Taffin - O Defensor Implacável

Just finished watching this film and I don't know why everyone seems to dislike it.

This movie came out in 1988, so give it a break. It doesn't advertise itself as a mind-blowing, avant-garde masterpiece. It's a simple action thriller set in Ireland and it certainly satisfies those credentials.

Aside from some typically 80's gratuitous sex/violence moments (of which I have seen far worse from the genre) the film flowed fairly well and kept me entertained throughout.

The characters were fairly believable if you have lived anywhere on the British Isles and the locations are well chosen.

If you want to watch a movie to just kick back and pass some time, then this one will do the trick.

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...

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.

"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.

I first saw this film in 1989 and I now have it on DVD. I know it can come across as a little silly, or low budget, but what the heck. To me its getting better with age. Also, living in Ireland, it looks like an audition for one of our top soaps. Many characters in this film now appear in Fair City, or at least have appeared in Fair City. Barry, the ex-principle in Fair City, has hair in this film. Also, Brosnan's clothes are cool here and could be easily worn in a movie made today and still be stylish!

Try to look out for the parts, where it seems Brosnan's voice has been dubbed by someone else...and just one scene of bad acting...'well maybe you should go then'.

If you get a chance, try to see it and don't take it too seriously...enjoy!