RED HILL is a wonderful genre piece from local filmmaker Patrick Hughes. Part action thriller and part modern western, the film deals with themes of revenge, retribution and redemption. It has the lean, mean look of the traditional western and has a similar moral code. Filmed in Omeo, in Victoria's high country, the film is set in the small fictional town of Red Hill. Shane Cooper (played by True Blood's Ryan Kwanten) is a young constable newly arrived in town, looking for some peace and quiet for his pregnant wife. But on the day he arrives, news reaches the town that a violent prisoner Jimmy Cooper (played by Tommy Lewis, from The Chant Of Jimmy Blacksmith) has escaped and is headed towards Red Hill, seeking vengeance on those who put him away. The local police force (led by a suitably gruff Steve Bisley) arms themselves and prepares to defend the town. Cooper finds himself caught up in the bloodbath, and uncovers some dark secrets about the town's recent history. Red Hill is quite violent and blood soaked at times, but it has been proficiently directed by first time director Hughes, who has a fine eye for the clichés of the genre. Red Hill has been made with the collaboration of Wolf Creek director Greg McLean. It proves that Australia is capable of making great genre pieces. Red Hill is something of a guilty pleasure!
