1h 50m,

Comedy

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

100%

39 Reviews

Tomatometer

87%

5,000+ Ratings

Popcornmeter

100%

Tomatometer

39 Reviews

87%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

Up-and-coming Houston oil executive Mac MacIntyre gets more than he bargained for when a seemingly simple business trip to Scotland changes his outlook on life. Sent by his colorful boss to the small village of Ferness, Mac is looking to quickly buy out the townspeople, so his company can build a new refinery. But after a taste of country life Mac begins to question whether he is on the right side of this transaction.

Critics Consensus

A charmingly low-key character study brought to life by a tremendously talented cast, Local Hero is as humorous as it is heartwarming.

Read Critics Reviews

Nick Roddick

Sight & Sound

Nov 4, 2025

Though Local Hero undoubtedly offers more hope than any other British film of the 1980s so far, the question of whether it is possible to merge the two traditions remains sadly open.

Go to Full Review

Ed Potton

The Times (UK)

May 23, 2023

5/5

A Scottish-American charmer with a sublime soundtrack.

Go to Full Review

Peter Bradshaw

Guardian

May 17, 2023

5/5

Local Hero snares your heart because it takes on a fantasy element: something to do with Happer’s visionary obsession with the stars.

Go to Full Review

Eddie Harrison

film-authority.com

Sep 18, 2026

5/5

…arguably the best film about Scotland, Bill Forsyth's Local Hero is a charming film about going back to your roots…celebrating Scottish humour and charm in the face of adversity…a favourite film of many Scots and non-Scots alike…

Go to Full Review

Josh Larsen

LarsenOnFilm

Sep 1, 2025

3/4

Just the right dose of daffy...

Go to Full Review

David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

Jan 27, 2024

2.5/4

...a decent-enough comedy that generally feels like it should be much, much better.

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

Ron S

Feb 8, 2019

One of the best 1980's film's ever

Feb 1, 2019

The best movie ever made!

Draco S

Oct 20, 2018

one of my all time favorite movies

Jul 1, 2018

This HAS to be a joke review. This movie is literally the WORST movie ever made. A group of us watched it, hoping SOMETHING interesting would happen, and it sort of just ended. DO NOT be deceived by this 100% rating!!!!! WORST MOVIE EVER!!!!

See more

Abraham S

Mar 16, 2018

One of my favorite films

Finn P

Jan 30, 2018

A perfect movie in every way. My favorite line: Whose baby?

Read all reviews

Bill Forsyth

Director

Burt Lancaster

Happer

Peter Riegert

Mac

Denis Lawson

Urquhart

Fulton Mackay

Ben

Norman Chancer

Moritz

To Have and Have Not

97%

90%

To Have and Have Not

Watchlist

TRAILER

for To Have and Have Not

The Last Waltz

98%

94%

The Last Waltz

Watchlist

Rio Bravo

95%

91%

Rio Bravo

Watchlist

What's Up, Doc?

88%

88%

What's Up, Doc?

Watchlist

A Matter of Life and Death

97%

93%

A Matter of Life and Death

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

Kevin Murphy’s Five Favorite Films

Cameron Crowe’s Five Favorite Films

View more photos

Synopsis

Up-and-coming Houston oil executive Mac MacIntyre gets more than he bargained for when a seemingly simple business trip to Scotland changes his outlook on life. Sent by his colorful boss to the small village of Ferness, Mac is looking to quickly buy out the townspeople, so his company can build a new refinery. But after a taste of country life Mac begins to question whether he is on the right side of this transaction.

Director: Bill Forsyth
Producer: David Puttnam
Screenwriter: Bill Forsyth
Distributor: Warner Bros.
Production Co: Enigma Films
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 17, 1983, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2009
Runtime: 1h 50m
Sound Mix: Mono
Aspect Ratio: 35mm

Join The Newsletter

Join The Newsletter

Cookie Settings