Watch Deliverance

Deliverance, released in 1972, is a gritty survival thriller directed by John Boorman and starring Jon Voight, Burt Reynolds, Ned Beatty, and Ronny Cox. The film follows four suburbanite men from Atlanta - Ed Gentry (Voight), Lewis Medlock (Reynolds), Bobby Trippe (Beatty), and Drew Ballinger (Cox) - as they embark on a canoe trip along the Cahulawassee River in the Appalachian Mountains. What was supposed to be a harmless weekend adventure quickly turns into a nightmare as they encounter treacherous rapids, hostile locals, and the primal forces of nature.

At the heart of Deliverance is a tale of masculinity, violence, and the struggle for survival. The film explores the tension between city and country, civilization and wilderness, as the four city dwellers find themselves pitted against the harsh realities of the natural world. They are forced to fend for themselves against the river's currents, the dangers of the unknown landscape, and the brutality of the locals who inhabit it.

One of the film's most iconic scenes involves a brutal rape that befalls one of the main characters. This scene has been the subject of much controversy and debate, with some critics accusing the film of glorifying male violence and rape culture. However, many others have argued that the scene is a powerful and necessary commentary on the deadly consequences of toxic masculinity and aggression.

Deliverance also boasts a haunting and unforgettable score by composer Eric Weissberg, including the iconic "Dueling Banjos" that is an enduring part of American pop culture.

Overall, Deliverance is a powerful and unflinching portrait of the primal forces that lie beneath the surface of civilization. It is a gripping and thought-provoking film that remains a potent exploration of the human desire to conquer and survive in the face of danger and uncertainty.

In conclusion, Deliverance is a must-watch for fans of survival thrillers, as well as for anyone interested in exploring the darker side of human nature. It is a film that will linger in your memory long after the credits roll, a testament to the enduring power of great cinema.

Deliverance is a 1972 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7 and a MetaScore of 80.