Deliverance

Sleep tight, it's nothing.... The most realistic survival in history, with which Boorman solidified a new narrative and thematic impulse in American cinema. Not as shocking, harsh and atmospheric as the contemporary Texas Massacre (which was also based on an unexpected confrontation between civilised people and a bunch of violent rednecks), but almost equally disturbing thanks to the unrelenting psychological pressure, which in some moments culminates into realms of genuine horror and disgust. A number of oft-quoted and famous passages (the opening banjo duel; the lengthy debate about what to do with the dead hillbilly) fully speak for the ageless quality of the direction, while weaknesses are found in the hammy dialogue and a bit in the narrative's build-up, whose climax comes shortly after the halfway point, and the last twenty minutes go completely beyond the established atmosphere and agonizing mental duress. I will sleep relatively peacefully, but if I were in the shoes of one of the survivors, I would probably think twice about falling asleep without a gun under my pillow... 80% (04/18/2011)

A very powerful film, intense, which not many people can make today. Maybe it was due to the time and available technology, but "Vysvobození" is simply incredibly intense and it's an experience that you don't forget. And there are actually only a few plot elements in it. Even after years, it is shown that good films simply withstand the test of time and sometimes the era is even in their favor. (06/24/2014)

Boorman masterfully ratchets up the tension and fear. Already during the dueling banjos at the beginning I had a strange feeling, without any rational justification, that something was wrong. That feeling grew over time and then suddenly it came, like a punch in the face. The rape scene is impressive and vile, and I've rarely wished death on someone like I did on those two loathsome hillbillies. It's the premature climax of the film, the rest doesn't have that much power. (05/11/2003)

Don’t expect a thrilling pace or even shocking violence, Deliverance is not as disturbing as they say. However, it can captivate both through its economical direction and the survival adventure, or fight for survival, which is presented in the most credible and rawest way, without excessive detours. I appreciate some of Boorman's tricks. For example, that key rape scene is accurately depicted, when the members of the trip encounter two wanderers, their gestures and movements beautifully indicate what is to come, especially when one of the locals touches the face and chest of one of the protagonists. The director delivers similar tension several times, and it is truly worth it. The acting is relatively even and overall quite impressive. However, essentially, it is a very simple and rather ordinary matter. (03/03/2007)

At first glance, it's a kind of seventies macho flick; at second, third, and fourth glance, it's a very cunning and psychological matter, which is about a great deal more than just someone getting revenge for something someone else did to them. The tension gets more and more intense, the four adventurers gradually take on different shades, the viewer has to ask himself how he would act in their place... Thanks to John Boorman and his rapid dives you will be transported directly to the scene of the action, and thanks to the impeccable cast led by Burt Reynolds and Jon Voight, you will live through it all and maybe even survive. (07/28/2020)