On the Black Hill

On the Black Hill is a compelling cinematic piece from 1988, directed by Andrew Grieve and brought to life by the performances of Aled Baker, Rhys Baker, and Iona Banks. The film, based on Bruce Chatwin's acclaimed novel of the same name, explores a tale of boundless brotherhood and the evolution of rural life against the backdrop of the border between England and Wales.

The story within On the Black Hill centres around twin brothers Lewis and Benjamin Jones, portrayed vividly by Aled Baker and Rhys Baker respectively. Skilfully navigating the complex and intricate relationship between the twins, these actors bring to life the intricacies of sibling relationships, portraying a world characterised by deep affection yet fraught with struggles and tension. Iona Banks, known for her remarkable, intuitive performances, also adds depth and richness to this rural drama.

The plot takes place over the course of 80 years, representing four generations of the Jones family. Beginning in the latter part of the 19th century and extending into the late 20th century, the narrative provides an exhaustive exploration of the family’s life on a farm named The Vision, snug on the boundary between England and Wales. The film is a depiction of a particular way of life, but it also investigates the nature of the ties that bind us together.

The twins lead a hardy life, isolated from the intrusion of the fast-evolving outer world and tied together by an unparalleled relationship so close that they share a bed, their senses, and even experience each other's dreams and pains. This intimate connection is a notable theme throughout the film, contrasting heavily with their communication, or lack thereof, with the world beyond their farm.

The Black Hill's ambiance is brought to life with the aid of astonishingly realistic cinematography. Every frame captures the rugged, raw beauty of the Welsh borderland, where the Jones family lead an existence deeply intertwined with the rhythms of nature. It's through this stark imagery and stark, stark landscapes that the director succeeds in portraying the harsh, grueling but undeniably beautiful nature of country life.

The narrative reflects the socio-political fabric of the times, subtly incorporating the boer war, WWI, WWII, and their impact on rural life. It highlights the community's relentless struggle to maintain the traditional way of life irrespective of external pressures. The story, in essence, paints a detailed portrait of the dichotomy between a rapidly revolutionizing world and a portion of society that seems frozen in time, deliberately distant from the whirlwind of social change.

One of the film's main strengths lies in its honest depiction of characters. Instead of idealizing them, the film captures their essence with all their flaws and strengths, representing their humanity in a raw, unfiltered manner. The narrative does a profound job in capturing the multifaceted nature of human emotions and relationships. Each character, from the twins to their mother and father, are depicted in a round, dynamic manner, their personalities fleshed out thoroughly throughout the film.

On the Black Hill is not an ordinary tale of rural life. It delves deeper into the complexities of human emotions, love, loss, the unity of sibling affection, and the relentless passage of time. It's a richly textural film that conveys not just a story but a sense of place, of life lived close to the bone, and of the kind of unique connection that only twins possess.

While the performances by Aled Baker and Rhys Baker are the centerpiece, Iona Banks' contribution to the film shouldn’t be downplayed. She adds another layer of complexity to this inimitable story through her character, intertwined with the lives of the twins and the larger setting of the rolling hills and rustic landscape.

On the Black Hill concludes by leaving a deep emotional impression in the minds of its viewers. It's a brittle poem about the human condition, love, loneliness, and the bittersweet passage of time. The resilience of the Jones family echoes in the hearts of viewers long after the screen fades to black, inviting them to ponder the enduring connection between people and their land, the strength of kinship, and the ever-changing shape of the world as time marches inexorably on.