There Is No Force More Powerful Than The Will To Live

Rating: Null/10 (15 October 2013)

Taking a real life incident and concocting an inspiring, gut-wrenching & life-affirming tale around it, 127 Hours is a thoroughly engrossing biopic that retells adventure junkie Aron Ralston's harrowing experience in the Grand Canyon, and benefits immensely from Danny Boyle's kinetic direction & James Franco's riveting performance.
The story of 127 Hours follows adventurer Aron Ralston who goes hiking in the Grand Canyon but finds himself stuck all alone in the vast landscape when a boulder falls over his hand. With limited supply of food & water, the plot covers his arduous survival over the next five days as he attempts to free himself with whatever utilities available to him.
Co-written & directed by Danny Boyle, the premise is set up real quick as the film establishes the main character's lifestyle in a matter of few minutes before heading straight to the location where majority of the plot unfolds. Boyle approaches the project in a restrained manner yet his direction exudes an energy that keeps the drama compelling at all times.
The writing isn't shabby either but there are times when the story indulges in some hallucinations which felt a bit distracting. Camera-work is both dynamic & regulated depending on the scene and the warm colour palette only provides more vividness to the images. Editing is sharp for the most part and A.R. Rahman's excellent score only uplifts the viewing experience.
Coming to the performances, 127 Hours is James Franco's show all the way. Carrying the entire picture on his shoulders and playing the role with finesse, Franco delivers a strong, emotional & gripping performance and makes the viewers feel every bit of his agony & frustration resulting from his predicament. It's a marvellous showcase that still remains his career-best work.
On an overall scale, 127 Hours is a stylishly directed, finely scripted, wonderfully photographed, brilliantly edited, swiftly paced, mesmerisingly scored & outstandingly acted survival drama that inspires & entertains with amazing balance. One of the best films of its year and certainly a great one in the careers of both Danny Boyle & James Franco, 127 Hours shows that there is no force more powerful than the will to live, and is absolutely worth your time & money.