Hill 16

I've seen my fair share of fest-circuit films lately; the good ones are often pretty good, the bad ones AWFUL. And then there's Dermot Doyle's "Hill 16", a genre-defying debut that is a true pleasure to watch. Part coming-of-age story, part crime thriller, part comedy, Doyle's film seamlessly interweaves the stylizations of the various genres with the complexities of real life.

Hill 16's cinematic vocabulary is impressive. Shot on DigiBeta, it purposefully employs an array of color schemes, camera movements, and compositions; communicating mood, voice, and information through visuals. In addition, Doyle has done a remarkably fine job of editing the film, using the techniques of jump-cut, voice-over, and tangent in ways reminiscent of Martin Scorcese and, more recently, Guy Richie.

Whether intentional or not, this cine-historical reference makes sense in Hill 16. The story centers around Niall Brady, a 16-year-old student in suburban Dublin. His life is full of the typical camaraderie and mischief that any teenager might join his friends in, though his life is somewhat stifled by his parents enforcing a curfew. Most of Niall's pals aren't crooks, but it is clear that teenage life in their town is a breeding ground for young criminals, whether it be drugs or some other racket.

The plot pivots suddenly when Cel is introduced, an attractive schoolteacher who Niall meets at his usual bus stop. The luckless Niall is immediately taken with her, and she seems to welcome his boyishly shy demeanor and apparent infatuation. Niall is taken with her, but doesn't want his smart-ass friends to know he's in a (chaste) relationship with a woman almost twice his age. Likewise, she only agrees to see him in places like the movie theater where they won't be recognized.

Plot threads involving, sisters, drug deals, schools, art, sports, annoying cousins, etc. all weave in and out of the narrative and usually serve a purpose. The vignettes inserted for texture and characterization are treats also. The story's pacing has room for adjustment, but chances are we're getting a lot better version than the, get this, FOUR-HOUR original cut that Doyle had on his hands initially.

What can I say, it's smart, good-looking, good-sounding, dramatic, funny, and even feels like a personal story, like the writer (Doyle again) embellishing on what he knows from real life. If you get the chance to catch this at a film festival near you, SEE IT! You will not be sorry.

I had the absolute pleasure of seeing this film in June at the Film Festival in Galway. I can't really think of much to say except - wow! absolutely brilliant - To be honest, I wasn't expecting too much as I've seen so many of these typical dublin, urban, druggy, gangland style films in the past and why should this be any different - well it leaves the likes of "Adam & Paul", "Crushproof" and even the hyped up Shimmy Marcus movie, "Headrush".....standing!

I was simply in awe as to how someone single handedly can accomplish a feat such as this (and I mean single handedly - Doyle wrote, produced, shot, scored, edited AND directed) all on a budget of €20,000! Any would-be film maker looking to make it in such a cut throat business can certainly take a leaf from Doyles book and go for it!!

Aside from production skills and the ingenuity of Doyle - the assembled cast (of relatively unknown actors) were top class, with hunky Luke Cameron (playing Kavo) standing out for me. I had the pleasure of meeting with him briefly after the screening - hes such a cutie!! :) Hes a natural on screen, (easy on the eyes girls, with a drop dead gorgeous smile!) and so friendly and confident in real life - watch this space people, hes definitely one to watch out for in the future.

All in all, well worth going to see, an absolute thumbs up - stand up and be counted Dermot Doyle!!.

I had the privilege of seeing this new film, Hill 16, at a screening in Flint, Michigan. I was wildly impressed by such a funny and original take on an age old story. It was refreshing to see such new faces on the screen. In particular, newcomer, Luke Cameron, makes a promising start and will undoubtedly be joining the ranks of other established Irish actors such as Colin Farrell and Cillian Murphy in the not-so-distant future. Aside from being strikingly handsome, his wit and charm are also undeniable. However, Conor Ryan, Damien Hannaway and Barbara Dempsey all do an amazing job in this film as well. This was a great combination of talent for an independent film. However, Luke Cameron stole the proverbial show and I look forward to seeing him in more films to come. I definitely hope this film finds it's distribution as it deserves to be enjoyed by the general public.

Dermot Doyle has really done an amazing job on his debut feature film HILL 16! He wrote, produced, directed, edited, composed the soundtrack all by himself. The film is evidence what imagination and creative use of a low budget can do.

To date (Feb 2006) HILL 16 has won the Best Feature Film Award at the Flint International Film Festival in Michigan, USA; the Best Film award at Washington's Ellensburg International Film Festival; the 'CINE-MIS-Kuht' Sponsors Award at the Hungarian World Young Filmmakers Film Festival in Miskolc, Hungar; and the Best International Feature at the Snob Film Festival, New Hampshire, USA. If you get a chance, go see it in a festival near you.

in a strange manner. for its precise simplicity. for the performances and for the well known aspects. for the beautiful science of detail. and for the flavor of ordinaries events/lives/gestures/attitudes. for the wise exploration of the near universe who could be in Dublin or in each part of world. for a sort of ... magic. and for an useful remember. about grow up.