Hungry Hills

Hungry Hills is a Canadian independent film released in 2009, directed by Rob King and based on acclaimed author George Ryga's 1963 novel of the same name. It stars a talented young cast including Keir Gilchrist, best known for his role in "It's Kind of a Funny Story," Alexander De Jordy, Alexia Fast, and Gabrielle Rose.

Set in rural Saskatchewan in the 1950s, Hungry Hills is a grimly engaging and soul-stirring tale of gritty perseverance, raw desires, and the indomitable human spirit. This film delves into the themes of rejection, acceptance, redemption, and ultimately, the pursuit of belonging. It gives a poignant picture of life from the perspective of the marginalized and the many challenges they face in their quest for understanding and acceptance.

Keir Gilchrist plays the character of Snit Mandolin, a 15-year-old boy, who, having just been released from a neo-Dickensian reform school, finds himself in a battle against society’s prejudice, coming to terms with his past, and struggling to navigate an uncertain future. The character projected by Gilchrist is an emotionally charged portrayal of a teen facing society's harsh realities.

Alexander De Jordy plays the role of Snit’s cousin, a sparkplug named Johnny with a feisty spirit, who helps Snit throughout his tumultuous journey. Alexia Fast, on the other hand, puts forth an engaging performance as Patsy, a teenage farm girl who becomes another critical figure in Snit's quest for belonging.

The story is as relentless as the characters are resilient, filled with both heartache and hope. The film provides the audience with a distinct look into the lives of the marginalized and the overlooked, providing perspective on their struggles. It exposes viewers to a world where the hunger for acceptance and the quest for a promising future amid stark adversity becomes the driving force for the characters.

The cinematography of the Hungry Hills brings out the stark landscapes and rural settings in Saskatchewan, mirroring the bleak and harsh life experiences of its characters. The meticulously captured wide-open spaces, rolling hills, and the sober rural landscape give an authentic feel to the era and place the characters inhabit.

One of the strengths of the movie is in its use of authentic and vividly descriptive dialogue, which brings every scene to life. The performances of the cast members are exceptional, carrying the depth and complexities of their characters brilliantly.

Adding to the movie's emotional intensity is the music by John McCarthy, which brilliantly echoes the various moods throughout the film. The mournful harmonica and the lilting guitar chords provide an emotive backdrop that amplifies the melancholic atmosphere of the film.

The film's plot propels at a steady rhythm, interspersed with moments of unexpected tenderness and harsh reality. The transition of the characters from their past traumas and the growth they display as they grapple with their present situation all contribute to the film's enduring impact.

In conclusion, Hungry Hills gives audiences a vivid portrayal of struggle, determination, and the strength of the spirit in the face of adversity. More than just a film about coming-of-age or rural life, it is a story that showcases the resilience of the human spirit and the power of hope, even amidst the most challenging circumstances. Each character, their dialogue, their actions provide a layered narrative that tugs at the heart.

Whether you're view it as a stairway out of life's lowest spots or a journey in search of belonging, Hungry Hills undoubtedly leaves a deep impression with its raw and emotionally charged performances, its skillfully written narrative, and its stunning, atmospheric cinematographic choices. This film is definitely worth watching for individuals who appreciate profound stories presented in an engaging and visually appealing manner.