#469: FREARS, Stephen: The Hit (1984)

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FREARS, Stephen (United Kingdom)
The Hit [1984]
Spine #469
DVD


Terence Stamp is Willie, a gangster's henchman turned "supergrass" (informer) trying to live in peaceful hiding in a remote Spanish village. Sun-dappled bliss turns to nerve-racking suspense, however, when two hit men — played by a soulless John Hurt and a youthful, loose-cannon Tim Roth — come a-calling to bring Willie back for execution. This stylish early gem from Stephen Frears boasts terrific performances from a roster of England's best hard-boiled actors, music by Eric Clapton and virtuosos flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucia, and ravishing photography of its desolate Spanish locations — a splendid backdrop for a rather sordid story.

98 minutes
Color
Monaural
1:78:1 aspect ratio
Criterion Release 2009
Director/Writers


Written by Peter Prince.
Stephen Frears was 43 when he directed The Hit.

Other Frears films in the Collection:

#767: My Beautiful Laundrette (1985)

Film Rating (0-60):

60

The Extras

The Booklet

Sixteen-page booklet featuring an essay by film critic Graham Fuller.

Commentary

Featuring director Frears, actors Hurt and Roth, writer Prince, and editor Mick Audsley.

Interview

With actor Stamp from the television show Parkinson One-to-One.
Original theatrical trailer

Extras Rating (0-40):

39

60 + 39 =

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