“Wings of Hope” is an amazing documentary that tells the unfathomable story of Juliane Koepcke; a teenager who survived a plane crash and subsequent ten-day trek through the deadly Amazon jungle. The story in and of itself is so ridiculous, any recanting would most likely work. But filmmaker Werner Herzog includes a personalization that allows the viewer to fully experience the terror and emotions of Juliane, the sole survivor of LANSA Flight 508.
Herzog and Koepcke travel back to the jungle.
And back in time to Christmas Eve, 1971. A then seventeen-year-old Juliane has finished dancing at her Senior Prom. There are actual photos presented of her in her prom dress with time stamps indicating they were taken only hours before lightning would disintegrate her airplane 9800 feet from the ground, killing 91 others, and sending her on an unwelcomed adventure.
The movie opens with Juliane visiting the Wings of Hope Memorial in Peru. Here she looks over the names and photos of those that died that day. Taking special time to talk about her mother, who had been seated next to her on the aircraft. They fly to the site of the wreckage to make camp. Pieces of debris from the plane and passengers are scattered about like confetti. A remote and dense portion of jungle Herzog explains took hours to advance 300 feet. Various insects are everywhere, and aerial shots reveal just how secluded the crash site is. And how impossible it would be for a teenage to survive a plane crash only to be left stranded in the Amazon.
The most fascinating aspect is reliving the event with Juliane Koepcke.
She recalls specific details that still haunt her dreams. Christmas presents falling about in the cabin as the plane hit turbulence. “Clouds streaked by as if they were living creatures.” She narrates the chilling words and we can see she still harbors emotional pain. “I hadn’t left the plane. The plane left me.” She then describes the nearly 2-mile decent into the jungle, recalling that the approaching trees reminded her or broccoli.
As surreal as the story is, Werner Herzog only adds to the uncanny experience. He himself was scheduled to fly on LANSA Flight 508 only to have his reservation was cancelled due to a last-minute change in itinerary. Herzog discusses the extraordinary situation with Juliane, recalling a handful of passengers cheering when they boarded the flight, eager to be making it home in time for Christmas. Herzog’s own brush with death has left him emotional too. They both seem like great people. Watching them reunite back at the scene of the crime is a nice inclusion.
“Wings of Hope” may be the most unbelievable documentary you will ever watch. It’s a forty-nine minute glimpse into a most insane story. We’re left questioning our own existence and the chaotic happenstances of the universe. The entire piece is available to watch on YouTube and is well worth the time.
“Wings of Hope” is available to watch on YouTube.
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