🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Fabio Guaglione
- Genre: Drama, Thriller, War
- Release year: 2016
- Runtime (length): 1h 46min
- IMDb rating: 5.8/10 (23k votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 22%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A marine plays a very intense game of ‘red light, green light’ with a landmine while having a mid-life crisis in the desert.
🍿 Mine: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Failed Assassination Attempt
Marine sniper Sergeant Mike Stevens and his spotter, Tommy Madison, are tasked with assassinating a terrorist leader. During the mission, Mike hesitates when he realizes the target is at a wedding, and civilians could be harmed. This hesitation leads to the mission’s failure and exposes their position.

Stranded in the Desert
After the failed mission, Mike and Tommy attempt to reach an extraction point. While crossing the desert, they encounter a minefield. Tommy disregards a warning sign and steps on a landmine, losing both legs. In a desperate attempt to help Tommy, Mike steps on another mine, leaving him stranded and unable to move.

Psychological Warfare
With limited supplies and no immediate help, Mike faces a grueling 52-hour wait for rescue. During this time, he battles the harsh desert environment and the psychological toll of his situation. He experiences hallucinations and flashbacks of his troubled past, including an abusive father and his relationship with his girlfriend, Jenny.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Sgt. Michael Stevens (Armie Hammer): A U.S. Marine sniper stranded in the desert, forced to confront his inner demons while standing on a landmine.
- Jenny (Annabelle Wallis): Mike’s loving girlfriend, who represents the stability and future he longs for.
- Tommy Madison (Tom Cullen): Mike’s talkative spotter, whose tragic fate sets the stage for Mike’s isolated ordeal.
- Berber (Clint Dyer): An enigmatic local who offers philosophical guidance to Mike, urging him to ‘move on’.
- Mike’s Father (Geoff Bell): Mike’s abusive father, who represents the trauma and pain from his past that he must overcome.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Tommy Madison: “Watch out.” – Tommy Madison says this to Mike right before stepping on a land mine.
- Berber: “You have to move on.” – Repeatedly said by the Berber to Mike, urging him to confront his fears and past.
- Tommy Madison: “The maneuver, the damn Shuman maneuver!” – Tommy says this right after Mike shoots at feral dogs in the dark.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $10,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $89,488
- Worldwide Gross: $1,788,934
💥 Mine Reviews
Personal Review
I was intrigued by the premise, but honestly, ‘Mine’ was a bit of a slog. The desert visuals were stunning, especially during the sandstorms, and Armie Hammer really sells the character’s desperation. But all the flashbacks felt disruptive, and I felt like the Berber character and him talking was cheesy and kind of a trope. Overall, it felt like the movie was trying too hard to be deep.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of psychological thrillers”
- “Viewers interested in stories of survival and endurance”
- “Those who appreciate character-driven narratives”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “War violence”
- “Graphic injury (leg amputation)”
- “Suicide”
- “Intense psychological distress”
- “References to domestic abuse”
Professional Reviews
- IndieWire: “Mine is a psychological thriller stretched far too thin. While Armie Hammer delivers a committed performance, the film’s reliance on flashbacks and hallucinations dilutes the tension and ultimately feels repetitive. The desert setting becomes more of a stage than a character, and the ending feels unearned.
- Variety: “This survival thriller boasts a compelling premise but struggles to maintain momentum. Hammer is convincing as a soldier battling his inner demons, but the film’s pacing is uneven, and the philosophical musings of the Berber character feel forced. It could have been a tightly wound suspense piece, but it meanders instead.
Audience Reactions
The stark desert cinematography and Armie Hammer’s physical performance were praised by viewers.: Many viewers felt that the psychological aspects were well-done and some enjoyed the ending’s message about overcoming personal struggles.
Overall Consensus: A visually striking but ultimately flawed survival thriller with a compelling premise that doesn’t quite deliver due to uneven pacing and a reliance on clichés.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The movie was filmed in Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands, chosen for its desert landscapes.”
- “The directors, Fabio Guaglione and Fabio Resinaro, made their feature film debut with ‘Mine’.”
- “The film’s premise was inspired by the psychological impact of war and the internal battles soldiers face.”
🖥️ How to Watch Mine?
As of October 2024, ‘Mine’ is available for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability and pricing. Unfortunately, it is not currently included with any major streaming subscriptions.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Mine, you might like these similar films:
- Buried (2010): Features a single character in a confined space, focusing on psychological survival and resourcefulness.
- 127 Hours (2010): Based on a true story of survival against incredible odds, with a focus on mental and physical endurance.
- Kajaki (2014): Also known as ‘Kilo Two Bravo’, this film shares the theme of soldiers trapped in a minefield and the desperate fight for survival.
🛒 Mine Related Products
- Survival Kit: A comprehensive survival kit that includes essential tools and supplies for desert survival, mirroring the challenges faced by the main character. Be prepared for any outdoor adventure or emergency situation.
- Landmine Awareness Poster: A high-quality poster that raises awareness about the dangers of landmines and supports organizations working towards their removal. A portion of the proceeds goes to humanitarian efforts.
- U.S. Marine Corps Challenge Coin: Officially licensed U.S. Marine Corps challenge coin to show support for the armed forces. Makes for a great gift and is also available in bulk quantities.
- Armie Hammer signed photo: A photograph signed by Armie Hammer himself, from his role in the movie, Mine, where he played a U.S. marine.
🎧 Soundtrack
Mine features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
The movie explores themes of overcoming personal trauma, facing inner demons, and finding the courage to move forward in life despite fear and uncertainty. It highlights the importance of perseverance and self-discovery in challenging circumstances.
No, Mine is a fictional story. While the premise of a soldier stranded on a landmine is a plausible scenario inspired by the realities of war, the specific events and characters in the film are not based on real-life individuals or events.
Viewers who enjoyed ‘Mine’ might also like ‘127 Hours,’ ‘Buried,’ or ‘Kajaki’. These films share themes of survival, isolation, and psychological endurance in extreme situations.
🔥 Bonus Content
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FENG SHUI (2004) Scare Score
Curious how scary ‘Feng Shui’ actually is? This ‘scare score’ breakdown meticulously examines every chilling moment! You’ll be surprised at what makes this Filipino horror film so effective.
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