127 Hours Review

• 2nd Jun 2011

127 Hrs tells the true life story of a modern day adventurer, Aron Ralston – seeking thrills and spills through biking, rock climbing and various outdoor sports. But fate calls when he (played wonderfully by James Franco) becomes trapped in a rock crevice by a boulder. With his arm locked between a rock and a hard place he contemplates his life as the hours and days begin to pass.

The film has had much recognition from critics and audiences and it’s not hard to fathom why. Franco starts this film in high almost egotistical spirits and ends up with that very spirit crushed beyond all belief and with no-one to blame or even cry to. He vents all of his emotional frustration on his video camera that he has on him – even eventually leaving messages for his family in one of the films more touching moments.

Danny Boyle has a habit of tackling different genres of film, but ultimately he does return to films about the human spirit and human survival – two things literally at the heart of this story. What he conjures up next.

Those a bit squeamish may want to take caution from certain moments that require a strong stomach. This may not be a horror film, but sometimes the documentary/real life approach is much more impactful on the eyes and ears. But it is ultimately a liberating experience, both for man and the viewer.

Steven Hurst