Man Movies generally depict a muscle infused hero who wields a powerful gun in each hand and destroys anything and everything in his path to glory, but as proven in the 1993 biographical piece “Alive,” real men don’t need guns or biceps in order to triumph in the face of adversity. What they need is strong conviction, and a helping hand of luck.
Based on an event nicknamed ‘The Miracle in the Andes,’ “Alive” follows a story of heroism, gripping inner strength, and unparalleled courage as director Frank Marshall brings the unfathomable tale to the big screen in a truly epic way.
John Malkovich narrates the open in poetic style, appearing only for a brief moment but showcasing his immense talents in the scene. Speaking over a series of dated and sepia drenched photos depicting his former rugby teammates, one of which he identifies by name before coldly stating that the young man died instantly, his verse sets the stage and gets you ready for what is on the horizon.
“Until you’re in a situation like that, you have no idea how you’d behave.” He calmly states to the camera as the viewer is taken back two decades to the events of October 1972 (on Friday the 13th nonetheless) and the crash of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571.
The Stella Maris College’s Old Christians rugby team is on board said plane as it crosses the Andes Mountains to play a match against a rival in Chile. Poor visibility and weather conditions surround the doomed aircraft, as one passenger remarks that the mountaintops look like big teeth, poking menacingly through the cloud cover.
The team of players naively cheers the turbulence as young jock types with the world in their grasp would obviously do, until it becomes apparent that something is wrong. “Are we supposed to fly this close to the mountains?” One of the players asks, moments before an incredible crash scene that you wouldn’t believe without seeing.
“Alive” follows the remarkable story of a group of survivors from the crash, as they must work together to ensure their rescue from the brutal conditions high atop the mountain range.
Team Captain Antonio (John Haymes Newton) exercises his leadership skills to gather the group and ration the food. Medical students Roberto (Josh Hamilton) and Gustavo (David Kriegel) tend to the wounded, while Nando (Ethan Hawke) makes bold preparations to ensure survival.
“Alive” is visually stunning in its depiction of the stranded group engulfed in the dangerous mountains. Star athletes who were larger than life presences on their college campus are nonexistent specs amidst the beautiful but deadly landscape.
The simple task of breathing is a challenge in the high altitudes, and the nightly temperature rests at a balmy -40. Avalanches, blizzards, and starvation entertain the group for the impossible 10 week challenge. As you watch the young men struggle mercilessly you ask yourself if you would have the fortitude to get through the ordeal, or would it have been better off to have just died in the crash?
The acting in “Alive” is fantastic, with Generation X ambassador Ethan Hawke dazzling in his role as Nando Parrado. Hawke’s rogue essence embodies Parrado, who goes from girl chasing rugby star to supreme survivalist in a matter of hours. Parrado has a guile and inner courage like none other, and possesses a quiet but strong leadership skill.
Likewise, Josh Hamilton – a face you’ll recognize but may not be able to place – demonstrates his true thespianism as Roberto Canessa. Working with limitations, Roberto goes out of his way to help the injured in the immediate aftermath of the crash before succumbing to the shock of the situation when the mayhem has calmed down.
The men clash as anyone in such a stressful situation would, but the ultimate discovery is that working together is the only way to survive.
The story is fantastic from a human achievement and inspirational standpoint. A handful of people do the impossible amidst a terrifying tragedy, and show what real men are capable of when put to the ultimate test.
