Thirteen Lives

Courage and hope dive deep in a race against time.

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Synopsis

Thirteen Lives is a gripping true-story drama directed by Ron Howard, chronicling the harrowing 2018 Tham Luang cave rescue in Thailand. The film follows a team of international divers and local rescuers, including Viggo Mortensen, as they race against time and perilous conditions to save thirteen members of a junior football team trapped deep inside a flooded cave system. Showcasing extraordinary human courage, selflessness, and collaboration, Thirteen Lives highlights the challenges of the rescue mission while honoring the resilience and determination of those involved. The movie is a powerful depiction of survival, hope, and the unyielding human spirit amidst overwhelming odds.

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Reviews

Thirteen Lives has been positively received by both critics and audiences, praising its compelling storytelling and emotional depth. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an 85% approval rating, with critics commending Ron Howard's direction and the film's respectful portrayal of the true events. The site highlights the movie as "a taut, heartening survival drama" that balances tension with humanity. IMDb users rate the film 7.8 out of 10, reflecting a generally favorable audience response appreciating the performances, especially Mortensen's, and the film's immersive atmosphere. Metacritic assigns a score of 66 out of 100, indicating generally favorable reviews; critics there note the film's adherence to true events as both a strength and a limitation, occasionally sacrificing narrative excitement for accuracy. Some reviews point out that while the movie may feel procedural at times, it effectively captures the emotional weight of the rescue. Overall, Thirteen Lives is praised for honoring real-life heroism with compelling performances and suspenseful direction, making it a moving cinematic experience.