Aron Lee Ralston’s father loved taking him on hiking trips which sparked in him a great interest for hiking and mountaineering. Ralston, played by James Franco in his most dramatic role to date, decides to go on a hiking trip to Blue John Canyon in Utah. He does not let anybody know where he is going and for how long. This is mistake number one. Mistake number two is when we see him packing and he forgets his pocket knife.
While on his journey he comes across two women, Megan (Amber Tamblyn) and Kristi (Kate Mara) They are unsure of which direction they need to go, so Aron decides to be their tour guide. The trio become fast friends, sharing in the last bit of levity in the film before Ralston continues on his solitary adventure. He comes across an interesting ravine that he wants to explore but ends up falling with a boulder that wedges between his right forearm and the rock wall. After countless attempts, he is unable to move the boulder and free himself.
He soon realizes that this is a bad situation that may even result in his death. He has very little food and knows he has to ration his water intake. He has his camera with which we watch him record his goodbyes to family and friends. Without giving away the rest of the story, the audience is held captivated by Ralston’s next 127 hours, condensed to an hour of movie time that paints a vivid picture of one man’s sheer determination and will to live. A couple of days into his ordeal, when he is finished sipping the last of his water, he takes drastic measures to stay hydrated. Soon, with no more food, water, strength and with every second taking him further and further away from reality and closer to delirium, he has a vision. That vision leads him to a decision so extreme, it will leave many viewers wondering if they themselves could make that same decision in the name of sheer survival.
I guess you can say that this story is literally about a man stuck between a rock and a hard place. (Well, that is the title of the book this movie is based on.) But in all seriousness, this is a very moving and inspiring true story. Danny Boyle directed a well-chosen cast and captured stunning cinematography. An amazing true story that should not be missed, I must say that this movie stayed with me long after watching it. Please be advised, viewers may be disturbed by some very graphic scenes.
