Man on the Hill short film review

8 hours ago
2 min read

Directed by: Jacob Stockton

Written by: Jacob Stockton

Starring: Michael Tait, Alexander Clark

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A short World War II drama written and directed by Jacob Stockton and starring Michael Tait and Alexander Clark.

The story takes place on the 12th of June, 1944, six days into the Normandy Invasion and British soldier, Jim (Tait), is briefly captured by German fighter, Oscar (Clark), before Jim turns the tables and holds him at gunpoint, forcing him on a journey across the battle-torn, French area.

This is a journey involving two men from opposite sides of the global conflict, and the screenplay focuses primarily on the relationship that develops between them, beginning as untrustworthy and hostile, before turning into a strong bond of understanding. Their journey takes them to a variety of places in the countryside, including a church and an abandoned outpost. As they travel, they also encounter the atrocities of the Nazis.

Filming took place around Northumberland and the countryside of Teesside, and North-East re-enactment groups volunteered to help, providing props, vehicles and costumes. Although the budget was £800, the production value creates an environment and an atmosphere that feels like Second World War battle grounds. The mise-en-scène is pretty impressive, with convincing clothing, vehicles and weaponry, and the sight of dead bodies is haunting. The addition of James Tearne's music further supports the dreadful and despairing situations.

Jim and Oscar are the centre of the film, and the script does a decent job in exploring them and acknowledging that they have similarities between them. They both yearn for the conflict to end, so that they can return to their partner and they both understand that even though a war is taking place, they are not each other's enemy, and they are both capable of understanding and forgiveness.

Utilising a WW2 setting, this story goes on a journey about self-reflection, friendship, redemption and having a loving partner. The effects of war are present, its brutality being depicted quite dramatically.

A war film about two fighters who start off as enemies and end up becoming friends. A main message appears to be that even in the darkest times, good can be born, such as a powerful friendship bond.