The Big Man

US: Crossing the Line (UK)

Palace/Miramax/BSB/British Screen. Director David Leland; Producer Stephen Wooley; Screenplay Don MacPherson; Camera Ian Wilson; Editor George Akers; Music Ennio Morricone; Art Director Caroline Amies

Liam Neeson
Joanne Whalley-Kilmer
Ian Bannen
Billy Connolly
Maurice Roeves
Hugh Grant

Though unquestionably well-intentioned and determined not to pull any punches, The Big Man [from the book by William McIlvanney] has a depressing theme and ultra-violent conclusion.

The early scenes, set in a depressed Scottish village where an abandoned coal mine and mass unemployment reflect the aftermath of Britain's crippling miners' strike, look promising. Liam Neeson comes on strong as the unemployed Danny, who was imprisoned during the strike for hitting a policeman and now has a middle-class wife (Joanne Whalley-Kilmer) and two bright children to support.

His best friend, Frankie (an engaging 'straight' turn from Scottish comedian Billy Connolly), acts as a runner for Mason (Ian Bannen), a corrupt businessman who needs Danny to fight for him. Motives for the fight, a bare-knuckle affair with no rules, are obscure.

The fight, when it comes, is one of the most grueling ever caught on film. Top marks go to the makeup team, which provided the battered and bloodied faces for the actors.

(Color) Available on VHS, DVD. Extract of a review from 1990. Running time: 115 MIN.

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