A “forgotten” war film starring Sean Connery is hailed by fans as an “absolute masterpiece”. The Hill (1965) depicts life inside a fictional British military prison in North Africa towards the end of World War 2.
The prisoners, including Connery as Trooper Joe Roberts, are tormented by sadistic Staff Sergeant Williams (played Ian Hendry) and made to climb up a mound over and over again. Connery made the film at the height of his fame as James Bond. It features an array of other stars of the day, including Harry Andrews, Ian Bannen, Ossie Davis, Alfred Lynch, Roy Kinnear and Michael Redgrave.
The film was directed by Sidney Lumet known for films like 12 Angry Men, Network, and Dog Day Afternoon. It was based on a screenplay by Ray Rigby, a TV writer who had spent time in a British military prison during the war.
The YouTube channel Golden Age Classics, which celebrates stand out movies and hidden gems, included the drama in video about the “15 Forgotten War Films That Veterans Say Got It Right”.
The channel said the movie, which “stripped away every trace” of glamour in its depiction of the military, was divisive due to its unflinching tale of “cruelty, within your own ranks” but praised by soldiers.
“The film faded from theatres, too bleak for mainstream audiences, but later resurfaced as a masterpiece of psychological warfare.”
Fans have taken to IMDb to shower the Lumet classic with praise. One viewer gave it a 10/10, calling it undoubtedly “the greatest prison movie of all time”.
“This is an absolute masterpiece from start to finish,” they added. “I have seen this movie countless times and will continue to see it countless times in the future.
“If you haven’t seen the movie then what are you waiting for. I don’t give long winded reviews or sit there writing out the whole story, just watch it.”
Another said there are “some outstanding performances in this tale of a sociopathic army prison guard and the brutality he enacts on a group on newly arrived detainees in the North African desert at the close of the Second World War”.
“It’s a convincing story too, brilliantly conceived and directed.”
A third called it a “tour de force” and “surprising film”. “I remember watching ‘The Hill’ for the first time 20+ years ago on late night TV, I couldn’t understand why it hadn’t been shown on ‘primetime’,” they wrote.
“It contains some of the best acting I’ve ever seen. Connery, Bannen & Andrews are just stunning & 100% believeable in their respective roles. It was the first film I’d seen Connery in, in which I’d realised that he could really act.
“I can understand that the storyline maybe a little obtuse, but as a character study I’ve seen few films to surpasse it.”
The film is a gritty portrayal of prison camp life, confronting pychological distress, violence, and racism, so viewer discretion is advised.
The Hill is available to rent or buy on YouTube and Apple TV.