127 Hours - A Movie Review

We are all stronger than we believe. Never give up the greatest fight for survival.

Based on true events, 127 Hours was released to theaters in 2010. Aron Ralston is trapped in a cave in a deserted hiking area in Moab, Utah. His arm is stuck behind a boulder, he has little water, and worse - nobody knows where he is. In the fight for survival, Aron grapples to free himself.

127 Hours felt like I was watching the true events of Aron Ralston’s harrowing predicament. Yes, the film is that authentic. 127 Hours is a gripping feature, containing a remarkable moral that we can survive the impossible.

James Franco’s portrayal was so genuine that the actual Aron Ralston broke into tears at the film’s premiere. Franco’s energy consumes the screen. Immediately, we see who Aron is. Struggling to survive this predicament, Aron’s survivalist skills are inspiring. If you are ever in a situation like this, you can take away skills from Ralston.

Franco had to put himself in another mindset due to the claustrophobic set. Some days he spends hours hunkered in this set. Before filming, Franco briefly met with the real Ralston to discuss the experience.

127 Hours acquires a minimal cast of characters. It does not matter how small your part is. Everyone leaves a mark. Amber Tamblyn and Kate Mara had the opportunity to tag along on a fun adventure through the canyons. Real friends and family of Aron make appearances.

Cinematography is a character of its own. Filmmakers captured glorious shots of the desert areas. In a way, the film bears two tones. At first, the shots of the picturesque canyon spoil viewers to go on a hiking trip right now. But that’s not the only message the film warns.

Ralston’s lonely world is interlaced with shots that implement how trapped he is. The camera does not travel far from Aron. The editing is also noteworthy. Filmmakers especially did a great job recapturing Ralston’s video diary. It’s impressive how filmmakers copied every meticulous detail.

For one crucial scene in the film, David Boyle was extremely careful in the way he filmed it. With the way he shot it, the scene could have gone in the wrong direction. At the premiere of the film, some audiences fainted from the grueling images presented onscreen.

Hear me out, 127 Hours is not the movie for you if blood and gore make you squeamish. Seriously, the film does not shy away from an awful surgery.

Boyle chose the right footage for the film, studying the story closely. Unlike how most films decide to fabricate nonsensical storylines into a film based on true events, Boyle did not do that. He wanted Aron’s story to touch audiences.

David Boyle went for realism. He let Franco act what felt natural to the situation. The actual camera that Aron logged his daily activities in was used for the film. Not only did 127 Hours bring Aron’s story to life, but Boyle also made a film about survival.

Survival is not easy. Get yourself into the right mindset and be prepared to make any sacrifices. Aron Ralston’s predicament taught me one lesson. Don’t ever go somewhere without telling anybody.

The film tends to become tedious, particularly in the middle half. We get that Aron is in an awful situation. Although it is necessary because nobody wants a scenario like this to happen to them.

I’ll warn you that 127 Hours is not for the faint of heart. Prepare yourself for gory images. 127 Hours is a great survival film that draws attention to an incredibly brave man.