King of the Hill (1993)

User Rating:

7.5/10   

Director:

Steven Soderbergh

Writers (WGA):

A.E. Hotchner (memoir)
Steven Soderbergh (screenplay)

Release Date:

20 August 1993 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | History

Tagline:

When the world turns upside down, the trick is coming out on top.

Plot:

A young boy struggles on his own in a run-down motel after his parents and younger brother are separated from him in 1930s Depression-era Midwest.

Plot Keywords:

Hotel | 1930s | Fantasy World | Marbles | Child Driving Car

Awards:

5 nominations

Cast

Jesse Bradford	...	Aaron
Jeroen Krabbé	...	Mr. Kurlander
Lisa Eichhorn	...	Mrs. Kurlander
Karen Allen	...	Miss Mathey
Spalding Gray	...	Mr. Mungo
Elizabeth McGovern	...	Lydia
Cameron Boyd	...	Sullivan
Adrien Brody	...	Lester
Joe Chrest	...	Ben (as Joseph Chrest)
John McConnell	...	Patrolman Burns
Amber Benson	...	Ella McShane
Kristin Griffith	...	Mrs. McShane
Chris Samples	...	Billy Thompson
Peggy Freisen	...	Mrs. Thompson
Katherine Heigl	...	Christina Sebastian

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for thematic elements.

Runtime:

103 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Certification:

Iceland:12 | France:Unrated | South Korea:15 | Finland:K-10 | Germany:6 | Norway:11 | UK:12 | USA:PG-13

Filming Locations:

Alton, Illinois, USA

Company:

Wildwood

Goofs:

Anachronisms: In 1933 Aaron gets the letter for his father marked as from "Works Progress Administration". Works Progress Administration was only established in 1935.

Quotes:

Mrs. Kurlander: Must you wear that filthy thing on your head?
Aaron: Ma, it's a hat. You wear it on your head.

Soundtrack:

You'll Do It Someday

Great Film

I first rented King Of The Hill (1993) back in 1994 and was delightfully surprised at the great quality of the film. First off I am not a fan of Steven Soderbergh and only slightly liked Sex Lies and Videotope. I always seem to rent and see his movies though, hoping that he could return to the form of moviemaking that made this movie. But apparently that is not the case. I don't know how he did it but this is a great film and should be seen by a large audiance. The acting, Writing, direction, and cinemetography are all top notch in this story about a boy making his way through the depression era 1930's. Jessie Bradford turns in an excellent performance as Aaron Kurlander the kid who has to keep his wits at all times. The casting of this film was excellent and even includes a great early performance by Adrien Brody who plays young Aaron's suregate big brother that lives down the hall. A true can't miss for anyone that likes fine cinema.