What modern movies are as powerful as "The Hill" ?

[kentauros]

For "modern", let's say within the last decade.

Here's the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYKRffcQTg4

And the opening 7 minutes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpMyLq9yyHs&feature=related

[Graybeard]

1. Another great film directed by Sidney Lumet.

Lumet has a really quite amazing body of work and he is still directing. The Hill is Sean Connery's best acting job by far and he holds his own in a brilliant cast. I can't think of a recent film to match it.

[kentauros]

2. I can't think of anything to match it, either.

I don't think I've ever seen a bad Lumet film. Then again, I haven't seen all of his movies...

[Graybeard]

3. Hmm...one stands out...

as ...shall we say...a misguided effort. The Wiz (1978). But just about all the others, from 12 Angry Men to Before The Devil Knows You Are Dead are top notch.

[kentauros]

4. I didn't realize Lumet did "The Wiz"

I've tried to watch that a couple of times and never could get into it. I have to wonder if someone talked him into making it...

I have to admit that for some reason, I do sometimes confuse Lumet with Mamet, maybe because their style appears similar, at least by memory alone. Stark scenes, intense characters (The Spanish Prisoner, Heist) but I know they don't compare as much as my memory makes me think ;)