The 33 (2015; Chile, USA) depicts an event that happened in Chile six years ago, when a gold and copper mine collapsed. Thirty-three miners were stranded inside the mine as a salvaging attempt began.

According to the film, mining accidents happen with regularity throughout the world. This Chilean one was covered in the media quite heavily, perhaps more than others.

It was suspense in real life. Families of the miners camped outside and waited for any signs that their beloved were being saved. They waited for a long time, indeed, but never gave up hope.

For the purposes of a review, I shouldn’t reveal what happened. But it has been well covered in other media, as the event unfolded.

The 33, the film

The film opens with vistas of Chilean wilderness near the mine. Despite this wilderness setting, seeing it is a taste of a beautiful country. Of course, the scenes in the mine would be grittier. There are temptations to cannibalism (which is swiftly and rightly rebuked) and a scene of fantasizing about exotic food, and more.

The 33 does not settle on the negative of human predicament. There are moments of faith and prayer for a way out and there is even testimony to God’s presence. There is camaraderie between workers, or ‘brothers’, in their sixty-nine days in the mine.

Scenes are divided between the mine and the outside world. Outside, there is a salvaging attempt going on, that goes as high up as the government. The film also tells personal stories.

Notes:

Now available on DVD/Blu-ray

Starring: Antonio Banderas (Mario), Lou Diamond Phillips (Don), Juliette Binoche (Maria), Gabriel Byrne (Andre)

Director: Patricia Riggen (‘Miracles from Heaven’)

Based on the book by Hector Tobar