Taffin (1988) User Reviews

This film is great for a retro look at Ireland in the eighties

[JoshuaEight · 6/10 · 2 February 2005]

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!

Not Brosnan's Best, But Still Worth A Look

[bayardhiler · 7/10 · 7 September 2013]

When most people think of Pierce Brosnan, they most likely think of such signature roles like that of James Bond, the remake of the "Thomas Crown Affair", or "Remington Steele". But in 1988, between all of that, Pierce starred in a small, low budget film out of Ireland called "Taffin" and while nobody will hail it as Brosnan's finest hour, it is a curiously entertaining film (I've always wondered how Brosnan ended up in this one; after all he was ,by this time, fairly well known from "Steele". Perhaps he just needed something to do or needed the money but since there's not much info on this film, who knows?). In the story, Brosnan plays a rough and tough debt collector named Taffin in a small town where if you owe money, you'd better pay up! Our hero demonstrates this through some simple but well choreographed fight scenes, one involving four or fiver burly chefs in a restaurant. But Taffin is not your stereotypical tough guy; he reads literature and believes in the power of using your mind before your fists. Good thing too, because he's going to need it when some corrupt developers send their goons to town to keep folks from complaining about plans to destroy a favorite park. If I had to guess what makes the movie watchable, it would probably come down to Brosnan's cool under pressure performance which, more than anything, is the driving force of the film. It also helps that Alison Doody of "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" fame adds some fun-and eye candy-to the mix as the love interest. Don't get me wrong; the film has it issues, such as certain areas where the editing and story don't seem to flow quite right and parts that are supposed to be serious but you just can't help but laugh your ass off (see the part where Taffin screams "Then maybe you shouldn't be living heeeeeeeeeeeeere!". Never fails to bring a smile to my face). But all things considered, "Taffin" is not the worse movie ever made and if you happen to catch it with some drunk friends or on a rainy day, you probably won't regret it.

1988

[panthablack · 6/10 · 21 August 2010]

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.

A Movie Well Worth Missing

[michael-connelly3 · 1/10 · 18 May 2009]

I am, frankly, puzzled by this film. On paper, it must have sounded fine, but if there is anything good about the film, it ended on paper. Even with several well-seasoned actors, and a rather nice location, the film fails in every possible way. The acting is wooden, the interior sets look as though they were borrowed from high school plays, the dialogue is somewhere between inane and pathetic. The film has no flow, no tempo, and barely a narrative. It also has no humor, no horror, no excitement, no suspense. I hope that's not a spoiler... The motivation of the main characters seems flimsy, at best, and though a film, it seems very much as though it were a play, because of the modest number of people who actually do anything or have any lines to say. All of the "bad guys" speak as though they had studied every gangster B-film ever made. I can't imagine that *anyone* ever gave this film anything but the lowest possible score but some people must have liked it. Hard to imagine.

An Irish Seagal/Stallone

[lastliberal · 6/10 · 23 March 2008]

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.

Turned Out to be a Pleasant Surprise

[Uriah43 · 6/10 · 30 November 2015]

"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...

[thisisstepercival · 5/10 · 6 October 2022]

Tagging is one of those films that you sit down to watch with expectations that it will be way better than it actually turns out to be. It's got solid acting, along with a decent script but somehow those two things haven't quite transferred to the film. The first two acts are far too slow, although things do pick up in the last 15 minutes, this leads to the film being a little confusing - the bad guys aren't really bad, they are mildly annoying at best which compared to the final showdown makes staffing a very unbalanced film.

Is it worth watching? That depends. Remember when Brosnan had a small cameo as an IRA thug in The Long Good Friday? Well this is like they took that character and made a whole film about him - minus the terrorist connotations. Taffin isn't a particularly nice character he just happens to not be the bad guy on this side of the story.

I caught this on Prime so it was free and idled away half a rainy afternoon and nothing more. If you don't see it you won't miss anything.

Surprisingly Good!

[ashleybrownmedia · 7/10 · 4 August 2013]

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...

A Cheap B Looking Movie, Interesting Character Interactions but Poor Plot and Story Development

[whizzytheelephant · 3/10 · 31 January 2024]

Casting Pierce Brosnan as a tough guy always seemed odd when he always looked thin and lacked muscle. However he makes up for it here with a sense of real badassery conveyed through the use of his eyes.

Throughout the first few acts, there is an intrigue and believability, in addition to a real menace for the antagonists. This is successfully translated through a number of great scenes as new characters are introduced and dialogues are first exchanged.

However once the flames are set in motion, it is put out almost immediately. The second half is unwatchably boring and lacks any sense of fire or fury that the emotions demanded. This isn't helped by low grade TV like cinematography and boring compositions.

well made entertainment

[Thorsten-Krings · 8/10 · 7 May 2008]

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.

Unremarkable, but entertaining

[I_Ailurophile · 7/10 · 11 July 2021]

'Taffin' wastes no time. The film quickly kicks into gear introducing the roguish and playful title character as he busts heads and shows he's a very "off the books" type of debt collector. He just as quickly becomes involved with Charlotte, the film's compulsory love interest, and with the main plot.

The plot is a little conventional and predictable, as are its characters, and still at the core this is a fair bit of fun. At the same time, there are important, classic themes at hand about corruption, greed, corporate malfeasance, environmentalism - and how ordinary people can get involved to make a difference, in ways legal or otherwise.

Even as greater violence begins to erupt, the feature never becomes so self-indulgent as to lose its cheeky edge. Pithy, sometimes ham-handed one-liners and cartoonish, mostly delightful characters define the feature. The music of Hans Zimmer and Stanley Myers alternately plays with jaunty Irish chords and instrumentation, and more dramatic notes evoking conspiracy and mystery. The narrative is very direct and straightforward, giving the cast just enough room for some minor exploration of their characters.

That goes most of all for Pierce Brosnan as Mark Taffin, a portrayal echoing the experienced if amateurish wit of Brosnan as Remington Steele crossed with the forcefulness and charm of Brosnan's James Bond - though with all qualities considerably less refined. Alison Doody is unfortunately not given much to do as supporting character Charlotte, but it's still a joy to see her here, injecting more personality into Taffin's girlfriend than the writing allows her to explore.

There's really not much to be said, for better or for worse. The film is sufficiently well made to cover for the fact that the plot is thin and familiar, and it's entertaining if not particularly fulfilling. 'Taffin' is reasonably worthwhile, particularly recommended if you're looking for a feature that doesn't require active attention or consideration.

Better than your expecting

[Beachbum2018 · 6/10 · 21 December 2021]

Had never seen or heard of this movie before, but since it was PB decided to give it a go.

Got to say this was a lot better than I was expecting after how it started off.

A bit weak in places, but the plot was solid enough.

Felt like it was just going to fade away but the twist at the end was worth the wait.

Maybe there is some justice in this world after all!

Is that your motor? I thought so.

[jcf4terps · 10/10 · 31 December 2004]

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.

Alright movie

[ThomasColquith · 6/10 · 25 September 2021]

"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.

Brosnan's cool

[kvnogill · 7/10 · 18 July 2021]

A decent version of every old western movie where a lone gunslinger is reluctantly hired to fight the powers that be.

The difference is the Irish setting and the young absolutely cool Pierce Brosnan. His coolness and charm are in overdrive in this film. It's difficult to understand why he didn't have a career similar to Gerard Butler, the James Bond roll not withstanding.

If you like those old westerns and you like Pearce Brosnan. It's well worth a watch.

Quite enjoyable...

[paul_haakonsen · 6/10 · 23 October 2022]

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.

Vastly underrated

[andersonmackinnonstewart · 9/10 · 14 July 2019]

I first saw this film in the cinema in 1988 with my wife I had seen Brosnan in Remington Steel but she had never seen him before we wee both very much drawn to him as a leading man, the guy women fancy and guy men want to be, simultaneously agreeing what a great James Bond he would make we later found out that prior to Taffin he had been spoken to about playing Bond but had wanted to stick with Remington Steel his performance in Taffin clearly shows he was the perfect choice for Bond a suave handsome man who could woo the ladies and had the precise ingredients of brain and brawn to sort out the baddies. Although the locations are stunning they are not made as much of as they could, but the supporting cast with some exceptions are largely unknown, yet all give the film almost a documentary feel and very quickly get the sympathy of the audience rooting for the anti hero to sort out the bullies and gangsters who have taken over their village. Although not admitted by the producers writers or directors this film is almost entirely a remake of Pale Rider in the same way that Van Damme's Nowhere to Run is a lift from Shane. Subconsciously the love of the Clint Eastwood preacher's character in the widely viewed Pale Rider draws you immediately to Taffin's fomer priest turned enforcer and you root for him immediately to help the poor townsfolk. it's Yojimbo, Fistful of Dollars, Last Man Standing, Shane and Roadhouse all rolled into one with a guy in the lead role as good as Miffune, Eastwood, Willis, Ladd and Swayze in their greatest moments. So if you haven't seen this movie and like the forementioned films or even if it's just pierce Brosnan you like you will enjoy this movie sure it's low budget and similar to a TV movie it is great entertainment and a way to see the new James Bond play Bond a number of years before.

Low budget gem that will take you back to the 80s

[Ffolkes-3 · 10/10 · 17 August 2018]

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.