Movie: The 33
Direction: Patricia Riggen
Cast: Antonio Banderas, Rodrigo Santoro, Juliette Binoche, James Brolin, Lou Diamond Phillips, Mario Casas, Juan Pablo Raba, Kate del Castillo, Cote de Pablo, Bob Gunton, Gabriel Byrne
Music: James Horner
Cinematographer: Checco Varese
Editor: Michael Tronick
Genre: Drama, History, Biography
Rating: ∗∗∗
What is it about: It’s a biographical drama based on the real events from the 2010 mining disaster, in which 33 miners get trapped for 69 days. Their survival and rescue operation forms the crux of the story directed by Patricia Riggen.
Why it’s disappointing: There was this thing, which I felt was not focused enough. The characters were many, but there were few which could have been highlighted and could have given little more depth. Which would have established a character to the situation, giving the right perspective. For instance the role of Antonia Banderas as Mario Sepúlveda could have been extended with little more drama, which would have made a little difference making it more realistic.
What to watch out for: The film moves around a contained space few minutes in to the movie, which was well derived and had a good balance of narration keeping it grim all the time. The director did not exploit much with the true events, kept it simple and conveyed the story in a subtle way.
All the characters in the movie did an equal job with no difference. Antonio Banderas was seen in a lead role after a long time, still has the panache he did back then, did a commendable job.
The film had a great ensemble of cast Juliette Binoche, Lou Diamond Philips, Rodrigo Santoro, and Gabriel Byrne. The film had another character which made this one a credible one and that would the sets erected for the movie. Which were authentic, giving you the actual feeling with the miners in it.
The cinematography by Checco Varese was a good one, kept those dark corners lit well giving a plausible viewing experience. The film was well cut by Michael Tronick, he kept it sharp and sweet. The score by Late. James Horner was a stirring one and the team gave a tribute at the end of the film.
While the credits are rolling you get introduced to the actual 33 miners with their respective names played in the movie.
Verdict: Patricia Riggen did a good job in telling a story of survival and humanity. This was well supported by a great ensemble of cast, who brought the authentic feel to the movie, which was bit dramatized with clichés, making “The 33” a good watch.
