Ein Mann wie Taffin

Oddly enough then I had actually never seen or heard of this 1988 action thriller titled "Taffin" from director Francis Megahy before now late in 2022 as I happened to stumble upon it by random chance. Of course I opted to watch the movie, since I hadn't already seen it and also because it starred Pierce Brosnan.

Writer David Ambrose actually put together a wholesome and entertaining storyline for this movie. It was a plot and script that quickly takes a hold of the audience and takes them on a well-written and entertaining ride. And despite of it being from 1988, it is a storyline that very much holds up today and proves every bit as relevant now as it did back then.

Now, the movie is starring Pierce Brosnan, and he definitely was nicely cast for the role as Taffin. And he was joined on the screen by the likes of Alison Doody and Ray McAnally.

I found "Taffin" to be a rather enjoyable movie from start to end, and it is definitely a movie that is well-worth watching. If you, just like me, haven't already seen this movie and get the chance to do so, you should.

My rating of "Taffin" lands on a six out of ten stars.

Had seen this circulating on Netflix for a while, was only persuaded to watch it when I realised Alison Doody from The Last Crusade was in it. Even though she's old enough to be my mum she did look good back in the day!

Pierce Brosan stars in the titular role as a tough-as-nails Irish debt- collector. He's a fairly realistic depiction of the 'local tough guy' who sure as hell knows how to get the job done. He gets in a little over his head with some thugs but is able to use his brains as well as his brawn to overcome the odds.

Performances are good and well acted, Brosan and Doody especially. Although some of the accents are a little hit and miss. Even though those two are both Irish they don't actually sound it at times, whereas other times they do. Although maybe that's just me...

"Mark Taffin" (Pierce Brosnan) is a debt collector living and making his trade in a small town in Ireland. On one specific occasion he is called upon to collect a debt from one of the pubs and while in the process of collecting becomes acquainted with a beautiful woman working behind the bar named "Charlotte" (Alison Doody). Along with his brother, "Mo Taffin" (Patrick Bergen) and his good friend "Ed" (Gerard McSorley) she soon becomes a trusted and valued member of his inner circle. This becomes increasingly important when Mark is coerced into taking on a greedy corporation and some corrupt politicians who will stop at nothing to accomplish their goal of building a chemical plant in the town. Now rather than reveal any more of this movie and risk spoiling it for those who haven't seen it I will just say that this film turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Admittedly, it had some scenes which could have used some improvement here and there but overall, it wasn't too bad. I especially liked the film location and having an attractive actress like the aforementioned Alison Doody certainly didn't hurt in any way. That being said, I rate this film as slightly above average.

"Taffin" is a movie that I missed until now. I enjoyed it even though it is clearly an average film, just a step above a 'B' movie. But I thought it was much better than say "The Boondock Saints" which I really disliked. "Taffin" is what I thought "B. Saints" would or could be. "Taffin" is basically like a Western but set in 1988 Ireland, and I do like a good Western with a good lead which Brosnan is; I like most all his performances. And Alison Doody is a nice addition to the cast as well. While the plot, action, and characters could have been fleshed out and developed a bit more, and the ending was abrupt, it was still an enjoyable film which I will hopefully watch again someday. Also, the Irish setting was nice to see for a change of pace. So, this little known film was probably influential, inspiring later films such as: "Payback", "Boondock Saints", "Fire Down Below", and "On Deadly Ground". 6/10.

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.