🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Patricia Riggen
- Genre: Drama, History, Biography
- Release year: 2015
- Runtime (length): 2h 7min
- IMDb rating: 6.9/10 (48k votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 44%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Thirty-three dudes have a really bad day at work and have to chill underground for a while until some bigger dudes with bigger tools come and get them out.
🍿 The 33: Detailed Plot Synopsis
The Mine Collapse
In 2010, the San José copper-gold mine in Chile collapses, trapping 33 miners 2,300 feet underground. The miners retreat to a refuge, hoping for rescue, but quickly realize their supplies are limited to three days’ worth of food and water. The initial collapse is devastating, leaving them cut off from the outside world with little hope of immediate help.

Survival Underground
Led by Mario Sepúlveda, the miners ration their meager supplies and try to maintain hope. They face dwindling resources, psychological strain, and internal conflicts as days turn into weeks. Mario attempts to keep spirits high, but the harsh reality of their situation weighs heavily on them.

The Rescue Effort Begins
Above ground, the families of the miners gather at the mine entrance, demanding action. Laurence Golborne, the Minister of Mining, and engineer André Sougarret spearhead the rescue efforts, facing numerous technical challenges. The families’ unwavering determination puts pressure on the government to find a solution.

Hope Emerges
After weeks of drilling, a small drill finally reaches the miners, confirming they are alive. This sparks a wave of celebration and renewed determination. Communication lines are established, and supplies are sent down, improving the miners’ conditions and morale.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Mario Sepúlveda (Antonio Banderas): A charismatic miner who becomes the leader of the trapped men, working to maintain hope and order in the dire circumstances.
- Laurence Golborne (Rodrigo Santoro): The Chilean Minister of Mining who spearheads the rescue efforts, determined to save the trapped miners.
- María Segovia (Juliette Binoche): The outspoken sister of miner Darío Segovia, who becomes a key figure in demanding action and advocating for the miners’ rescue.
- Don Lucho (Lou Diamond Phillips): The mine foreman who had expressed safety concerns prior to the collapse and grapples with guilt after the miners are trapped.
- Álex Vega (Mario Casas): A young miner and soon-to-be father, struggling with the reality of the situation and the prospect of never meeting his child.
- Andre Sougarret (Gabriel Byrne): The experienced mining engineer brought in to lead the technical aspects of the rescue operation.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Mario Sepúlveda: “That’s not a rock, that’s the heart of the mountain. She finally broke.” – Said when the mine collapses, reflecting the immense power and finality of the disaster.
- María Segovia: “We need them back. They are not just miners, they are our family.” – Highlights the emotional struggle and the unwavering determination to fight for their rescue.
- Laurence Golborne: “We will do everything possible. We will not rest until we find them.” – Demonstrates the commitment and determination to rescue the miners.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $26,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $12,227,722
- Worldwide Gross: $27,972,023
💥 The 33 Reviews
Personal Review
I remember following this story in the news, and it was incredible to see it brought to life on screen. The scenes inside the mine were so intense, I felt claustrophobic just watching! The emotional impact of the families waiting was palpable, and the performances were superb. It really reminded me of the power of hope and the strength of the human spirit. Definitely a must-watch if you’re looking for an inspiring and gripping film.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of survival stories”
- “Viewers interested in true-life disaster dramas”
- “Those who appreciate stories about human resilience”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Claustrophobia”
- “Scenes of a mine collapse”
- “Thematic elements of struggle and despair”
Professional Reviews
- IMDB: “An exceptional film based on the book “Deep Down Dark”. The screenplay effectively develops its characters. We feel the desperation of both the miners and their families. Patricia Riggens directs with great pacing and gets great performances from her cast and makes it relatable to anyone who ever came to the aid of someone in trouble.
- KeithLovesMovies: “An average drama with a little emotion and inspiration. The special effects were well done as the initial cave collapse looked realistic and created the only real emotional moment in a film that is supposed to be an emotional film.
- IndieAdam: “The film exudes with personality and character; be it Edison Pena (Jacob Vargas), an Elvis impersonator or Yonni Barrios’ (Oscar Nunez) mistress or a humorous hallucinogenic last supper—there’s a palatable aura of humanity and fellowship amongst the 33.
Audience Reactions
The movie effectively captures the tension and drama of the real-life event.: Many viewers praised the movie’s ability to convey the hope and resilience of the miners and their families.
Great true story, with an amazing cast, depicting real emotion: Critics and watchers all agree that this survival movie is a must see
Overall Consensus: A compelling retelling of a real-life survival story, praised for its emotional impact and strong performances, though some critics noted pacing issues.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film is based on the book ‘Deep Down Dark’ by Héctor Tobar, which chronicles the real-life experiences of the 33 miners.”
- “Some of the actual rescued miners worked as consultants and extras on the film, adding to its authenticity.”
- “Filming took place in actual mines in Colombia, as well as in Chile, to create a realistic and claustrophobic atmosphere.”
- “The score was composed by James Horner, and was among the last scores he composed before his death.”
🖥️ How to Watch The 33?
You can stream ‘The 33’ on platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV where it may be available for purchase or rental. Check local listings for possible broadcast options. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The 33, you might like these similar films:
- Apollo 13 (1995): Shares the theme of human ingenuity and teamwork under extreme pressure to rescue individuals in a life-threatening situation.
- Alive (1993): Depicts a true story of survival against the odds with individuals trapped in a harsh environment, battling against starvation and the elements.
- Deepwater Horizon (2016): Based on a real-life disaster, this movie showcases the courage and resilience of workers facing a catastrophic industrial accident and the fight for survival.
🛒 The 33 Related Products
- Deep Down Dark: The Untold Stories of 33 Men Buried in a Chilean Mine: The compelling book upon which the film is based, offering a more in-depth look at the miners’ experiences.
- Mining Equipment Toy Set – Realistic Mine Rescue Simulation: An interactive toy set featuring mining trucks, excavators, and miner figures for kids to simulate a mine rescue operation.
- Chilean Flag – Premium Quality Polyester: A durable and vibrant Chilean flag to show your support and remembrance of the miners’ story.
- Men’s Mining Helmet: Protective helmet, designed for mining activities
🎧 Soundtrack
The 33 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
Yes, ‘The 33’ is based on the real-life 2010 Copiapó mining accident in Chile, where 33 miners were trapped underground for 69 days.
The 33 miners were trapped 2,300 feet underground for a total of 69 days.
Mario Sepúlveda, played by Antonio Banderas, takes a leadership role in keeping the miners organized and hopeful during their ordeal.
🔥 Bonus Content
33 Workers Buried Alive, How Experts Rescued Them from 2300 Ft
Want to know the real story behind the movie? This documentary dives deep into the incredible rescue of the 33 miners, and honestly, it’s even more gripping than the film!
The First Chilean Miner Is Rescued
See history unfold! This is real news footage of the first miner’s rescue, and it’s seriously moving to watch. Gets you right in the feels.
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