King of the Hill

A solid cinematic experience.


UNAPPRECIATED MASTERPIECE   November 14, 2003
A movie you won't forget (worth 6 stars!), about a little boy growing up in St. Louis during the Depression (only the movie is for adults). Experience the overwhelming poverty on a daily basis as Aaron struggles to stay alive. Quite an exciting runaway car scene. A youthful Adrien Brody plays a part, and the original novel is excellent reading. Probably Jesse's finest movie. Wish he would do more like this one.


A Small Gem of a Movie   September 7, 2000
Evan Stern
I watched this film for the first time as a freshman in high school, and found myself simply captivated by its utter beauty and humanity. Over the course of the picture I came to truly identify with the character of Aaron, and his story struck a chord within my soul that I never kew existed.

As the years have passed, I have come back to this movie time and time again, and I find that "King of the Hill" only grows better with each viewing. Undoubtedly this film has a tremendous amount to say about endurance, triumph, love, and adversity, and Soderbergh tackles such themes with great eloquence and ease. But what is most striking about this beautiful picture are the endless number of images that appear throughout the course of its story. I will never forget the tragic dance scene in which the character of Ella experiences a random seizure, the brilliant exchanges between Spalding Gray and Elizabeth McGovern, or the touching final interaction between Aaron and an elevator operator. But for me, the most incredible sequence comes at the story's very beginning when Aaron stands before his class and reads a report on Charles Lindbergh as it offers fantastic insight into Aaron Kurlander's strong spirit.

Beautifully acted, and brilliantly written, this film is an underrated jewel. I recommend "King of the Hill" to anyone, and make no apologies for saying that this is my very favorite film.


An overlooked gem   July 11, 2000
Raul M. Borja
Steven Sodebergh has had his ups and downs as a director, and now he is on the upswing again with his recent successes, "Out of Sight" and "Erin Brockovich". Sodebergh's best film, however, is the less acknowledged "King of the Hill". Released in 1993, it got lost amongst the many great films that came out that year like "Schindler's List", "The Piano" and "The Age of Innocence". But this film, in my opinion, is among the best films released in the '90's.

The film stars Jesse Bradford, in a brilliant, commanding performance, as a resourceful child who must make his own way in Depression-era St. Louis. The film successfully depicts the hopes and fears of children, and unlike other films about children, portrays its hero as intelligent and responsible.

"Out of Sight" may be more stylistically dazzling and "Erin Brockovich" may have more star power, but "King of the Hill" radiates with the power of a film passionately made.


Movie making, and viewing at its finest!   March 18, 2000
damien beatty (Casper, Wyo.)
This is on my personal list of top ten movies ever. Everything seemed to work together to make a touching,and great emotional movie . The acting was subperb and elegant, Huzzah! to the cast and crew. Everytime I watch this story of Aaron Kurlander played magnificently by Jesse Bradford I want to be there to help him and his family through their tough times during the great depression. No movie has made me feel this way, from saddness to great exhiliration. A must see for everyone who knows and loves the art of movies.