User reviews

Buster has been knocked by critics over the years for being too sympathetic to the real life criminals it portrays, for the love story between Buster Edwards & June and for treating a serious crime as a caper full of cheeky cockneys, chirpy Phil Collin's songs and a comedic light touch afforded by director David Green. This is a shame because as British gangster films go this is very entertaining and well acted with Collins surprisingly engaging in the lead opposite the ever reliable Julie Waters, and with a fine ensemble cast of Larry Lamb, Anthony Quayle, Ralph Brown, Martin Jarvis, Christopher Ellison and Sheila Hancock.

With the Government at the time reeling from the Profumo scandal in the 1960's the Great Train Robbery couldn't have come at a worse time, causing the general public to get on the side of the train robbers who were seen as working class heroes. This is what David Green set out to show with his film by making the characters and situation appealing and getting the audience on their side. If it was a fictional crime caper like The Italian Job that wouldn't be an issue but as this is based on real life events and a victim got killed during the robbery the filmmakers are on shaky ground resulting in this artistic decision backfiring and being lambasted by critics for it. The showing of the film at a Royal Premiere in 1988 was also cancelled due to accusations of it glorifying crime.

While the critics may have had a point I usually put that to one side and enjoy it for what it is, whether it is factually accurate or not, it's still one of my favourite British movies made in the 1980's. Sadly the original negative has been lost so what we are left with is a low grade copy that has since been colour graded several shades of green throughout for reasons only known to the colourist.

Phil Collins well received pop songs especially written for the soundtrack helped the film's general appeal but it is Anne Dudley's score that really drives the film along, especially during the robbery scene. While Phil is no Bob Hoskins, David Green's original choice for Buster, he more than holds his own and I find it surprising he didn't go on to do more high profile acting roles after this one.

I remember watching Buster one afternoon at High School during the fag end of term time before summer holidays. The opening scene with the dust bin going through the window raise quite a cheer!

Buster is a typical sort of British crime film that is not actually as bad as its detractors will insist, but neither as good as its champions try and tell you. It supposedly recounts the infamous Great Train Robbery of 1963 from the perspective of Ronald 'Buster' Edwards - probably the most well known participants, although not the most important. Just a pity then the planning and execution of 'the job' only takes up about twenty minutes.

The remaining running time, before and after the Robbery, including a fairly lackadaisical police pursuit, and the extended holiday in Mexico, is a dull kitchen sink drama between Phil Collins and his beloved Julie Walters; she's the long suffering wife; he's the lovelable rogue, heart of gold, good family man, lives by 'respect', etc.

In other words, Buster sets the template for any or all of the cheeky chappy Mockney geezers in the endless cycle of runabouts and capers we would see a decade later.

Given the level of talent involved the acting is generally quite good - but it could have been better; Walters's incessant whinging soon grates; Collins isn't bad in the lead role, but he doesn't make much of an impact either. The soundtrack is OK, but overall I'd say Buster was a bit of a chore to sit through.

That the film downplays the violence of the robbery, the critical injuries sustained by train driver Jack Mills, the threats to Post Office staff, and the unsavoury background of the principals - most were professional criminals who did not baulk at using force, and were who were aware of the risks of who they were ripping off - caused great contraversy at the time. Sure, one or two minor members may have been unjustly sentenced, but I'd question how much public sympathy there was for these 'Robin Hoods' when the extent of Mr Mills's ordeal became known.

Try Bank Heist, Thief, The League of Gentlemen or The First Great Train Robbery if you want to see a decent heist movie with a lot more tension and comedy. Compared to these gems, Buster is a bit of a letdown.

Buster (Phil Collins) is a petty thief with some skill. If he wants a new suit, he just breaks a store window and makes off with a mannequin. If the baby needs supplies, Buster sneaks into the chemist's at night and picks out what is needed. His wife June is getting a bit tired of this and would love to have a place of their own, not a rental. Therefore, Buster arranges a major train robbery (THE Great Train Robbery in the early sixties). The plot is almost successful but Buster does not remain anonymous and is a hunted man, post robbery. Will he ever see his family again? This is a very likable movie about an unlikely charmer. Buster does not want an honest job to support his family but one just can not help liking the guy. Collins is quite good as this amusing thief. Julie Walters, as his wife, is also sweet and attractive. The plot is amazing when one realizes these events actually took place. Part love story, part cat and mouse game, this film is a fun view. Anyone who sits down to Buster will be laughing in short order, leaving the sometimes somber world behind.

Played light but there's genuine feeling. Strong cast, Phil Collins works well in this role, as does he and Julie Walters as the hub of the movie: honest with the right touch of romance. She is great in this, as she usually is. There's naturalistic period detail: ketchup, grubby kitchens etc. First half is well-paced with real tension to the train robbery, much like a western but with just the right touch of London humour. Second half lags a little with some silly moments (drunken antics) but it's all the so-called dream heading for the inevitable reality check. Surprised it took this long for me to see it but being 13 when it came out it wasn't cool back then especially with it's music being so overplayed. Seeing it now in 2023 it feels familiar yet innocent and stronger as a UK crime movie than I'd expected. Even the music has become pleasing in a nostalgic way, 'Two Hearts' gave me goosebumps (that key change!).

This movie was a big hit at the cinema when it was first released and then again as a video rental....Those were the days! The soundtrack was also a big hit and most of the songs were chart hits on the back of the movie, and not just the Phil Collins songs who was at the height of his popularity as a solo artist at the time. The story and movie itself is far from being as bad as some of the reviews here make out, its an upbeat movie for the most part and still watchable. Phil Colins can act, although he hasn't really had the chance to show that in very many roles since. The fact that you could pick this movie up free on DVD recently with a newspaper and if you missed that offer can pop into any Poundland in the UK and pick it up for a pound (on a double bill with Diamond of Jeru) I'd recommend you looking it up...even only if its to hear that great soundtrack again..5/10

With the title "Buster" given to this film starring Phil Collins in the title role, this movie directed by David Green is all about the 1963 Great Train Robbery when a gang of robbers carried out the biggest robbery in criminal history for £2.5 million was big money for 1963 prices. Worst, the train driver Jack Mills sustained head injuries during the attack and later died from leukaemia. For a reason why Phil Collins made this film was that he maintained close contact with one of the robbers Ronald "Buster" Edwards. The 1960s scenes are well put together on film here but it's very underrated. Larry Lamb looks almost strikingly like one of the gang leaders Bruce Reynolds. Well, the film has been criticised for glorifying the robbery. There is nothing glamorous about the robbery as it was a vicious crime. Phil Collins might steal your heart but not on this film while some of the robbers have returned to their criminal haunts and it now seems to be that many years after the robbery, most of the gang members have long since disappeared just like most of the money and in 1994, Buster Edwards struck down by depression,hanged himself in a disused garage near London's Waterloo Station where he traded as a flower seller.

This movie is simply beautiful. The performance by Phil Collins, the music - everything here is excellent. The end is unbelievable (it's a true story) - only a man with a very big heart could do that (if you want to know what, go and rent a movie - you will not regret it). I highly recommend it 10/10.

P.S.: I can't believe that only less than 300 people voted for this movie (did noone see it?)

This is one good movie! This is a good movie for Phil Collins fans such as myself. Phil Collins is not only a great singer and drummer, hes also a great actor. This is a good movie to watch on a Friday night if you don't have anything else to do. You won't be sorry.

I "boycotted" this film for a long time for two main reasons. Firstly i hate Phil Collins brand of smarmy music, and secondly ,glamourising a nasty crime by paying to see it was morally not something i was prepared to do.

Although i stand by my original two points i have to confess that i got it wrong about the film.It is an affectionate retrospective view of Sixties England and has a touch of the "Ealing Studios" about it. The "mechanics" of the robbery are glossed over, and Phil Collins does a pretty competent job " carrying" the film, ably supported by the versatile Julie Walters as his long suffering wife.

Crime doesn't pay, the main players get picked up pretty quickly, and those that don't are either getting ripped off themselves or are looking over their shoulder all the time, or both. The period touches are largely sharply observed, the contemporary soundtrack faithful and enjoyable, Collins "Two hearts" and the Four Tops "Acupolco" totally dis-resonant from proceedings.

Viewed as a piece of period fiction it is entertaining, pacey, light and humorous.As an insight into the Robbery, Edwards or the gang it is laughable.

I know it's loosely based on the life of a criminal but the wife was a moany ol' cow, wasn't she? Julie Walters is obviously excellent in the role given the material and the character she had to work with and Phil Collins is brilliant too.

Surprisingly dull movie about 'Buster' (played by Collins), one of the great train robbers of 1963. All together they robbed about 2.6 million pounds, of which Buster gets 150,000. Considering the rent of their house is 3 pounds a week... that's a lot of money. But the movie doesn't focus on the robbery itself, but the life after it, with Buster on the run, fleeing to Acapulco (that's Mexico, Buster!). Sounds interesting so far? Well, it ain't! 90% of the movie contains of Buster's wife nagging how she doesn't want to move, how Mexico sucks and that England's great, how they don't speak English here, nagnag whinewhine. When served Chili Con Carne (spicy!) she screams: I want steak and chips! Man, I hated her for that... The movie doesn't have a lot going for it. It's dull, even irritatingly so and is focused on all the wrong things. Collins does what he can and delivers an OK performance (and sings a couple of good songs), but man did he choose the wrong movie to try it on the big screen... 2/10.

'Buster (1988)' is mainly notable for starring Phil Colins and being the reason he created some of his most famous songs (such as 'Two Hearts', which plays over the credits). Inspired by the true story of "The Great Train Robbery" of 1963, in which a group of criminals robbed a Royal Mail train and made off with £1,000,000, this sort of romantic comedy spends most its time focusing on the aftermath of its infamous inciting incident. It follows Ronald Christopher "Buster" Edwards as he goes on the lamb and hides from the law, eventually finding a way to smuggle himself and his family out of the country. It's pretty much a family drama, more concerned with the dynamic between its protagonist and his wife than it is with the mechanics or ethics of his actions. Apparently, the feature was subject to controversy at the time of its release, with its most vocal critics claiming it glamourised - or, at least, downplayed - the supposedly vicious crime on which it is based (I say "supposedly" because it seems quite gentle as depicted here, although I'm sure some liberties were taken with it). I don't think such a response is particularly warranted, especially given the eventual outcome of the characters' actions; it's a typical case of conservative exaggeration in the hopes of cinematic censorship. However, the flick does depict its central character as a lovable rogue just doing what he can to get by. Although he isn't exactly the best husband, with behavioral tendencies that aren't just necessitated by current circumstance like he insists they are, he's ultimately portrayed as a harmless and big-hearted romantic with unrelenting love for those close to him. It's not so much a problematic interpretation as it is a surprising one, as the material doesn't exactly cry out for the light-hearted, almost rom-com treatment it receives. This is a sappy, sentimental affair with a beating heart and a romantic outlook, the opposite of the gritty gangster drama it so easily could have been. It's all just rather mild and, in many ways, it doesn't feel like it makes good use of the true story on which it's based. When it reaches its midpoint, it starts to stagnate after a change of scenery basically necessitates a change in pace. It basically spins its wheels while also feeling sort of xenophobic in some ways, even if being homesick isn't inherently the same as feeling superior to your current surroundings, and it loses what steam it initially had. It isn't bad, but its melodrama never quite connects as much as it should and it also isn't particularly funny. Still, it's consistently watchable and is relatively well-made. Collins is likeable enough as the leading man, and Julie Walters gives a good performance while somehow feeling vaguely overqualified for her role. The 60s period setting is believably recreated, with the grime of London's streets being enhanced by the damage to the film stock itself. It's basically a well-produced TV movie in style and tone, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. It's quaint, almost a relic of a lost era. It isn't great, nor even all that interesting, but it's enjoyable enough for what it is.

It's 1963 London. Petty criminal Ronald Christopher "Buster" Edwards (Phil Collins) and his wife June (Julie Walters) have a young daughter. He gets involved in the Great Train Robbery with ringleader Bruce Reynolds (Larry Lamb).

Phil Collins shows that he's fine as an actor in his theatrical lead debut. He also delivers a couple of hit songs. Ultimately, this movie doesn't have the needed edge to be great. Phil may be fine, but he's not one of the greats in acting. He doesn't project the danger or depth. At the end of the day, he is one of the greats of music, but it's asking too much for him to be the same in acting.

Buster is based on the life of Buster Edwards. One of the great train robbers who stole about £2 and half million pounds in used banknotes in 1963.

Given that the gang were opportunistic petty criminals. One of the train guards was badly injured.

The movie starring Phil Collins was billed as a romantic comedy to skirt over any ethical issues.

While the other gang members were caught and received stiff prison sentences. Buster went into hiding in Acapulco with his family.

However his wife became homesick and they run out of cash.

The interesting part of the movie was the train robbery. That was done and dusted very quickly.

The rest of the movie was Buster and his family hiding out in England and later fleeing to Mexico.

By the time it ends in Mexico the movie falls back on racist tropes and xenophobia. It's a case of they all speak Spanish here, you cannot get English apples and there is no steak and chips on the menu.

The movie has no creativity whatsoever and it is left to Collins to salvage the movie with the soundtrack.

I've watched it three times this week! I've always had a huge crush on Phil Collins and now I'm even more in love with him after seeing him act. The juxtaposition of scenery from the beginning of the film in dreary old London to the second half in gorgeous Acapulco really adds to the story. The love between him and the wife is palpable and believable and he's just so damn charming. Their hesitance/inability to adapt to the tropical climate/beach is hilarious but understandable. The soundtrack is great... I didn't know, but the Four Tops song "Loco in Acapulco" was actually written by Phil for this movie. A great watch and a new fave!

Well at least Phil Collins got a few hits from this, but otherwise it's a really lacklustre and meandering telling of a story that rocked Britain in 1963. He (the eponymous Edwards) and his pals come up with a dastardly scheme to stop Her Majesty's Royal Mail train just after a bank holiday and relieve it of some £2.5 millions in cash. He's not really a nasty man, just a petty larcenist who tries to support his collusive wife (Julie Walters) and his daughter. With another child on the way, though, he needs to up his game and so devises this plan which goes off remarkably smoothly. As ever with heist films though, it's never the robbery that causes the problems - it's the aftermath. That's where the wheels start to come off as the gang are slowly apprehended - all but "Buster" who has managed to stay one step ahead of his pursuers. How long can they stay living in the shadows for? He is coping well enough, but she clamours for an ordinary existence for her and her daughter and reconciling this with their likely future puts enormous strain on the marriage. Something will have to give! Perhaps had this been made in monochrome and used a better ensemble cast, it might have managed to capture more of the audaciousness of their crime. As it is, though, it combines a motley collection of B-list television actors and gives them some overly verbose dialogue to deliver as this starts off quite intriguingly but ends up soapy, stodgy and dull. Even the usually lively Walters can't really inject much into this plodding affair that's left all to often to Colins - and he's just not much good.

Singer Collins stars in this simple film about a thief who successfully pulls off the biggest train robbery in history, who then decides to start a new life in Acapulco with his wife June (Walters). Well matched stars in lovely paced yarn with Oscar nominated tunes from Collins ("Two Hearts").