“The Night of The Hunter” directed by Charles Laughton is a near perfect film. The visuals are striking and elegant. The cinematography moved me especially. The river scenes with the animals are incredibly gorgeous. Mitchum’s performance is creepy, and intense. But the real standout is the performance by John the boy. Lillian Gish also shines as the old lady with the big heart. It’s a tad bit melodramatic, but one of the finest American films i’ve had the pleasure of viewing recently.

4 stars