The Hit

This is one of my favorite "unknown" classics from the 1980's, and one of the few 80's films that managed to cling to the gritty, purposeful aesthetics of the great action films of the 1970's.The plot is simple: A couple of hit men are driving a mob informer to his place of execution. During the trip, tensions arise. What makes this film a beauty, beyond Stephen Frears exuberant, coming-into-his-own direction, is the brilliant casting.John Hurt is a lean, grizzled grim reaper behind a pair of shades. Every word he speaks radiates pure death, and his flat gaze marks whoever it falls upon. Hurt, who has tremendous range as an actor, slips into the role of the killer "Mr. Braddock" with a still, icy ease. I have enjoyed Hurt's work for a long time, and I really think he is one of the best character actors in the world. Tim Roth plays Braddock's young sidekick with a combination of cockney attitude and simmering venom. This was Roth's first movie role, and it is all the more remarkable for that reason. Roth is another remarkable craftsman, able to simply dwell in a roll. In an interesting bit of trivia, Hurt and Roth would team up again a decade later in the excellent historical drama, Rob Roy, playing characters in the same kind of deadly symbiotic relationship. These two actors play off one another with expert ease, one the older master (Hurt) and the other the barely controlled apprentice (Roth).The last piece of the acting puzzle is Terrance Stamp, who has had about as strong a mid to late career as an actor could hope for. He has aged very well, his features hardening into lean stone, much like Clint Eastwood. Stamp plays the mob informer that is going to be hit, and through some amazing acting he is able to portray a kind of transcendental peace that is truly moving.The format for this DVD edition is, to say the least, a disappointment. The viewing public seems to be far more educated these days than studios and DVD packagers seem to realize. All buyers really want is the widescreen edition anymore and are willing to pay more for it. Hasn't that become obvious? Regardless of the poor production of this DVD, this is still a film worth having and I still recommend it. -Mykal Banta

This fresh cinematic spin on the infamous "Hit Man" doesn't seem to be well known and that's a shame. 'The Hit' is very sly and cunning, stepping far astray from the usual efficiency associated with these individuals, and contains ingenious plot twists guaranteed to keep you guessing. Though it is British the film remains accessible to all moviegoers; the accents are easy to understand and the dialogue is not completely bound to British standards.A pair of hit men, Braddock, a wily veteran and Myron, a greenhorn, track down former gangster Willy Parker, who squealed on his former partners and has been hiding out in Spain for ten years. The hit men intend to take Willy to Paris to meet his former boss before he is summarily executed but an unexpected complication occurs that throws the plan into disarray. Attempting to alleviate the problem only causes it to snowball beyond belief and soon the two hit men are forced to take a hostage along the way. Willy's lackadaisical approach to his certain demise displeases his "escorts" who expect him to be quite fearful of his impending doom. The hostage is a bit of puzzlement as well and Myron takes it upon himself to look after her interests. As events continue unfolding causing more chaos it isn't long before Myron is questioning Braddock's control of the situation.To say anymore would be an unforgivable transgression; suffice it to say that 'The Hit' is a movie you won't regret having spent time watching. Besides being directed by Stephen Frears it also features Terence Stamp, John Hurt and Tim Roth - his film debut - in the three key roles. The screenplay allows for a few terrific action sequences, frequent suspense, laugh-out-loud humor and even some very memorable scenery in Spain. The theme music performed by Eric Clapton is among the best of his compositions and he gets an assist from Roger Waters of Pink Floyd fame. 'The Hit' is a movie deserving of cult status for its many offbeat touches and unconventional manner of storytelling. Do yourself a real favor and set aside some time to watch this film - but beware! You'll find that once isn't enough!

This is a pretty good film with some really cool performances. John Hurt as always shines and it is always great to see Terrence Stamp. Tim Roth also brings it well along with the female lead. It is a great ensemble piece from Steven Frears. It is interesting to watch the movie unfold, you can never totally be sure of what is going to unfold. The end is really interesting, a slice of madness in an otherwise pretty composed film. It has a Peckinpah feel at the very end ala Osterman Weekend or Pat Garret and Billy the Kid. Well worth checking out, no disappointment here

I picked up this movie because I love noir films. I was shocked to find that Eric Clapton worked on the soundtrack! This noir is set in Sunny Spain and the actors involved are fantastic (Terence Stamp, Tim Roth, John Hurt, to name a few.) A mob snitch hiding in Spain is tracked down by some bad ass hit men and is taken back to France to face justice. What follows is a twisty, suspenseful movie with interesting characters and plot.

I must admit to being a Stephen Frears fan -- especially of this film. Great acting from an excellent cast. The Criterion Collection DVD is first rate.You get John Hurt, Terrance Stamp, Laura Del Sol and a young Tim Roth along with an excellent supporting cast.Plus, the title guitar work was written and performed by Eric Clapton.What else could you want?

Terence Stamp is brilliant as supergrass Willie Parker. The Hit provided Terence Stamp with his first leading role in well over a decade in which he plays supergrass Willie Parker.For giving evidence against fellow criminals Parker is offered immunity and a new life under police protection in Spain. Terence Stamp is superb and an acting tour de force as Parker knowing that death is around the corner and his life in exile could end any second once a vengeful ex acquaintance comes knocking on his door to end his life.John Hurt and Tim Roth are sensational as two hit men hired to escort Parker to Paris and delIver him into the hands of Corrigan (Lennie Peters) seeking revenge against Parker for his time in jail.A brilliant film that examines the world of the hit man, the criminal underworld in general and with some incredible moments between Stamp, Hurt and Roth throughout the film.The Spanish landscape and scenery provides a stunning backdrop to this film that reaches an interesting climax towards the end. A true classic crime caper.

BEWARE!! although advertised as being able to play in English, the product I received only plays in French with only another French option, so I don’t know how so many people managed to write a review unless they all speak French.I couldn’t be bothered to go through the hassle of returning it.

Since I first saw this back in the eighties I've been gagging to see it again, and it's taken a long time. I ordered the region 1 dvd from America because, as far as I know, that's the only option apart from some substandard pan and scan version out there.It's dated a little, not quite as glorious as I remember, but still a solid hit with an intriguing cast and a story that lingers in the mind for a good time afterwards. And if only to see John Hurt, Terence Stamp and Tim Roth sharing lots of screen time together it's gotta be worth it.

One of earlier films of Stephen Friers with a luminous Terence Stamp and a cherubic Tim Roth. Visually stunning - each shot is perfectly composed. Subtle, brutal and very funny. An under-rated classic. Must-see.

Excellent film and Terence Stamp at his best !