King of the Hill 1993
"When the world turns upside down, the trick is coming out on top."
Directed by Steven Soderbergh, *King of the Hill (1993)* immerses viewers in the stark realism of the Great Depression through the eyes of Aaron Kurlander, a resilient 12-year-old boy left to fend for himself in a rundown St. Louis hotel.
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is King of the Hill (1993) about?
Set during the Great Depression, *King of the Hill* follows 12-year-old Aaron Kurlander as he navigates life alone in a St. Louis hotel after his mother is hospitalized with tuberculosis. With his father often away, Aaron must fend for himself, confronting poverty, loneliness, and the harsh realities of adulthood in a world on the brink of collapse.
Who directed King of the Hill?
Steven Soderbergh directed *King of the Hill*, bringing his signature blend of realism and emotional depth to this Depression-era drama.
Who stars in King of the Hill?
The film features Jesse Bradford as Aaron Kurlander, alongside Jeroen Krabbé, Lisa Eichhorn, Karen Allen, Spalding Gray, and Elizabeth McGovern.
Is King of the Hill (1993) worth watching?
*King of the Hill* is a quietly powerful drama that shines for its authentic portrayal of resilience and childhood innocence in hard times. While not a high-energy spectacle, its thoughtful storytelling and strong performances make it a rewarding watch for fans of character-driven historical films.
How long is King of the Hill?
The runtime for *King of the Hill* is 103 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About King of the Hill (1993) — A coming-of-age tale set in the Great Depression era
Directed by Steven Soderbergh, *King of the Hill (1993)* immerses viewers in the stark realism of the Great Depression through the eyes of Aaron Kurlander, a resilient 12-year-old boy left to fend for himself in a rundown St. Louis hotel. His mother is confined to a tuberculosis sanatorium, his father—a German immigrant salesman—travels endlessly, and the city's economic collapse forces the boy to navigate a harsh adult world with wits and courage. As Aaron trades eggs for groceries, befriends eccentric tenants, and outsmarts bullies, the film paints a poignant portrait of childhood resilience amid societal collapse. Soderbergh's understated direction and Jesse Bradford's heartfelt performance capture the era's desperation and the unshakable hope that defines the human spirit in adversity.
Set against the backdrop of 1930s America, *King of the Hill* explores themes of isolation, survival, and the fragile bonds that tie families together. The hotel becomes a microcosm of society's fraying edges, where economic hardship and personal struggles collide. With a backdrop of jazz-era music and period-accurate details, the film balances gritty realism with moments of warmth, revealing how even in the darkest times, kindness and ingenuity can light the way forward.