The Hill (1965)

As Good As It Gets

A Masterpiece!

The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.

This is a coming of age storyline that you've seen in one form or another for decades. It takes a truly unique voice to make yet another one worth watching.

My wife and I first saw "The Hill" some thirty years ago, and ever since then, when one of us barks, "STAFF !!!," the other barks, "SUH !!!" Believe me. If you see this movie once, it will change your life. The IMDB reviews are now upwards of 20 years old, and what was true then, is true now: The film is an absolute MASTERPIECE. I am a serious movie buff about serious movies, and I have been trying to think of a movie whose direction is the equal of Sidney Lumet's direction here. I can think of one: "All About Eve" (directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, 1950). But that is the only one I can think of. The dialogue is delivered at a rate not seen or heard since the "screwball" comedies of the 1930s. One of the things that makes Lumet's direction a standout is the fact that there may be a half-dozen actors in the scene, all of them talking at the speed of light. Recommendation: English subtitles! I haven't read much commentary on Harry Andrews' performance as the Sergeant Major. After much reflection over many years, I conclude that his performance is more subtle and nuanced than any other. He is not a sadist, for example, despite his ferocity. From the beginning, he is cautioning moderation ("six times up the hill, no more"), and he continues to do so throughout the movie. (Listen carefully.) And he returns the letters to Stephens. (You will miss it unless you are watching carefully.) He seems genuinely shocked that Staff Williams has maltreated one of the prisoners. In his final scene, he leaves the prisoners' cell muttering to himself, "In my 25 years I have never . . . ." This is the key teaching moment: The British Army will never be the same. And Staff Williams is unmasked as the coward he really is, a not uncommon trait among insecure men who suddenly have a little power over other men. Connery, of course, knows that his cellmates have gone too far, and he very effectively and powerfully expresses his frustration and despair. But, we know it's temporary.I recognized Staff Harris' voice. But, where had I seen and heard him? Then it came to me. He played the elder Robert the Bruce in "Braveheart," thirty years later. Knowing that now, I would not object to a director's cut, where the elder Bruce addresses his son as "Staff!" Nor would I object to the obvious response!. This is one of the best movies ever made.

Some movies do not require huge scenery, special effects and still among the best ones. It has something important to tell you in a way that you ask yourself "What would I do in this situation? Would I be brave enough to struggle?". In this case not only Sean Connery acting is prominent but all other actors had important roles and good acting. I'd not be surprised if this movie would be their best performance in their lives. The movie is intense. The viewer can easily place into that situation. Anyway, I like the prison and war stories which often raise the questions whether to choose the easier way (obey to guards despite their brutality or humiliation) or force for your truth. The movie is black and white but the characters are not. They are changing their behaviors and views under the circumstances. I strongly recommend.

First of all, this film simply isn't for everyone (my friend once told me that he felt claustrophobic watching it, and so turned it off). For me, however, it grabs me somewhere where most other films simply don't. It penetrates me deeper and draws me in further than most other films could ever dream of.Other reviewers have touched on the plot, which is quite subtle compared to many films really, but I think the genius of this film lies in the very-much 3D characters, the intensity of the camera work, the razor sharp dialogue (which is often cruel, hateful and witty), but perhaps most of all, the acting. There are essentially 8 main characters and every single one of them plays his part flawlessly. Anyone of the main characters' acting would be worthy of a lead role in almost any film I can think of.Even the peripheral characters give a 3D feeling to their performances (the camp commandant, the medical officer, for instance).To help understand how good the characters, the acting and the cameras work together, consider how many films you can think of which don't have a musical score but still generate an atmosphere which grips you - The Hill's 'musical score' is the background shouting from other prisoners in the prison camp as well as the sheer air of intensity throughout the entire film.Additonal hats of to Lumet for really allowing the British regional dialects free rein throughout the entire cast, although many viewers, including Brits, will have to pay close attention to what is being said, especially when military phrases, acronyms and slang are thrown in.Watch it, it's up there with the best of them!

This is one evergreen film. This depicts perfectly the quintessential characters which make up every British Army regiment, even today. This shows the injustices that the colonial forces enacted on the working class or so called less "educated" serving soldier, and the incompetence of "educated" officers leading men into and during wars. The characters are depicted perfectly, Monty Bartlett played by Roy Kinnear, is not a coward, but has an inherent fear of the authorities he knows has class can never beat. Barltett who should command nothing but apathy for being a petty thief still gains sympathy for his weak, obese figure. I could go on with each character. Watch the film it is one of the best I have seen depicting the British Army. I know I served over 22 years in the Forces.