365 reviews
A fantastic, no-nonsense re-telling of a real rescue incident! [+78%]
Maybe, it helps that I didn't watch The Rescue prior to seeing the film, but Ron Howard's work is excellent nonetheless. The film doesn't waste any time getting to its "rescue mission" core, bringing in the likes of Viggo Mortensen, Colin Farrell, and eventually Joel Edgerton to help tell this thrilling and utterly grounded tale. Howard ensures that the film doesn't forget where it is set, allowing the region's culture to breathe life into its Thai characters as opposed to showcasing just white sentiment.
The major highlight, as you expect, is the underwater cinematography (by Sayombhu Mukdeeprom) which plays an essential role in making us gasp for breath often and inducing claustrophobic feels. William Nicholson's script plays out chronologically, adding more gravity to the events. The melodrama is kept to a bare minimum, and the narrative is very matter-of-fact. Benjamin Wallfisch's score infuses itself into the fantastic sound design, making it indistinguishable from the sounds of water splashing, diving helmets hitting rock, and oxygen cylinders being dragged along. It's 2.5 hours long, and you already know the ending, but it's still one of the finest films this year.
The major highlight, as you expect, is the underwater cinematography (by Sayombhu Mukdeeprom) which plays an essential role in making us gasp for breath often and inducing claustrophobic feels. William Nicholson's script plays out chronologically, adding more gravity to the events. The melodrama is kept to a bare minimum, and the narrative is very matter-of-fact. Benjamin Wallfisch's score infuses itself into the fantastic sound design, making it indistinguishable from the sounds of water splashing, diving helmets hitting rock, and oxygen cylinders being dragged along. It's 2.5 hours long, and you already know the ending, but it's still one of the finest films this year.
- arungeorge13
- Aug 4, 2022
- Permalink
Human peril - human interest
Despite the fact the we all know how things are going to turn out, Ron Howard pulls off the same trick he managed in Apollo 13, which is to keep us on the edge of our seats throughout.
The film is very deliberately shot from the point of view of the outside world. We learn very little about the boys, and none is introduced to us as an individual. Indeed, they vanish from the screen from the moment they enter the caves to the moment the first divers make contact - just as they vanished in real life. I was irked by this approach at first - the boys being reduced to mere ciphers, but then it dawned on me that that's what they were to the news-feeds of the time: twelve unknown boys (plus their coach) trapped in cave in a country a long way away.
The performances are excellent throughout, the direction first-class, and the sense of claustrophobia almost overwhelming at times. I admit to wondering whether there would be a side-swipe at Elon Musk for being a publicity-seeking nuisance, but there wasn't. This was probably the right decision.
Any time I turn on the news, I can hear about humanity at its worst. It's nice to hear the odd story about humanity at its best.
The film is very deliberately shot from the point of view of the outside world. We learn very little about the boys, and none is introduced to us as an individual. Indeed, they vanish from the screen from the moment they enter the caves to the moment the first divers make contact - just as they vanished in real life. I was irked by this approach at first - the boys being reduced to mere ciphers, but then it dawned on me that that's what they were to the news-feeds of the time: twelve unknown boys (plus their coach) trapped in cave in a country a long way away.
The performances are excellent throughout, the direction first-class, and the sense of claustrophobia almost overwhelming at times. I admit to wondering whether there would be a side-swipe at Elon Musk for being a publicity-seeking nuisance, but there wasn't. This was probably the right decision.
Any time I turn on the news, I can hear about humanity at its worst. It's nice to hear the odd story about humanity at its best.
Really, really good
This was better than expected. Could have gone sideways in so many fashions but resists at every turn to become soapish or maudlin or fall into action flick tropes but it does not. In Ron Howard's able hands this amazing true story comes alive with intrigue and emotion. And clocking in at 2 1/2 hours, for me it did not feel overlong or slow.
- user-35583
- Aug 7, 2022
- Permalink
Attention to details and perfectly portraying all the drama that surrounded the rescue makes this movie so good.
I am Thai and I went through that time with my eyes glued to news channels and reports. Knowing the outcome doesn't effect the experience much at all. That's how good they made this movie. All the details, the sacrifices, the volunteering and the effort portrayed in this movie was just superb. Ron Howard's Apollo 13 comes to mind. We all knew the outcome but damn were we still on the edge of our seats.
Excellent performances
Once again Viggo and Colin prove they're among the best in the business. Farrell is so good at transforming himself and he's consistent here. The movie takes few if any liberties for the sake of drama but maintains a taught narrative throughout.
What the divers achieved in that rescue was nothing short of a miracle and kudos to Howard for crafting a movie that gives this story all the respect it's due.
What the divers achieved in that rescue was nothing short of a miracle and kudos to Howard for crafting a movie that gives this story all the respect it's due.
- jaimemedina-36288
- Aug 4, 2022
- Permalink
July 2018, Thailand, 12 boys and their soccer coach were stranded in a cave.
Now in 2022 it seems such a short time ago, in June 2018, when news around the world announced that twelve young boys and their soccer coach were trapped in a Thailand cave, trapped by excess rain and rising water. The trip to them was over a mile and took several hours by experienced divers.
This is Ron Howard's movie about that event and eventual rescue in July, using a technique that had never been tried. So great was the fear of killing the boys the government provided diplomatic immunity to several rescuers in case all or most of the boys died. But they viewed it as their only option, soon the monsoon season would arrive and eliminate all chances of rescuing them alive.
It is a really good movie, a bit long at 2 1/2 hours, but my wife and I enjoyed it, at home streaming on Amazon Prime.
This is Ron Howard's movie about that event and eventual rescue in July, using a technique that had never been tried. So great was the fear of killing the boys the government provided diplomatic immunity to several rescuers in case all or most of the boys died. But they viewed it as their only option, soon the monsoon season would arrive and eliminate all chances of rescuing them alive.
It is a really good movie, a bit long at 2 1/2 hours, but my wife and I enjoyed it, at home streaming on Amazon Prime.
A wonderful tribute so some incredibly brave and innovative heros and a tale of great survival in the face of near certain death
A wonderful tribute so some incredibly brave and innovative heros and a tale of great survival in the face of near certain death 13 lives tows the line well between being an entertaining action thriller and an honest depiction of sensational events. Viggo Mortensen and Colin Farrell both play their roles of expert British cave divers with a suprising amount of honesty and restraint which allows Howard's direction and the story of the Thai Navy Seals involvement to have its time in the spotlight but it is hard to overcome a feeling that the movie feels a little whitewashed focusing most of its energy on the two white characters in an otherwise entirely Thai rescue effort. The film does drag a little due to its runtime and the cave diving sequences despite being very tense and dramatic do feel a little repetative when the dive is repeated multiple times.
- Stargrazingreviews
- Aug 26, 2022
- Permalink
Brought back old memories
I followed this Real story as it unfolded live on telly. I used to not sleep so that I know those kids will be alright somewhere.
Watching this 2.5 hrs movie, made me go back to June 2018 of Tham Luang cave rescue. This movie is a masterclass, it's emotional, it's about courage and rescue.
Don't miss this gem. Actors been brilliant so are the kids.
Thank you for this movie.
Watching this 2.5 hrs movie, made me go back to June 2018 of Tham Luang cave rescue. This movie is a masterclass, it's emotional, it's about courage and rescue.
Don't miss this gem. Actors been brilliant so are the kids.
Thank you for this movie.
- hiteshnimsarkar
- Aug 5, 2022
- Permalink
Great film if you haven't watched the documentary
This is a great film depicting what these specialist cave divers and the Thai boys soccer ball team had endured throughout historic natural disaster. It brings the story to life without mega effects and without adding in anything to over dramatise what really happened. You follow the divers journey with some first person views of the treacherous challenges needed to overcome getting through this cave. The visuals are amazing so much so that I watched this with someone who is claustrophobic and they were clenching in their seat throughout. A really good cast to do this story justice.
The only issue I have is that I watched the documentary (The Rescue) first; I may be biased because of this. There were so many details left out in the film which left some gaps of questions that the documentary covers.
If you have watched the film first please watch the documentary and think for yourself.
The only issue I have is that I watched the documentary (The Rescue) first; I may be biased because of this. There were so many details left out in the film which left some gaps of questions that the documentary covers.
If you have watched the film first please watch the documentary and think for yourself.
- marcusjismith
- Aug 31, 2022
- Permalink
Well done Ron Howard
I'm a scuba diver and well aware of the technical challenges of Cave Diving. I'm also well versed in the rescue of these boys having read two books and seen the previous documentaries. What's great about this movie is that it presents the emotional response of the parents and the divers, especially Harry and John and how they had to cope in an incredibly dynamic and challenging situation, moreso above the water, than in the water.
- chris-94413
- Aug 4, 2022
- Permalink
Not as powerful as the Rescue
I watched the documentary the Rescue several months ago. I already knew a lot of the story and the amazing people involved. Perhaps, if I saw 13 for the first time I might have given it an 8 or 9. But there is nothing compared to the actual people giving their own account of the rescue in their own words. Footage of every aspect of the rescue. The real faces and voices of the boys and their coach.
This movie pays a nice tribute to that spectacular feat of humanity all joining to save these unlucky souls. But I feel it was a day late and a dollar short when comparing to the documentaries.
This movie pays a nice tribute to that spectacular feat of humanity all joining to save these unlucky souls. But I feel it was a day late and a dollar short when comparing to the documentaries.
- Silicone54
- Aug 7, 2022
- Permalink
Absolutely incredible!
I saw The film at a preview screening with cast today. I implore you, if you can see this movie at a theater, please do so. The experience isn't the same. Really phenomenal film. It's from the perspective of the rescue mission, so be prepared about that. It was so intense and stressful to watch! You know the story but actually watching what happened is much worse. It's really heartbreaking at times. I thought I would cry more but I burst into tears at the end. I think they were tears of relief honestly. Lol I had been holding in so much stress. Everyone in the film did a phenomenal job and the character Viggo played, Rick, was at our screening. So much respect for
This man and all the others who stayed calm under pressure! I only took a point away because the movie gets started practically right away And I would have liked a little more connection to the boys first. Maybe that was the point though.
- katiefanatic-791-306918
- Jul 30, 2022
- Permalink
Great movie based on real facts
I think that most of the world would remember this incident as it captured everybody's heart, and for all 13 children to be taken out the cave was not a miracle but amazing teamwork by the divers. All the divers had their particular skills but none more than Richard (Harry) Harris to do what he did to the children. I was a bit surprised that his dive buddy and fellow Australian Craig Challen (jointly awarded the 2019 Australian of the year) was not mentioned in the movie. There could be a reason for this but could not find it. As a fellow diver I was very surprised to see that none of the divers wore gloves which is why their hands were all cut up. There is a reason divers wear gloves especially in confined places like cave diving. All in all it was a great movie and brought back great memories of how I felt when all 13 soccer players came out alive.
- david-morgan-368-182167
- Aug 16, 2022
- Permalink
Pointless Hollywood interference
Love Ron Howard most of the time but these is absolutely no point in making this as the real life documentary, The Rescue, is light years better.
I can't fathom why they would waste millions on a project like this that already has a definitive version. Perhaps they would have been better off dramatizing the court battle involving Mr, jacka55 himself, Elon Muck !!
I can't fathom why they would waste millions on a project like this that already has a definitive version. Perhaps they would have been better off dramatizing the court battle involving Mr, jacka55 himself, Elon Muck !!
- fatclyde_uk
- Aug 4, 2022
- Permalink
What a movie!
Living in Thailand I did follow the story of this amazing rescue from just a few 100 miles away.
Still this movie glued me to my seat for the whole runtime, making me feel for everyone involved.
Clearly one of the best movies I've seen all year, probably the best true story rescue movie I ever seen.
A must watch.
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Still this movie glued me to my seat for the whole runtime, making me feel for everyone involved.
Clearly one of the best movies I've seen all year, probably the best true story rescue movie I ever seen.
A must watch.
.
- angladafrank
- Aug 7, 2022
- Permalink
Based On The True Story - Action-Packed And Extremely Suspenseful
I absolutely loved this film by Ron Howard! Thirteen Lives is based on the true story of thirteen people who got stuck in a flooded cave in Thailand in the summer of 2018. The storyline is action-packed and extremely suspenseful. It felt like my heart was racing a million miles a minute while I watched it.
Thirteen Lives takes us on the journey of twelve boys and their soccer coach getting stuck in the Tham Luang cave in northern Thailand. The boys wanted to visit the cave; however, little did they know that there was an approaching monsoon that would soon after flood the entire cave. People from all over the world were watching their rescue attempt with the many challenging obstacles they had to overcome. Will someone find them inside the cave? If they do, will the boys get out of the cave in time before they starve, or run out of oxygen?
The acting in this film is phenomenal. The portrayal of these young boys, their coach and their rescuers is so believable that you feel like you are there along with them. The cast includes Colin Farrell as John Volanthen, Viggo Mortensen as Richard Stanton, Joel Edgerton as Richard Harris and Tom Bateman as Chris Jewell. The production team, led by director Ron Howard also delivered. The way the film is made makes you feel like you're actually in the cave with the rescue workers. It took a lot of effort and coordination, which is very impressive. Over 5,000 people, including cave divers, doctors, rescuers, Navy SEALS, farmers and others contributed to helping the boys. They put their own lives at risk to help the boys and their coach, whom they didn't even know! Without those people playing a part in this rescue who knows if they would have saved them. My favorite part is when the farmers give up their crops so water can flood them and divert the water from going into the cave. It took a lot of heroism and sacrifice to lose their entire crop in order to give the boys a better chance of surviving.
The message of this film is that working together is essential. You should be aware that there is a lot of blood in some scenes and there is some bad language used a couple of times.
I give Thirteen Lives 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. This film releases in select theaters on July 29, 2022, and starts streaming on Prime Video August 5, 2022. By Selene W., KIDS FIRST!
Thirteen Lives takes us on the journey of twelve boys and their soccer coach getting stuck in the Tham Luang cave in northern Thailand. The boys wanted to visit the cave; however, little did they know that there was an approaching monsoon that would soon after flood the entire cave. People from all over the world were watching their rescue attempt with the many challenging obstacles they had to overcome. Will someone find them inside the cave? If they do, will the boys get out of the cave in time before they starve, or run out of oxygen?
The acting in this film is phenomenal. The portrayal of these young boys, their coach and their rescuers is so believable that you feel like you are there along with them. The cast includes Colin Farrell as John Volanthen, Viggo Mortensen as Richard Stanton, Joel Edgerton as Richard Harris and Tom Bateman as Chris Jewell. The production team, led by director Ron Howard also delivered. The way the film is made makes you feel like you're actually in the cave with the rescue workers. It took a lot of effort and coordination, which is very impressive. Over 5,000 people, including cave divers, doctors, rescuers, Navy SEALS, farmers and others contributed to helping the boys. They put their own lives at risk to help the boys and their coach, whom they didn't even know! Without those people playing a part in this rescue who knows if they would have saved them. My favorite part is when the farmers give up their crops so water can flood them and divert the water from going into the cave. It took a lot of heroism and sacrifice to lose their entire crop in order to give the boys a better chance of surviving.
The message of this film is that working together is essential. You should be aware that there is a lot of blood in some scenes and there is some bad language used a couple of times.
I give Thirteen Lives 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. This film releases in select theaters on July 29, 2022, and starts streaming on Prime Video August 5, 2022. By Selene W., KIDS FIRST!
Academy Award Material
Long movie but reels you in quickly and holds you tight. This movie effectively recreates the tension while the world held its breath praying for the rescue of those boys. No need to go into more details. This movie is excellent. Has to be Ron Howard's finest achievement to date.
- ramus-22206
- Aug 12, 2022
- Permalink
Well worth a look but The Rescue is Better
- tm-sheehan
- Aug 18, 2022
- Permalink
The best movie I have seen on prime
- surfingnaked1
- Aug 4, 2022
- Permalink
A movie not has moving has the documentary
Undoubtedly a good. It fails to capture something of the brilliance of the documentary felt like the timeline that was so well done in the documentary, the race against time The race against water and the race against loss hope. So well captured I hope the movie would find this to. I hoped the movie might play a bit on the fact that these were not the super soldiers, but two ordinary men who have an extraordinary hobby to the point where they are the best in the world at what they do. Where this was stated it felt so much more elevated within the documentary worth a watch but maybe a movie first documentary second.
- paudieconnolly
- Sep 5, 2022
- Permalink
Don't expect a blockbuster, it wasn't approached that way...
One of the best underwater cave dive movies
I was surprised this wasn't done by James Cameron, as he seems to be attached to anything underwater related.
It was amazing to see what Ron has achieved shooting in the most treacherous conditions, with rain, mud, water spewing everywhere, and tight underwater cave spaces. All of it felt real and kept me on the edge of my seat.
One of the few things I didn't like is the abrupt cuts between one end of the cave to the other. It just didn't feel like it was a long ride unless you paid attention to the time counter and followed the pointless map that appeared throughout the movie and really didn't add much to the vastness of the cave. Every time I looked at that random map, it seemed like the red dot was in the same 2 spots. After awhile the abrupt cuts just became repetitive and tedious.
I also felt the interaction between the boys and rescue divers was rushed and it felt it should have been more engaging. For example, after the first 4 boys were rescued and the rest had to wait another day or two, there should've been a spoken line of some sort of encouragement when the rescuers came back, to celebrate that their friends made it alive and well.
It was amazing to see what Ron has achieved shooting in the most treacherous conditions, with rain, mud, water spewing everywhere, and tight underwater cave spaces. All of it felt real and kept me on the edge of my seat.
One of the few things I didn't like is the abrupt cuts between one end of the cave to the other. It just didn't feel like it was a long ride unless you paid attention to the time counter and followed the pointless map that appeared throughout the movie and really didn't add much to the vastness of the cave. Every time I looked at that random map, it seemed like the red dot was in the same 2 spots. After awhile the abrupt cuts just became repetitive and tedious.
I also felt the interaction between the boys and rescue divers was rushed and it felt it should have been more engaging. For example, after the first 4 boys were rescued and the rest had to wait another day or two, there should've been a spoken line of some sort of encouragement when the rescuers came back, to celebrate that their friends made it alive and well.
- LostFRINGE
- Aug 4, 2022
- Permalink
Thirteen Lives is an emotional roller coaster
"This is really the superhero movie of the year,". "It's a superhero movie with many, many heroes...see this movie because it will give you an idea of...when people get together to help one another, you will make life much easier. There's a lot of love in it."
real life terror
- ferguson-6
- Aug 3, 2022
- Permalink
Pales compared to The Rescue by NatGeo