David and Goliath tales aren’t hard to come by. But The Hill, based on a true story, is one that hits a home run (in more ways than one).
In this case, Rickey Hill’s obstacle is not a seven-foot giant. Instead, he faces a degenerative spine disease that threatens both his dreams of playing Major League Baseball and his ability to walk.
To his father, James, Rickey’s disability is God’s sign to pursue “a higher calling.” As James sees it, baseball was a distraction from meaningfully serving God, anyway. But even as a small child, Rickey disagrees. What if he can serve God through his passion?
As much as The Hill is a story about baseball, it’s also a story about family. A poor Baptist preacher, James Hill does everything he can to provide for his wife, children and mother-in-law. Although he allows his feelings about baseball and his son’s calling to become a somewhat adversarial a spiritual stance, James truly has his family’s best interest in mind.
In the end, both James and Rickey have a lot to learn about God’s will.
In good and bad times, the Hill family rallies to support one another. Even when an entire town unites against them, Helen boldly (and publicly) stands up for her husband. And although she may disagree with some of James’ decisions, Helen faithfully backs his leadership in their family and church.
The Hill kids also exemplify healthy relationships. For the most part, Rickey and his siblings, Robert and Connie, respect their father’s wishes even when they disagree with him. When the kids do make mistakes, they take ownership of their mistakes and respectfully accept the consequences. The kids display positive relationships with one another, as well. Robert, the oldest sibling, supports Rickey by helping him practice baseball and standing up to bullies.
One character also goes on a spiritual journey, moving from pride to humility and repenting in front of an entire congregation.
Early on, James preaches a sermon on David and Goliath, and it’s clear that The Hill is loosely framed as a metaphorical take on that story. Characters make several other biblical references as well.
James constantly instructs his kids to meditate on Scripture, and Rickey displays an impressive understanding and knowledge of the Bible. The Hill family prays together. And they remind one another of biblical truth and hope. We also see characters desperately beg God for His help in dire situations.
James steadfastly holds to his beliefs. For instance, when his mother-in-law suggests he ignore certain behaviors in church, he responds that he cannot apologize for doing what’s right. James also claims that baseball cards “sell the worship of false idols” and that baseball could damage Rickey’s soul.
In a particularly tense moment of the movie, James tells Rickey he must choose between God’s will and his own will (which, to James, is playing baseball). Rickey argues that he feels God’s presence when he plays baseball.
[Spoiler Warning: In the end, James realizes that the convictions he’s held regarding his faith and baseball have been proud and arrogant, and he admits those failings to his congregation.]
Cross decorations are seen in the Hill’s home, and Rickey draws a cross with his bat in a baseball game. At one point, Rickey says he believes his girlfriend, Gracie, is an angel. And he claims that saying, “Cross your heart and hope to die” is a heathen vow. Someone also uses the popular Christian cliché, “When the good Lord shuts a door, He opens a window.” Someone describes a place as “Satan’s saloon.”
When they are kids, Gracie claims that Rickey is her boyfriend, and she sends him letters reiterating this idea. When Rickey is in high school, one character mentions breaking up with her boyfriend. Later, two high school characters begin a romantic relationship in which they hold hands and lean on each other’s shoulders. This couple also kisses.
It is implied that Gracie’s mother experiences marital abuse, and we see her face covered with bruises. There’s also a moment in which a character is on her death bed. We watch as she peacefully passes away, and characters attend her funeral.
Throughout the film, several people vent their anger by kicking or throwing objects. (Later, they usually resolve their feelings in healthier ways.) In one moment of anger, Helen throws a ceramic plate on the floor next to James.
In an attempt to prevent someone from driving drunk, James starts a tussle with a man. This man also attempts to push one of James’ children. In a particularly tense moment in the film, James discovers that his children have disobeyed him. He plans to discipline one of them with his belt.
Kids bully Ricky for his disability when he’s younger. When Robert tries to stand up for him, the bully pushes him. And throughout the film, Rickey’s disability causes him immense pain. Several times, his condition causes him to collapse in agony. We also hear medical descriptions of Rickey’s troubling condition.
[Note: Plugged In received an early review screener of The Hill that included some profanity that was edited in the final cut. We were alerted to this discrepency and have re-watched the final cut of the film, which has fewer language concerns. Those that remain in the final cut are noted below.]
Little Rickey says, “Daddy’s a bada–.” In a moment of deep frustration after a car runs out of gas, James Hill repeatedly kicks the vehicle and screams either “god” or “gah” six times. He also says “oh my god!” in another scene. Two characters exclaim, “Lord!” We hear one use each of “d–n” and “d–nedest.” There are three uses each of “heck” and “crap,” as well as single uses each of “dang” and “darn.” Characters use the phrase “don’t know spit” three times, and one person nearly says the s-word before changing it to “shoot.”
There are a couple of uses of “butt” and one of “hind ends.” A professional baseball scout says admirably of Rickey’s determination, “The boy’s got himself some cajones.” Someone says “jack squat.”
Several people meanly call Rickey a “gimp” because of his disability. Rickey and Gracie both playfully label themselves as “dorks.”
In church scenes, characters are seen smoking and spitting tobacco. James quickly calls out these characters’ behaviors. A man walks out of a bar, drunk, and attempts to drive home. Another character references his drinking, smoking and gambling habits. Before a game, someone promises Rickey a six-pack of alcohol.
Although the Hill family generally has healthy relational interactions, we see a few moments of dysfunction. James’ mother-in-law vocally contradicts many of his decisions, and her dissention can spark arguments.
The kids play baseball against their father’s will, even forging his signature to get on a team. One day, Helen gives the kids her permission to play on the Sabbath against her husband’s wishes.
Once Rickey does begin playing baseball, James refuses to attend any of his games out of personal conviction.
At times, Christian movies can feel formulaic and forced, sometimes preferring sermonizing to storytelling. The Hill generally avoids that approach, allowing the story to speak for itself.
Where the movie succeeds is also where it might stumble slightly for some families and Christian movie fans. In its efforts to keep things as authentic as possible, The Hill includes a bit of profanity as well as tobacco references, content that might be incrementally grittier than some would expect.
That said, Rickey’s story is powerful. Not only does the movie communicate an inspiring message about overcoming obstacles, it also demonstrates what it looks like to keep your faith despite discouragement from other believers.
Although James Hill is a Baptist preacher, and his career is a central part of the story, The Hill avoids preaching. Instead, we see how God’s power and faithfulness are more effectively illustrated by a movie that focuses on this narrative rather than trying to preach a sermon.
And you know what? God’s hand is testimony enough.
