The Hill (1965)

Director: Sidney Lumet
Starring: Sean Connery, Harry Andrews, Ian Bannen

Synopsis:
A disgraced sergeant major and four other convicts become the victims of cruel guards at a military prison in North Africa.

Impressions:
Basic was close enough to prison for my taste. I don't want to think much about what military prison would be like, but this film gives you a look. At the height of his popularity as James Bond, Sean Connery was branching out to avoid being typecast and this was one such film. He has all the toughness and resolve you'd expect of a seasoned soldier and I particularly liked the dynamic of Roberts and Sergeant Major Wilson (played strongly by Harry Andrews). The batch of prisoners are a varied lot, which creates some good dynamics in the group. I particularly liked Ossie Davis as King and Jack Watson as McGrath. The character dynamics really make the film and while it can feel rather oppressive at time (appropriate enough, given the setting), I strongly recommend it.

Rating:
Watch It