The 33 (Patricia Riggen, 2015) USA | Chile

A very suspensful and dramatic film aimed at revealing the truth behind the collapse of the San Jose gold mine in Northern Chile, in 2010. The mine left 33 stranded and questioning their future. With only enough food to sustain three days the men were forced to ration out what was left. While the men were trapped underground, Codelco the state mining company brought in U.S., Canadian, and British forces in order to sufficiently drill. While the men above ground deal with angry and questioning families, men below struggle with starvation and emotional stability. With the direction of Mario Sepulveda played by Antonio Banderas the men are able to stay tranquil and optimistic.

The reality behind the deceitful mine owner was shown as many came to know that the San Jose mine was unstable and the territory was unsuitable for the men. After the collapse of the mine government action was taken and the safety of the men was put in someone else’s hands. Families and national support helped drive the mission to bring “The 33” back to stable ground. At day 12 of survival the men were located and resources were provided to the men trapped, however it takes a while to drill 2,300 feet below earth wide enough to bring up a grown man. The quest continues as mining drills fail and the men start to question if they will ever see daylight again. Will they make it to their striving families? or will the mine swallow these men forever?