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| Edited By: Bryan Durham |Source: DNA |Updated: Jan 15, 2016, 08:37 PM IST
Film: The 33
Director: Patricia Riggen
Cast: Antonio Banderas, Juliette Binoche, Rodrigo Santoro, Lou Diamond Philips, Bob Gunton, Gabriel Bryne
Rating: ***
What it's about: The events in this story begin at the retirement party of the oldest of the said 33 miners. Once back at the private mine in the Attacama Desert in Chile, they get back to work, unaware of the impending danger, as brought to the attention of the manager by the supervisor, who's concerned for the safety of the men under his command. The men will work deep in the bowels of the earth, with the only a safe haven called 'The Refuge' underground, in case something were to go wrong.
And of course, something does. Pretty darn soon, too. They've barely started work and their entire world comes crashing down around them, quite literally. They somehow reach the Refuge, aware of the inevitable. Hoping against hope, they wait.
Meanwhile, Chile's Minister for Mines, a man four months into the job, briefs his boss, the President about the situation. Initially unsympathetic, he advises his minister against taking a decidedly private matter (in his opinion) into the government's purview, but later accedes. As the Minister reaches the mine, he is accosted by angry families expectant for an answer and are getting none. He finds the mine company doesn't care about its employees at all and would rather resign them to their fate. Will he let it pass or do his best to help them out?
What's hot: You're introduced to the most significant names on the list in the most natural, slice-of-life way possible and in doing so, come to build an intimate connection with them quite quickly. You laugh with them and worry almost immediately and know—given the running time—that this might well be a long haul. It helps to have the likes of veterans like Banderas and Diamond Philips on board, who have acted in personal/community dramas before. James Horner's music and a few background tunes set the tone of the movie and, despite the dark times, is always expectant and always hopeful.The photography by Checco Varese is competent. And that 'last supper' scene, Ms Riggen? It's pure gold. Loved it. Don't miss it.
What's not: There's an inherent anticipation that things will go south. It is a mine after all. There will be heavy drama as the action wears on, over and underground. While Bryne, Gunton and indeed Binoche are all pretty fine actors, one questions their presence in the film. None of them belong to the region— Binoche is French, Gunton is American and Bryne is Irish. They try to put on an accent and keep returning to a neutral place, sooner rather than later.
What to do: All's well that ends well. And while it is a little too long, unnecessarily sentimental and winding in places, things do build to a satisfying ending. Perfect outing if you're into stories of survival.
