Review of Sadgati (1981) by Aidan H — 25 Jan 2011

John Boorman directs genre- and era-defining movies (Excalibur, Point Blank) and this film is no less ground-breaking. A gripping and frightening exploration of masculinity and its relationship with nature and violence, Deliverance packs a punch so realistic that modern movies on the same subject cannot compete.

Each character develops along the route of the threatened river, manipulating our preconceptions and building to its terrifying conclusion. Blistering performances from Beatty, Voight and Reynolds (especially excellent here in a reversal of his usual macho roles) and the river itself has a character all of its own.

And after the 'piggy' scene, its a wonder anyone ever ventures into Georgia ever again. Scary and psychologically disturbing, Deliverance is as deep as the river it runs on. Superb in every department.