Just a few short moments ago, my life was changed. There is something to be said of plays brought to the silver screen because when they are done well they bring an aura and energy that regular films just don't have. Lumet was someone who understood this, and it is very clear how he cherishes the energy of the stage. Not only does Lumet transfer this energy to the silver screen, but he does it without losing any of it. The two mediums of film and theater are very different in that one is quite literally alive and has actions that are never repeated the exact same way twice while the other medium perhaps has the comfort of monotony and repetitious energy. Take a moment to consider this.
Sidney Lumet's "The Hill" is absolutely riveting and I'm finding it very hard to type. Quite honestly, I am still shaking from the stunning and sheer horrifying matter that I have just laid eyes upon. "The Hill" is a gritty war/prison film that'll have you invested in no time. Some scenes will have you frustrated, others will have your heart pumping. You will feel trapped like the characters. Heck! Take it from Connery who says "Even the screws are doing time."
Sidney Lumet has created one of the greatest climactic sequences between the morality of man and the amazing struggle for one's freedom against all odds. Harry Andrews and Ian Hendry are the epitome of terrifying brutality while Ian Bannen is fantastic as the sympathetic other. It is a shame as to why this film is not better known because it really should be. "The Hill" deserved and still deserves so much more recognition.
Mr. Lumet, who many filmgoers never seem to talk about beyond his 4-5 "classics and seem to always have under the shadow of Scorsese, has given the world another masterpiece. "The Hill," without a doubt, belongs in the category of 'best films ever made' along with his most well known classic, "12 Angry Men." Everything down to the acting and intense claustrophobia of the setting, makes this an unforgettable experience.
EDIT: Just watched it again...
Holy moly. The entire ensemble deserves a standing ovation. I am still dumbfounded as to why this diamond of diamonds was never recognized by the awards. But who needs the awards? This film is a masterpiece. Hands down.
Sidney Lumet's "The Hill" is absolutely riveting and I'm finding it very hard to type. Quite honestly, I am still shaking from the stunning and sheer horrifying matter that I have just laid eyes upon. "The Hill" is a gritty war/prison film that'll have you invested in no time. Some scenes will have you frustrated, others will have your heart pumping. You will feel trapped like the characters. Heck! Take it from Connery who says "Even the screws are doing time."
Sidney Lumet has created one of the greatest climactic sequences between the morality of man and the amazing struggle for one's freedom against all odds. Harry Andrews and Ian Hendry are the epitome of terrifying brutality while Ian Bannen is fantastic as the sympathetic other. It is a shame as to why this film is not better known because it really should be. "The Hill" deserved and still deserves so much more recognition.
Mr. Lumet, who many filmgoers never seem to talk about beyond his 4-5 "classics and seem to always have under the shadow of Scorsese, has given the world another masterpiece. "The Hill," without a doubt, belongs in the category of 'best films ever made' along with his most well known classic, "12 Angry Men." Everything down to the acting and intense claustrophobia of the setting, makes this an unforgettable experience.
EDIT: Just watched it again...
Holy moly. The entire ensemble deserves a standing ovation. I am still dumbfounded as to why this diamond of diamonds was never recognized by the awards. But who needs the awards? This film is a masterpiece. Hands down.