Intro and Plot Summary"The 33" is a 2015 English-language film based on the real-life events of the 2010 Copiapó mining mishap in Chile, where 33 miners were caught underground for 69 days. The survival drama is directed by Patricia Riggen, while the movie script is adjusted from Hector Tobar's book "Deep Down Dark: The Untold Stories of 33 Men Buried in a Chilean Mine, and the Miracle That Set Them Free".
Story and CharacterizationThe movie focuses around the deadly struggle faced by the miners, focusing on the days they spent caught in the mine and how they handled to endure against all chances. The storyline uses a poignant look at their psychological and psychological journeys and how they keep their hopes alive in the face of almost certain death.
The film enters into depth to depict the lives of a few of the miners such as Luís Urzúa (played by Lou Diamond Phillips), "Super Mario" Sepúlveda (Antonio Banderas), and Álex Vega (Mario Casas), revealing their guts, determination, and faith in the face of adversity. It also represents the desperate efforts from the outdoors world, led by Chile's Minister of Mining Laurence Golborne (Rodrigo Santoro) and the drilling professional Andre Sougarret (Gabriel Byrne).
Representation of Survival and Brotherhood"The 33" effectively provides styles of survival, brotherhood, and hope. The caught miners attempt to save their meager food supplies, allocating just a spoonful of tuna and a shot glass of milk to each individual per day, to endure. The film stresses the strong brotherhood formed amongst the miners as they remain united, argue, sing, and laugh, promising to share the story jointly if they ever make it out alive.
Rescue Operation and ConclusionThe rescue was considered difficult at first due to the 700,000-ton rock (two times the size of the Empire State building) that obstructed the miners' exit. Regardless of the chances, under Golborne and Sougarret's leadership, an effective borehole is made to the miners' sanctuary after several failed attempts. The massive international rescue effort is projected through scenes showing modern technology and resources from numerous countries released together to drill the borehole.
Eventually, all the miners are hoisted to the surface safely, one by one, through a rescue capsule specially designed for the mission, a wonder that was commemorated worldwide. The film ends with the showing of the real footage of the miners kept at Copiapó's local hospital after the rescue and the note that they didn't receive any settlement from the mining company.
General Analysis"The 33" received mixed reviews, with critics praising its true representation of the remarkable survival story and commendable efficiencies, while others claimed it lacked psychological depth. However, it's a heartrending narrative of human spirit, durability, and survival, a memorable saga that illustrates a victorious tale of guys against the disastrous forces of nature.
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