The Hill (1965)

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.

While "The Hill" is not among Sean Connery's most famous films, it certainly is among his best. However, it's a film that requires patience, as it starts off very slowly and builds to a very strong finale. Director Sidney Lumet did a great job with this picture.The film is set in a British prison camp in North Africa. However, it's NOT for Axis soldiers but for Brits...soldiers who have been convicted of various infractions such as theft, insubordination or, as in the case of Sgt. Major Roberts (Connery), striking his superior officer. The film is called 'The Hill' because a major part of the punishment consists of having the prisoners march up and down a sand hill with packs.In this prison is a new corrections officer, Williams (Ian Hendry). Williams is a sadist and treats the prisoners far worse than others and eventually his mistreatment results in the death of one of his charges. However, his superior, Sgt. Major Wilson (Harry Andrews) will do nothing about this, as his overriding concern is that if one of his men is charged with a crime, it will reflect badly on him. So repeatedly, Wilson looks the other way. The only people that might stand up to this appear too weak to act...though by the end of the film everything's come to a head.It's not at all surprising that Sidney Lumet also directed "12 Angry Men" as many of the same themes run through this film. And, the tension builds much like this great film and culminates with a tense and rousing finale. This really is a fine film and like "12 Angry Men" has a heck of a lot to say about human nature and authority...as well as those brave enough to stand up for what is right.By the way, if you are a super politically correct person, don't watch the film. Racist language is used....and I think this makes the film stronger--especially in how they deal with this racism.

One of the best movies ever made. Compelling story of inmates in a army prison during World War 2. New arrivals have to deal with the heat, a rigid regime and a new Staff guard eager to make a name for himself. A masterclass in character driven drama that makes all action driven, over the top, stunt laden, explosion filled, car-chasing, fight filled flicks pale into insignificance. Sean Connery's best with Ian Bannen, Harry Andrews, Ian Hendry et al all on top notch form. Special mention to Ossie Davis with a sparkling performance. Some people may be put off by the Britishness of it all, but the conflict and the tension is multi-lingual in its hostility of human discord.

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.