Michael Peyser on THE HILL

Michael Peyser is a little cooler than we are to Sidney Lumet's ultra-cinematic adaptation of Ray Rigby's adaptation of his play set in a brutal British military prison in the Libyan desert. Sean Connery was thrilled to land this serious role after feeling marginalized by his identification with James Bond. He's terrific in this, as is the entire distinguished cast. Lumet's 1995 career memoir/handbook Making Movies is one of the best resources for would-be directors.

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[theNWOBHMJUNKIE]

"sort of holds up"??? This is one of the best movies ever made.

[jackgrattan]

"It sort of holds up." Mike, I'll take this over ANY James Bond movie, any day of the week. And as mentioned above, Sidney Lumet's MAKING MOVIES is both one of the most concise AND entertaining books I have ever read on the art and craft of movie making.

[tmrezzek]

Jesus God, this guy (Michael Peyser--who??) missed the boat by a mile. His facts are off--Connery made more Bond movies after this--and it's not some vague 'theme' film; the conflict between class and race is brutally shown. And, yeah, the characters go up and down a hill a lot; writer Ray Rigby actually did time in a WW II prison camp that DID have a similar hill for prisoners, so it's not some far-fetched symbolism. The whole film is terrific--Sidney Lumet does what he did in 'Twelve Angry Men' and 'Fail-Safe' and really screws down the tension as the film progresses.

[overopensights]

Having been a soldier of the 'fifties' The' Hill' is the nearest thing to a reenactment of that time in my life that I have ever seen. Strangely I kind of miss it!

[leanatale]

I absolutely love this movie. The acting is absolutely brilliant!

[alanpassat]

It's not strange or existential if you are English and have served in the British Army. It was also a strong statement against the bigotry that existed the UK towards people of colour and gays. It's an old film and racism in the UK is something best kept to yourself these days as it's seen as a sign of ignorance and stupidity. Plus it's illegal and youll be arrested.

[kamuelalee]

No, no, no, this movie was more about having to deal with a group of soldiers stuck in a miliary prison and fighting authority in that prison. The Hill was part of it but it wasn't ALL about the Hill.

[timdrhookmccracken]

This is a terrible, unsightful and dull review to a fantastic movie

[ricardocantoral]

Wow, the take on this film is HORRIFIC. I seriously wonder if this dude watched this movie. This is best film Sidney Lumet ever directed and for it to get this sort of treatment is infuriating. Jesus H. Christ. This film isn't a mystery, it's pretty clear cut and angry commentary about how a great power is built on the backs of the oppressed and how you basically have to be a zombie in order to be a patriot. The Hill itself was merely used as an instrument of torment, that's it.

[jackthegamer]

How many mistakes can you possibly make in 4 mins.

[motelghost]

Only eight dislikes (one of them from me). It should be 8 million for a review this terrible.

[jacobisrael]

THE HILL IF YOU BEEN IN THE ARM FORCES YOU WILL UNDERSTAND IT,

[motelghost]

"sort of holds up". Is this guy for real? The Hill is a bloody masterpiece of cinema.
Stick to watching Marvel movies, matey. More your level.

[MWarne]

Worst review ever. This guys knows nothing about this film