Local Hero

There is precious little I can say that will really capture the esteem in which I hold Local Hero. On paper, it simply looks like a sort of updated _Whisky Galore!_, a 'quirky' film about 'eccentric' Highlanders. At worst, it may even sound cloying and twee. The film itself is so different from how it sounds that it has to be experienced to be understood; I haven't seen anything else that manages to capture its sense of place, people and what I can only describe as magic. Everything about it comes together wonderfully and does exactly as much as it should. It is, to me, a perfect film.

What a strange movie. Typical screenwriting advice is that most every scene should be essential. This film begs to differ. In fact, I would wager to say that there's probably 20%+ of the film that could be cut without losing anything critical. Those scenes, and the movie as a whole, is character focused, almost to a fault. So many side plots and compelling threads, but the movie doesn't seem to place much weight on giving them all resolutions, and the resolutions we do get all feel quite reserved. If the movie has an arc, it's a very gentle one, and what little conflict we get is so subdued that it doesn't feel like much of a conflict at all. I found myself speculating about possible intrigue, drama, or twists, but ultimately none of it materialized. All of this said, the character work is strong and ultimately was enough to keep me watching. The main cast is refreshingly quirky, with unique interactions and relationships that result in some hilarious scenes (Mac's drunken proposition to Urquhart toward the end of the film was definitely a standout).