Review of Deliverance (1972) by Julian D — 28 Mar 2010

"Deliver us from evil." Ever since I read the book I've always thought of that line to be the underlying center-piece to this chilling story of four friends embarking on what turned out to be a life-changing trip down the river.

It's a story of morale, a social commentary on the suburan vs. the rural, and it's a good-ole fashion man vs. wilderness adventure story as well. I liked the movie a little more than the book, which doesn't happen often.

I think it's because the main actors all embodied their characters so well. But it's not without it's minor flaws, same as the book, which some parts seem like time fillers. Nevertheless, you have to admire it for staying painstakingly true to the source material, and it really is one hell of a well-made film.