The story is quite simple. Aron Ralston ( James Franco in a performance to be remembered as one of the dynamic tour de force's of cinema history) is climbing through "canyonland" (Utah), when a rock falls and pins his arm against a rock wall. Aron Ralston endured for 127 hours in this small ravine with little provisions and equipment. Now if you don't know the story (seems unlikely at this point), stop reading and go see this movie. Aron Ralston would only be able to escape by cutting off his own arm with inadequate tools. However what's to say what leads up to this point is interesting. The film still needs to tell 126 hours of Aron trapped there. That's where the genious of the film comes in. Danny Boyle and his surreal mind has made the perfect mix between the realistic portrait of the ordeal, and a kinetic trip of entertainment.
Flashbacks, strange images, and just bizarre moments make the story a wonder to watch. Aron remembers parts of his childhood, the amazement of seeing the sunrise of the Grand Canyon (I presume). He thinks of the two girls (Kate Mara and Amber Tamblyn) he met just before the entrapment, and the party the threw with a huge inflatable Scooby Doo in front. Most importantly he reflects on his ex-girlfriend Rana (The gorgeous Clemence Poesy), the ups and downs of their lives. While trapped Aron has an epiphany of sorts. His entire life he has believed he can do everything on his own. Aron is shown alone many times in the movie (hell, the opening is dozens to hundreds of people doing various things and Aron alone in his apartment). He has walled himself up and like the rock binding him, he is trapped. He sees that every move in his life has led to the moment. That this rock was waiting to ensnare him, that Aron was born just to be trapped there. Without trying to give away to much, Aron frees himself and after walking a mile or two finds other people. He yells "I need help!". His physical self needs the attention of medical aid, his mental/emotional self has come to terms with that he has to let others in on his life.
"127 Hours" is Danny Boyle's best movie (Trainspotting will being my personal favorite still) and only he could have made this such a great movie. From the electrifying soundtrack (Sigur Ros's Festival makes you feel like a winner), to a dynamic behind the camera work the movie has it all. Editing and cinematography keep the movie flowing in a constant stream, never making one bad scene. "127 Hours" sits at the #3 spot on my top ten of 2010 movies and rightfully so. It's a true triumph of the human spirit and will make every part of your body sing in joy.
10/10
Recommendation: anyone and everyone
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