The Big Man (Crossing the Line) (1990)

20% of critics liked it
(5 reviews)
40% of users liked it
(150 ratings)

Filmmaker David Leland handled the directing chores on this British drama that stars Liam Neeson as an unemployed Scotsman whose inability to find a job threatens his family's wellbeing. Against his better judgement, Neeson is coerced into a bare-knuckle boxing match. Crossing the Line's supporting… More Filmmaker David Leland handled the directing chores on this British drama that stars Liam Neeson as an unemployed Scotsman whose inability to find a job threatens his family's wellbeing. Against his better judgement, Neeson is coerced into a bare-knuckle boxing match. Crossing the Line's supporting cast includes Hugh Grant, Joanne Whaley-Kilmer, Cameron Mitchell, and Billy Connolly. Adapted from a novel by William McIvanney, the film has also been released under the title The Big Man. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 35 min.
Directed By: David Leland
Genres: Mystery & Suspense, Drama

In Theaters: Aug 31, 1990 Wide
On DVD: Mar 18, 2003

Critic Reviews

Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
In its present form, it comes across as a rather unpleasant and only fitfully absorbing film of social protest.
Vincent Canby, New York Times
Beginning with Mr. Neeson, every member of the cast is as good as the circumstances allow.
Marjorie Baumgarten, Austin Chronicle
It tells and tells its story but never delivers a punch that actually connects.
Geoff Andrew, Time Out
Leland and scriptwriter Don Macpherson have made one of Britain's finest existential thrillers in ages.
, Film4
Leland strains for a profundity and seriousness that won't quite be squeezed from the material.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

No Featured Audience Ratings Found…

Cast

            Liam Neeson as Danny Scoular

            Joanne Whalley as Beth Scoular

            Ian Bannen as Matt Mason

            Billy Connolly as Frankie

            Maurice Roëves as Cam Colvin

            Hugh Grant as Gordon

            Rab Affleck as Cutty Dawson

            Tom Watson as Tommy Brogan

            Julie Graham as Melanie

            Pat Roach as Billy

            John Beattie as Beth's Father

            Nadia Bilchick as Nurse

            Juliet Cadzow as Margaret Mason

            Carla Cann as Fiona Mason

            James Copeland as Sam

            Ivan Dean as Gang Member 2

            Macarena Domenguez as Woman at Pool

            Ken Drury as Stalker

            Anthony Fridjhon as Commentator

            Joseph Greig as Willie

            Rick Hearst as Rick Kagan

            Douglas Henshall as Davie Dawson

            Kenny Ireland as Tony

            Evan J. Klisser as Josh Kapinski

            Diki Lerner as Zing

            Michael Marra as Alex the Butcher

            Phil McCall as Sandy the Chemist

            Andrew Meaden as Wee Danny

            Cameron Mitchell as Sheriff Williams

            Colleen Morris as Megan

            Carol Ann Muir as Sandra

            Peter Mullan as Vince

            Ralph Riach as Laundry Manager

            George Rossi as Eddie

            Sean Scanlon as Alan

            Jack Shepherd as Referee

            Subash Singh Pal as Drinker

            Ashleigh Thomas as Young Kate

            Amanda Walker as Beth's Mother

            Vernon Wells as Steve Sinclair

            James Whyle as O'Rourke

            John Saxon as Jack Kagan

            Paul L. Smith as Joe Kapinski

            Simon Poland as Freddie

            Susie Figgis
            
            John Williams as Leroy

            John Stafford
            
            Jonathan Hackett as Roddy Stewart
See full cast

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