Taffin (1988)

I love this movie so much

This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.

I enjoyed watching this film and would recommend other to give it a try , (as I am) but this movie, although enjoyable to watch due to the better than average acting fails to add anything new to its storyline that is all too familiar to these types of movies.

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

It's been 20 years since I first saw TAFFIN. I re-watched it recently and enjoyed it tremendously. The film features a solid story which revolves around an important social theme. Typically British and I guess that's what makes the it interesting even today - a good balance between the action and the story. Of course aesthetically it's very much a retro piece. There's no fast editing, sudden close-ups and CGI and that's why it has so much charm. It allows you to concentrate on the story and the characters. TAFFIN was one of Brosnan's first leading roles in a feature film. He's got a good presence and fares well along the late great Ray McAnally. Contrary to the literary source, Brosnan's Taffin is a bit of a Byronesque character but it only serves the story. The cast also features Alison Doody in her first substantial role. She is well cast as an obvious love interest for Taffin but also a strong woman who in the end turns out his only ally. A perfect film for a lazy Sunday afternoon. Preferrably for Pierce Brosnan fans but also if you're interested in stories set in Ireland.

I really liked this film. It's basicaly the idea of transporting a fifties B-western into 80s Ireland and from my poinbt of view it works fine. Imagine the storyline of a Budd Butticher b-western: hero of shady provenance, yet an interesting character, ruthless but good at heart takes on gang who terrorises small town. Don't expect twisted story lines here, it's straight forward. The story is well told, the characters are all quite interesting and it's really well executed particularly when the townsfolk suddenly decide they've had enough of Taffin. It's also well made in terms of character development; Taffin is a slacker and finally has to find his own way. And of course there is the lovely Alison Doodey.

You have seen it before in The Specialist or in films like On Deadly Ground or The Fire Below. Tough guy goes against the evil corporate empire that is out for profit and the people be damned.Of course, Steven Seagal or Sly Stallone may be quicker to jump into it that was Pierce Brosnan. He was battling his own personal demons, and just wanted to live a quiet life in the village of his birth; well, as quiet a life that can be lived by a bill collector. You know, make a little money, drink a little whiskey, and once in a while a pretty girl comes along like Alison Doody (Dr. Elsa Schneider in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade).But, this is Pierce Brosnan and he is infinitely more watchable that the others.

If you are a fan of Pierce Brosnan, you'll love this film. If you are not a fan, it's still worth the rental. You can actually say it is one of those movies that is so bad that it is good. Brosnan plays a kick ass and take names debt collector who gets involved in fighting a crooked chemical plant that the residents of an Irish neighborhood oppose. Granted, the acting is sub-par, but it is very entertaining. In fact, a friend and I made a drinking game out of the flick! Whenever someone in the film says "Taffin", you take a drink. The best line is the one mentioned as my summary. Also look for a cameo by the late, great Dermot Morgan (BBC's Father Ted) as stand-up comedian Mickey Guest.