Rich Hill

Released Aug 1, 2014

1h 31m

Documentary

List

84%

Tomatometer

51 Reviews

81%

Audience Score

1,000+ Ratings

The turbulent lives of three boys living in a poor Midwestern town, and the fragile bonds that sustain them.

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Critics Consensus

As compassionate as it is infuriating, Rich Hill offers a sobering glimpse of American poverty.

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J. R. Jones

Chicago Reader

In this life, people limit their dreams to what you can find at the dollar store.

Sep 4, 2014

Full Review

Liam Lacey

Globe and Mail

The confluence of poverty, dysfunctional parenting and poor educational prospects makes the oft-idealized small-town life look like an incubator for failure, no matter how high and spectacular the Fourth of July fireworks fly.

Rated: 3/4

Aug 22, 2014

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Matthew Lickona

San Diego Reader

One moment, you're wincing; the next, you're shaking your head in sympathy.

Rated: 3/5

Aug 21, 2014

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Joanne Laurier

World Socialist Web Site

The documentary offers a close-up view of abject poverty and the wanton demolition of precious lives.

Feb 26, 2021

Full Review

Richard Propes

TheIndependentCritic.com

There are too many moments when it feels like they achieve that intimacy at the expense of the children in question.

Rated: 2.0/4.0

Sep 21, 2020

Full Review

David Lamble

Bay Area Reporter

[A] terribly human, fitfully funny but always empathetic portrait...

Jun 18, 2020

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Audience Member

Incredibly moving story that had me choking up & rooting for the boys at the same time. I JUST wanted to reach through my laptop to hug them & tell them how proud they should be. People & the system simply failed them. The courage and strength of Andrew was particularly inspirational. With some love & attention I'm sure they will have happy & purposeful lives.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/14/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Here's what it's about: One kid who's dumb as a stump. One kid who is a future violent felon. One kid who is sweet and loving but deeply naive and ignorant just like his dad. No bright futures to be seen. The movie is beautifully produced but there's really not much of a story.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/30/23

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Audience Member

What it is like in rural missouri!

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/16/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Although this may not be the best documentary on this subject out there, I have (for some reason) come back to this a few times. Very interesting people in this which makes for pretty good entertainment.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/15/23

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Audience Member

A wonderful film putting a piece of poverty in America under the lens. Exceptional soundtrack by Nathan Halpern (https://soundcloud.com/copticon).

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/18/23

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Audience Member

In the country that boasts car elevators, gold plated bidets, diamond dog collars, and wall street offices lined with $75,000 rugs in them, that 3 good loving family boys have to fight the odds everyday of ever lifting themselves out of grinding poverty.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/18/23

Full Review

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Andrew Droz Palermo

Director

Tracy Droz Tragos

Director

Alyssa Jewell

Actor

Andrew Jewell

Actor

Elizabeth Jewell

Actor

Willie Jewell

Actor

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Synopsis

The turbulent lives of three boys living in a poor Midwestern town, and the fragile bonds that sustain them.

Director: Andrew Droz Palermo, Tracy Droz Tragos
Producer: Robert A. Compton
Distributor: The Orchard
Production Co: Dinky Pictures
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 1, 2014, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 7, 2016
Runtime: 1h 31m