The Hit (1984) - Region 2 PAL, plays in English without subtitles

This is a review of ‘The Hit’, an intensely black comedy thriller from Stephen Frears.We originally had the excellent 2010 Region 1 Criterion Collection DVD from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, that came with a meaty booklet, until we had to change our Multi-region player. Bizarrely, there appears to be no UK-released version to replace it, so I considered the various European Blu-rays. My choice was this French-released version from Movinside, on their ‘Suspence & Polar’ label. It is in Widescreen 1.85:1, Dolby 2.0, and has either a French soundtrack or the original, with French subtitles. The subtitles, like most French discs, are ‘hard coded’ (ie CANNOT be removed) BUT they can be SHIFTED down the page on your player, so they are not visible.I highly recommend this edition. The picture is unbelievably good: pristinely clear and clean, with good colour, and superb sound.Stepney-born Terence Stamp, always a hugely watchable actor, is able to dominate the screen with just a smile or a frown. He was mesmerising in ‘Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’(1994), dastardly in ‘Far From the Madding Crowd’(1967). But he is never better than when gor-blimeying in knowing style, playing either a genuine or faux Cockney. His performance in ‘The Limey’(1999), where he has a ball mystifying a bunch of Americans, is quite brilliant. But he did it before, in this film from 1984. He is Willie Parker, a get-away driver for London Heavies, who turns Super-grass when he can no longer stand the thought of prison. He seems supremely unperturbed by his ugly criminal past, supremely unfazed by his betrayal of his cronies, and supremely unbothered by the implications of retribution. His quick-fire Cockney repartee and laid-back insouciance is a joy to behold.Stamp’s performance is matched and mirrored in sheer grim, chilly, detachment, by John Hurt, a Mr Fix-It for London’s criminal fraternity. Coldly professional, even when surrounded by utter chaos and incompetence, he is superb. Meanwhile, Tim Roth, in virtually his first film role (for which he was nominated for a Best Newcomer BAFTA), is brilliant as his green and graceless assistant, Myron. And actress and flamenco dancer Laura del Sol, as the potential victim intent on not being, is absolutely wonderful.This is essentially a ‘road’ movie, tracking across Spain in summer: wonderfully filmed vistas of parched hills, dusty tracks and small bleached truck-stops. We also make a terrifying and heart-stopping visit to Madrid. As the protagonists and the plot bowl along, you can feel the sun on your skin. A delicate pallet of pale peach and aqua, cream and sand, ensures the mood isn’t broken. The occasional spurts of intense action are shocking, and cleverly interspersed.One of Frears’ first features, this is not his best, but it is highly effective, and cleverly philosophical. An inventive 5 Stars.

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.

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.

Delighted to get a copy of this classic British Gangster film. I am also a fan of the late Paco de Lucia who provides the dramatic Flamenco score throughout the film. This DVD was set up for Italian viewers but you can choose English from the menu and get the original soundtrack without the dubbed Italian. Terence Stamp and John Hurt are brilliant in their roles as hard bitten criminals. A must see for fans of classic British crime movies.

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.

Terrific film. 80's film at it's best. Terence Stamp cool and charismatic, John Hurt superb. Great atmosphere.

Superb 'lost gem' from the early 1980s. Pity only available from Italy, this is a minor masterpiece that Quentin Tarantino cites as a classic.......and he's no mug!