Thursday, February 3, 2011

127 Hours (2010)

The more I think about this movie, the more I like it. It was a great story of grit and determination. James Franco is one of the best younger actors in film today. And THAT scene isn't as terrible as had been reported.

Based on a true story: Aron Ralston (Franco) is an avid climber and adventurer who just loves to go out and create new nature challenges for himself everyday. Often times, he sacrifices his relationships, especially with his family, to do so. One day, he takes to a canyon he'd climbed through before to see if he could do it again. This time, a rock he takes footing on dislodges and the two start falling down the crevasse and Ralston's arm becomes wedged between the canyon wall and the boulder. He's stuck. He relentlessly tries to free himself by trying to shove, lift and chisel away at the thing. All come to no avail. Thus begins the longest five days of his life. He tries to rationalize the situation, but as time progresses, he starts to hallucinate. Also, his food and water supply are beginning to run out. He's got one option and it's not to die.

Franco was great and since it's been talked about to death, and it's a true story, I think I can say everyone knows Aron cuts off his arm to live. The scene was graphic, but so beautifully shot that it implies just as much as it shows. I cringed, but I was nowhere near passing out like some people did in theaters. There is so much will-power that's clearly visible in the performance that I just keep watching the last 20 minutes over and over again. A must watch film that's worthy of a Best Picture nomination. Grade: A-

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