SLIFF 2015 Review – THE 33

Here’s a docudrama unique in the long history of films “inspired by true events”. It seemed that during the actual event, many in the media remarked that it was “tailor-made” for the movies, some even speculated, and offered suggestions, on casting. The story captured the attention of the world for several weeks into months, just five years ago. And now that motion picture has finally come to pass. The harrowing ordeal of the Chilean miners is told in the film titled after them, for around the world they were  known as THE 33. The story begins the day before the ordeal, at a party thrown by Mario Sepulveda (Antonio Banderas) as he pleads with a mine supervisor to give him tomorrow morning’s shift (foreshadowing). Early the next day, we ride along on the bus as they pick up the daytime mining crew. One man regales his co-workers with Elvis Presley trivia and snippets of classic tunes. An old-timer is congratulated on his upcoming retirement (just gotta’ sign the papers). The womanizer Yonni (Oscar Nunez) breaks up a fight between his wife and mistress before he boards the bus. Alcoholic Dario (Juan Pablo Raca) tumbles off the park bench just in time to catch a ride as his older sister Maria (Juliette Binoche) gazes sadly at her estranged sibling. Arriving at the site, the crew’s  safety supervisor Luis (Lou Diamond Phillips) complains to the mine foreman about the shifting rocks to no avail. Not long after the mountain does give way, trapping the men in the “ready room” with little food and water, miles below the surface (the main rock atop them is twice the size of the Empire State Building) In the next few hours, the miners’ families gather at the gate, demanding answers. The  Chilean president sends an eager young aide, Laurence (Rodrigo Santoro) to calm the crowds. Eventually rescue teams from around the globe converge on the mine site with massive drills in an effort to reach those trapped before they run out of time.

Director Patricia Riggen, along with her  screenwriting team wrangle suspense, heartache, and, yes, humor from this crackling true tale. The energetic performances of Banderas, Binoche, and Gabriel Byrne (as one of the rescue drill captains) elevate the film from standard “ripped from the headlines” TV cable fare. Happily Riggen knows just how to balance the pace between those waiting and the men below. One of the best moments occurs when the men sit down to digest what they believe to be their last meal. Instead of the watered-down tuna they imagine their favorite mouth-watering delicacies served by their much-missed loved ones. A very funny and touching moment as the men battle the intense heat, hunger, and a descent into hopelessness that could lead to madness. THE 33 is an entertaining, inspiring tale of determination and courage.

THE 33 screens at Landmark’s Tivoli Theatre on Saturday, November 7 at 7:30 PM as part of the 24th Annual Whitaker St Louis International Film Festival. Purchase tickets here