The Netflix crowd managed to push another film based on a true story to the top ten films list recently.
This autobiographical sports drama features Dennis Quaid and Colin Ford as Rickey Hill, a former baseball player born with a degenerative spinal disease who defied physical limitations to pursue his dream of playing professionally.
The Hill secured the ninth spot on the top ten films list between January 15th and 21st, 2024, in the US, only to barge into the top ten globally with a fourth rank and 13.4 million hours viewed. The US list also included the recent Netflix action flick Lift and the Oscar-nominated disaster film Society of the Snow, which is also based on real events.
Directed by Jeff Celentano, this biographical drama follows Hill’s inspiring journey. The screenplay, crafted by Angelo Pizzo and Scott Marshall Smith, delves into the struggles Hill faced, from battling poverty to overcoming bullying. But, the film only manages to do justice to Hill’s story sporadically.
What is the true story behind The Hill?
Born with a degenerative spinal disease, Hill underwent leg surgeries and began wearing braces at the tender age of four. Despite the physical limitations imposed by his condition, Hill’s love for baseball proved unstoppable. The Hill captures the essence of Hill’s childhood in Fort Worth, Texas, which was marked by poverty and adversity.
At the age of seven, encouraged by his brother, Hill ventured into baseball with older kids, showcasing a natural talent that earned him the title of the ‘home run king’ by the age of 12. His breakthrough came at 18 when he impressed scouts at a three-day baseball camp, ultimately defying expectations and securing a spot in the starting lineup.
Jeff Celentano’s connection to the project was serendipitous, initiated by his brother’s chance meeting with the real Rickey Hill in a hotel lobby. “My brother called me and said, “Look, I just convinced this guy to call you. He doesn’t want to call you. He’s frustrated with Hollywood. You just gotta get on the phone and meet this guy. His story’s amazing,” he told ScreenRant. “My brother never called me like that before. So I had a feeling this might be something special.”
The film captures Hill’s resilience, determination, and the sacrifices he made to pursue his dream, from the challenges of poverty to the disapproval of his father, who wished for him to follow in his pastoral footsteps.
What Happened to Rickey Hill?
Rickey Hill’s journey, though filled with triumphs, faced a heartbreaking twist. Despite signing with the Montreal Expos in 1975 and playing in the minor leagues for four seasons, Hill’s spine eventually gave out in 1978, forcing an early retirement at the age of 22. His passion for the game persisted even when the pain proved insurmountable.
Rickey Hill and Sherran, the real-life inspiration for The Hill’s Gracie, tied the knot on August 5th, 1975, at home plate on a baseball field, officiated by Rickey’s father, Pastor James Hill, marking a joyous moment in the midst of Rickey’s rookie season with the Montreal Expos.
However, their marriage ended 11 years later on the same baseball diamond. They had two children between 1975 and 1986. After retiring from baseball, Rickey coached Little League Baseball in Fort Worth, Texas, and continued to share his inspirational story, as portrayed in The Hill.
Following the closure of his baseball chapter, he embraced his father’s path, dedicating himself to a pastoral life and using his life’s journey to motivate others to pursue their dreams despite challenges.
You can watch The Hill on Netflix and catch the trailer here:
