Burt Reynolds stars in the 1970s thriller (Image: Getty)
A gripping 1970s thriller has achieved cult classic status, with cinema enthusiasts praising it as a « masterpiece », and it’s airing on BBC Four this evening. The film, which hit screens in 1972, features Jon Voight, Burt Reynolds, Ned Beatty and Ronny Cox as four urban friends seeking respite from their careers, families and responsibilities with a week-long canoeing expedition in rural Georgia.
Upon arrival, the group receives a hostile reception from the locals, who track the holidaymakers and launch a brutal assault in the wilderness. Still recovering from the violent encounter, the quartet attempts to head home but finds themselves navigating treacherous rapids whilst being hunted by a deranged individual, transforming their leisure trip into a desperate battle for survival. The picture has garnered immense acclaim and in 2008 earned selection for preservation in the United States National Film Registry.
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Deliverance notably featured the lead actors executing their own stunts, with Burt Reynolds fracturing his coccyx during the rapids sequence, whilst Ned Beatty was pulled into a whirlpool and came perilously close to drowning, necessitating a 30-second rescue operation.
One critique stated: « This is a fantastic thriller and an interesting exploration of masculinity and man vs nature. The suspense is excellent; there are some disturbing moments and I was glued to my seat. It is an intense film with some wonderful cinematography (why did films look better 50 years ago? No crap CGI) and I would definitely recommend. »
Another viewer remarked: « Few films capture the raw clash between man and nature with such nerve-shredding intensity as Deliverance. John Boorman’s survival thriller is equal parts beautiful and terrifying, with Burt Reynolds and Jon Voight at their peak. For many, it’s a classic of 1970s cinema – lean, relentless, and unforgettable.
« For me, the film is wrapped up in family memory: my dad loved it, swore by it as one of the greats, and sat me down to watch it probably a few years too early. That mix of awe and unease – feeling the movie before fully understanding it – only deepened its impact. Deliverance isn’t just a landmark in American film; it’s one of those movies that sticks to you, like river mud on your boots, long after the credits roll. »
Deliverance centres on four men who just wanted a nice break from daily life (Image: Getty)
A third said: « Still a masterpiece, great performances from Burt Reynold’s and Ned Beatty. All the performances are terrific. »
A fourth observed: « The performances are great and the story impressive, but many people will watch it for THAT scene, which goes a bit too far. That scene aside, there are other iconic moments, such as the duelling banjos piece, and the sense of tension is ever present.
A fifth said: « It’s tough to watch at times and not for everyone, but it’s tense and very well made. Plus the Dueling Banjos scene is just so iconic.
And one five-star review summed it up succinctly: « One of the best movie that give you nerve, frightening and satisfaction at the same time. »
Deliverance will air on Thursday 12 February on BBC4 at 9pm.
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