The Hit (1984)

Director:

Stephen Frears

Writer:

Peter Prince (writer)

Release Date:

8 March 1985 (USA)

Genre:

Crime | Drama | Thriller

Tagline:

A Journey to Destiny [Australia Theatrical]

Plot:

Ex-gangster Willie Parker has betrayed his former "colleagues" and now lives in Spain where he thinks he can hide from their vengeance...

Plot Keywords:

Spain | Road Movie | Revenge | Philosophical | Hitman

Awards:

Nominated for BAFTA Film Award. Another 2 wins & 3 nominations

Cast

John Hurt	...	Braddock
Terence Stamp	...	Willie Parker
Tim Roth	...	Myron
Laura del Sol	...	Maggie
Bill Hunter	...	Harry
Fernando Rey	...	Senior policeman
Freddie Stuart	...	First Man
Ralph Brown	...	Second Man
A.J. Clarke	...	Third Man
Lennie Peters	...	Mr. Corrigan
Bernie Searle	...	Hopwood (as Bernie Searl)
Brian Royal	...	Fellows
Albie Woodington	...	Riordan
Willoughby Gray	...	Judge
Jim Broadbent	...	Barrister

Runtime:

98 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English | Spanish

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Iceland:16 | Australia:MA (alternate rating) | Australia:M | Finland:K-16 | Norway:15 | UK:18 | USA:R | West Germany:16

Filming Locations:

London, England, UK

Company:

Central

Trivia:

Joe Strummer was originally considered for the part of Myron, but his band mates (in The Clash) nixed the idea. Strummer then recommended Tim Roth for the part based on his appearance as "Trevor the Skinhead" in the TV movie Made in Britain (1982) (TV). "The Hit" was the 22 year old Roth's first theatrical feature and won him a BAFTA Award for Best Newcomer.

Quotes:

[in court, the barrister is asking Willie who took part in a robbery]
Willie: Riordan, Fellows and Mr Corrigan.
Barrister: Not Hopwood?
Willie: No, sir. I think Lennie had flu that day.
[chuckles]
Willie: Or cold feet!

Who's in charge here anyway?

Two hit men go to Spain and pick up a fellow crook who went into hiding years before. They are suppose to drive him back to Paris, however as they hit the road, it quickly becomes clear that things are not what they seem and that the hit men are in for more than they ever bargained for.

Tightly plotted and neat little thriller that works thanks to its three stars. Terrence Stamp kicked his career into high gear once more with his turn as the man hauled off for execution. So calm in the face of death its almost unnerving and its not hard to see how he can begin to play his captors like a violin. John Hurt and Tim Roth are his equal as the two hit men who never saw what they were walking into. This is ensemble acting at its finest.

This is a great little film. Its worth seeking out.