The Hills Run Red

The Hills Run Red

Year: 1966

Runtime: 89 mins

Language: Italian

Director: Carlo Lizzani

ActionDramaWestern

After the Civil War, two soldiers return with a hoard of stolen money but are stopped by Union troops. One escapes, the other is sentenced to five years in prison, where he spends the time planning revenge against his former partner. Upon release he finds his wife dead in poverty and learns his ex‑comrade has become a regional power, backed by a ruthless band of gunmen.

The Hills Run Red (1966) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at The Hills Run Red (1966) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the turbulent aftermath of the Civil War, two weary veterans slip back into a fractured nation clutching a hidden hoard of stolen money. Their return is met with the uneasy presence of Union troops still trying to impose order on a landscape scarred by conflict. The uneasy alliance between law and outlaw creates a tense, almost palpable atmosphere where loyalty is as fragile as the cracked roads they travel.

The story follows the escaped soldier, who manages to slip away from the Union’s grasp, and the imprisoned soldier, who is sentenced to five years behind bars. While confinement isolates him from the world, it also becomes a crucible for a relentless plan of retribution. Within the stark walls of the prison, his thoughts turn inward, shaping a quiet but fierce resolve that will drive him long after his release. The tone here is one of simmering dread, a slow‑burning resolve that mirrors the harsh, unforgiving environment of post‑war America.

When the sentence finally ends, the escaped soldier returns to a life that has crumbled beyond recognition. He discovers his wife reduced to poverty and learns that his former comrade has risen to become a regional power, surrounded by a ruthless band of gunmen who enforce a new, brutal order. The world he once knew has transformed into a shadowy realm where money, power, and vengeance intersect, setting the stage for a stark confrontation between past promises and the harsh realities of a country still healing from its wounds.

Last Updated: December 04, 2025 at 23:24

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Brutal revenge stories like The Hills Run Red

A relentless, violent pursuit of vengeance that consumes everything in its path.For viewers who liked the grim vengeance quest in 'The Hills Run Red,' this section features movies with similar themes. Find similar Westerns and action dramas where a betrayal ignites a relentless, violent spiral. If you liked the heavy emotional weight and bleak ending, you'll find more movies like it here.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a simple yet powerful arc: a grievous wrong is committed, setting the protagonist on a bloody, single-minded path to vengeance. The journey is linear and focused, with each obstacle overcome through escalating violence, ultimately leading to a conclusion that questions the very value of the revenge sought.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a core focus on the emotional and physical toll of revenge. They are united by a dark tone, high intensity, fast pacing that matches the protagonist's urgency, and a heavy emotional weight stemming from loss and brutality. The endings are often bleak, emphasizing the destructive nature of the quest.

Gothic Western family secrets like in The Hills Run Red

Dark secrets fester within a powerful, isolated family, leading to violent collapse.If you were fascinated by the dark family secrets and psychological torment in 'The Hills Run Red,' explore this collection. Discover similar drama Westerns and thrillers about powerful families corrupted by hidden atrocities. These movies like 'The Hills Run Red' share a complex, dark narrative and a heavy, unsettling mood.

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Narrative Summary

The plot revolves around an outsider or a returning figure uncovering the dark history of a powerful, isolated family or individual. The narrative is often complex, peeling back layers of deception to reveal foundational sins like betrayal, murder, or exploitation. The revelation leads to a violent confrontation and the inevitable collapse of the corrupted power structure.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread are connected by their exploration of psychological torment buried beneath a facade of power. They share a dark, often bleak tone, high intensity from the threat of exposure, and complex narratives that unfold family mysteries. The emotional weight is heavy, dealing with disturbing themes and a claustrophobic, obsessive mood.

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The Hills Run Red Summary

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The Hills Run Red Summary

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The Hills Run Red Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Hills Run Red

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Hills Run Red

More About The Hills Run Red

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