Review of The 33 (2015) by Quincytheodore — 30 Nov 2015

A solid entry of cinematic biography from ordinary men, much more accessible than, yet equally grounded in reality as the collapsed mine.

Taking a true story event as theme of a movie can be challenging, audience who followed the actual incident might already know the story. However, The 33 delivers a sincere and detailed account without being too overbearing. On contradictory, it has a fairly lighthearted tone to the whole affair as to present it with poise and optimism instead of melancholy.

Some might already know the tale of miners trapped in Chile mine five years ago. The situation spanned for about two months as the rescuers tried to dig their way through the collapsed mine, while the world interacted with the miners via most unusual webcam chat. The movie captures the spirit of the event, both its tragic moments and surprisingly serendipitous festive atmosphere.

The visual is pretty nice, not many viewers realize in what space the miners were trapped. The film makes a fairly meticulous depiction, not just a simple pit hole, but more of a subterranean barrack. View of the underground settlement and outside desert are presented with fine cinematography. It's a refined look although still identifiable without being too glossy.

This is a character driven story, which gives ample opportunity for the actors to shine. Antonio Banderas as Mario is a convincing leader role. He's a veteran actor who knows how to deliver reaction in a realistically rugged manner and makes it presentable for viewer. Lou Diamond Phillips, James Brolin and many other round up the crew of the miners while Rodrigo Santoro plays as the Laurence, the representative of government who is more optimistic and considerate than when he donned Xerxes’ role.

These miners are rough men, working in extreme condition, but the most drama comes from when they must face with the anguish and desperation as they realize they might face their own demises. It humanizes them more than the blue collar label ever does. While it may have several dramatic moments, the movie keeps an overall positive tone, evidently shown with a rather merry soundtrack.

The 33 is a compelling story of ordinary men in extreme situation, it is above all a tale of hope, much more accessible than, yet equally grounded in reality as the collapsed mine.