Watch The Hit

The Hit is a 1984 crime-drama film that follows a retired gangster named Willie Parker as he's tracked down by two hitmen, Braddock and Myron, who were hired to bring him to justice for betraying his former criminal associates. Freddie Stuart stars as Willie Parker, who has been living quietly in Spain for a decade in witness protection. However, his past comes back to haunt him when Braddock and Myron, played by Ralph Brown and A.J. Clarke respectively, arrive to take him to Paris where he'll stand trial for his previous crimes.

The film begins on a picturesque Spanish beach where Willie lives with his girlfriend, Maggie played by Laura del Sol. One day, while out on a grocery run, Willie is kidnapped by Braddock and Myron and discovers that he's being taken to Paris. Along the way, the trio stops at a roadside cafe where tensions begin to rise between the captors and the captive, revealing that Willie had a deep-seated resentment towards his former associates for their lack of loyalty.

As Willie is further interrogated, he stays tight-lipped about his past, leading Braddock and Myron to begin questioning if they're going to be able to get enough information out of him to complete their mission. However, as the journey continues, Willie's walls begin to crumble, and he reveals details of his past life and criminal operations, giving the hitmen a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the criminal underworld.

Along the way, the group encounters a range of milieus, from the rural Spanish countryside to the bustling city streets of France, providing a varied and dynamic backdrop for the film. Themes of loyalty, betrayal, and morality are explored throughout the movie as Willie grapples with the consequences of his actions while the hitmen face their own ethical quandaries.

The Hit boasts strong performances from its leading cast, with Freddie Stuart giving an understated yet emotive portrayal of a former gangster forced to confront the consequences of his actions. Ralph Brown and A.J. Clarke deliver captivating performances as the hitmen, displaying a dynamic relationship between their characters as they navigate the pressure of completing their mission while also facing their own diverging values.

Director Stephen Frears crafts an atmospheric and poignant film, shirking traditional action set pieces in favor of character-driven storytelling. The film's emphasis on dialogue and character relationships builds tension and suspense throughout, creating a captivating and engaging experience.

Overall, The Hit is a thought-provoking and visually stunning film that delves into the complexities of morality and loyalty within the criminal underworld. Featuring standout performances from its lead cast and masterful direction, this film is a must-see for fans of crime dramas and character-driven films.

The Hit is a 1984 drama. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 75.