Sports dramas, thrilling suspense and heartbreaking stories abound in Netflix‘s catalog. Therefore, it’s no surprise that the new most-watched movie on the platform in the United States belongs to one of these genres.
The title that has solidified its position as number one in the top 10 is “The Hill“, starring Dennis Quaid and Colin Ford in 2023, becoming a worldwide success. Jeff Celentano (Gunshy and Breaking Point) directed the film.
The narrative, written by Angelo Pizzo (My All-American) and Scott Marshall Smith (Men of Honor), is based on the extraordinary true story of Rickey Hill‘s unlikely journey to play in Major League Baseball.
The Hill is the number 1 movie on Netflix US
The Hill has not only become the most-watched sports drama in the catalog this week but also holds the top spot for the most-viewed movies on Netflix in the United States, according to the specialized site Flix Patrol. In just a few days, it surpassed other titles like “Dumb Money” and “The Legend of Tarzan”.
Mason Gillett, Tyrik Johnson, Jesse Berry and Ian Reichert in The Hill. (Source: IMDb)
The story has captured the attention of users, not only due to the extensive cast of stars but also because it is based on true events. Dennis Quaid (Far from Heaven) takes on the lead role as Pastor Hill, while Colin Ford (Push, Under the Dome and We Bought a Zoo) portrays Rickey Hill himself.
Drama, emotion, resilience, effort and perseverance characterize the narrative, which is full of intriguing twists and complex characters that shape the plot. The two main stars were accompanied by Joelle Carter, Scott Glenn, Siena Bjornerud, Ryan Dinning and more.
What is The Hill’s story based on?
The story of The Hill is based on real events, according to IMDb and the official Netflix site, and it portrays the life of Rickey Hill, who overcomes a physical disability to audition to become a legendary talent scout for Major League Baseball.
The athlete carried the weight of various orthopedic devices connecting his legs. From a young age, he grew up dreaming of becoming a professional baseball player, but many told him that this would not be possible due to his condition.
However, against all odds, the son of a Baptist preacher trusted in “God’s plan” and did not let himself be intimidated by his limitations. At just eight years old, he said goodbye to the braces that straightened his legs and began to practice.
The devices he used helped straighten his legs, as he was born with his legs twisted around each other. In an interview with CBN, the star confessed, “I didn’t have a disc in the spine. People didn’t realize I was born without a disc. My grandmother and great-grandmother are in wheelchairs; I had never seen them differently, and I was going in the same direction”.
Thanks to his determination and talent, he earned a tryout with the Montreal Expos at the age of 19. There, he played four seasons in minor league baseball. Red Murff discovered him and later described him as “the purest hitter I had ever seen”, according to USA Today.
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Hill only bid farewell to the sport when his health prevented him from continuing the way he wanted. “I never gave up hope and faith and went through major surgeries that gave me back my legs. … I have nine screws in my spine; I have six cages and a 14-inch rod that keeps me together. And today, I am very grateful”, he confessed.
