I put off seeing this film because I thought it would be uncomfortable and anxiety-inducing (and gross), so I just thought, "Hey, i don't have to see EVERY movie. I'll skip this one." But I was wrong.

SPOILERS BELOW

My cinematographer friend brought it up and said I might have trouble with *that scene* but that it was worth it for the payoff. Was she ever wrong, too! The ONLY scene from which I did not look away (due to other things I was doing and distracted by during viewing) was *that scene* - which was surprising. I read an article, interviewing Aron Ralston and reviewing the film, and Aron says he finds the arm scene euphoric because that's how he was feeling at the time. He figured it out! He was going to live! Knowing that made me feel the same way during viewing.

If anything, this movie, and Aron's experience, is about remembering that no one can do it alone. We are a social species, and while it's great to be able to accomplish things oneself, we have to rely on one another. It's a reminder to be in the moment with our loved ones.

Oh - and that's why you ALWAYS leave a note.

I watched this movie immediately after reading the book and as with most movies made from books, it was a very disappointing and glossed-over version of what Aron Ralston went through. I most enjoyed the scenery and on location scenes and it was great to see where and how the accident happened after reading about it. The movie had so many events out of order and with weird changes that didn't really need to happen and barely touched on what Aron went through those 5 day that he was trapped. There were many scenes that never happened in the book and very little time was spent on how much time Aron spent reflecting on his family, friends, and experiences - and that is what the bulk of the book is about. The movie cruised through his 5 days trapped in the blink of an eye, and then through his rescue even faster - like he just walked out and was found when he really hike 4+ miles alone before finding people, and another 3 miles until the chopper reached him. There was nothing in the movie about the family/friends/authorities searching for him or how the chopper that saved him was already out there looking for him.

I think I would have enjoyed watching the movie first, and then reading the book. The movie is an okay summary of the accident, but missed the mark on how much Aron did to save himself - he's a very smart guy (and very experienced in wilderness search and rescue) and he spent hours contemplating and calculating out every factor and option available to him over and over again. It also missed that mark on the personal realizations he made during his time that he was trapped - it touch on it a bit at the end but 50% of the book is his stories about family and friends and how he maybe hadn't appreciated them as much as he should have prior to the accident. If you liked the movie, then read the book!

Hi there,
The story of Aron Ralston is a powerful one that has inspired millions. Unfortunately, I missed this gem in theatres. A poor decision. This film stands up as one of the best films of the 2010s and is truly something every human being that gets frustrated and hurt and depressed must watch. Incredibly moving story told in powerful film that overall is an almost flawless experience.

Only criticism: too many f-bombs and one ladies nipples, you get rid of that this film could have easily fit in the PG 13 area. Which is too bad because this film needs to be seen by families and anyone going through a really hard time in their life.

10 years later, this film holds up, if you haven't seen it yet you should take a night off to watch it.

When it comes to survival I think this is one of the most important stories to tell out there. I love reading the Ralston interviews, the stories, the updates stories and what not, but for some reason, this film has never really gelled with me that much. I appreciate James Franco playing Ralston as I think there is a certain amount of charisma that he projects that is right on line with Ralston (given from what I've seen on interviews). That being said, I think there are so many more layers to this story that this film really misses on, and is seems just more produced for the consumption of the mass populace and is a little too "Hollywood." In this sense, the story only skims the surface of what it maybe could have been. I'm not saying it's totally bad, but I don't think it reaches the peak it could have for telling this amazingly compelling story.

The first half an hour when he's heading to the ravine when he gets trapped is great but once he is trapped and we're given his daydreams, erotic fantasies, hallucinations, flashbacks, etc. I was bored to tears thinking to myself that the time spent watching this can never be gotten back. So thirty minutes before the end I stopped watching and called it quits

The movie was remarkable as it teaches about never giving up and that life can still go on after life tragedies. James Franco did a great job. It makes it especially better knowing this is based on a true story. The cinematography is interesting and the scenery is breath-taking. This is not a movie for the faint-of-heart or for those who like a huge cast of characters. If you enjoy a movie where there is a deep message and leaves you contemplating the film long after it's over, you should enjoy this one.

I genuinely cannot understand how it could even be possible that James Franco was not awarded the Oscar for Best Actor for his role in this truly incredible production. His very believable portrayal felt completely real and realistic. So much so, that he had ME grimacing and wincing, ... grunting and moaning right out loud, ... to include even physical, bodily gestures and reactions as the result of my (merely self-imagined) perception of the supreme level of intensity that he had to have been experiencing during his ultimately forced actions of self-inflicted gore and pain! All this highly intense viewer engagement, all while sitting right here in the safety and comfort of my own living room chair. I truly felt a very real part of his ultimate crossing over into that point when the power of our basic drive to survive as humans kicks-in and the only thing that matters is what, exactly, is required in that moment to just simply continue your survival!

Very insightful and some very important lessons to also be taken-in. Not just for the youngstas, but everyone of us grownup peeps as well.

I very highly recommend this movie to all. Even for our young-uns.

*NOTE: Some more sensitive parents may appreciate being aware that there are several (VERY proper and VERY appropriately used) 'F' bombs. (Although not in any way flagrant nor mis-used (IMHO) for director 'flare').

Hollywood seems to be making survival movies in smaller and smaller places with just one individual involved. Survivor for example had Tom Hanks stranded on a very small island. 127 Hours has James Franco trapped in a small ravine for a very long time as the title suggests. Like that film as well most of the dialogue is the main character talking to himself and the action is him trying to find a way out. In fact the two movies play out very closely.