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Stranded: I've Come from a Plane That Crashed on the Mountains

Stranded: I've Come from a Plane That Crashed on the Mountains poster

Stranded: I've Come from a Plane That Crashed on the Mountains

TV-PG2011126 min.IMDb8.0/10Metacritic82/100

Where to Watch Stranded: I've Come from a Plane That Crashed on the Mountains

Stranded: I’ve Come from a Plane That Crashed on the Mountains is a profound and moving 2007 documentary film directed by Gonzalo Arijon. The film entails a gripping story of human survival and resilience, featuring real-life survivors, including Jose Algorta, Roberto Canessa, and Alfredo Delgado, from the infamous 1972 plane crash of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 in the Andes. This odyssey of survival lasted for an excruciating 72 days, making headlines globally and triggering discussions and debates due to the extreme measures the survivors had to resort to in order to stay alive.

The core narrative structure of Stranded is immersive and pulls the audience into the horror and desperation felt by the airplane crash victims from more than 40 years ago. It carefully meshes together interviews of the now older, but then young survivors - Jose Algorta, Roberto Canessa, and Alfredo Delgado - alongside re-enactments of the events that unfolded following the crash. This dramatic storytelling method amplifies the emotional weight of the situation, making it evident that the experiences of these survivors were beyond any ordinary human comprehension.

The documentary film opens by showcasing the jovial rugby team from Uruguay boarding the airplane, excited for their match in Chile. This is followed by a chill-inducing re-enactment of the plane smashing into the Andes, an unforgettable incident echoing through the lives of those who made it through. The subsequent breaking down of societal norms, the painful decisions they are forced to make as supplies dwindle, and the incessant struggle against the harsh elements of the Andes showcases the desperate fight for survival by these stranded individuals.

The personal narratives of Algorta, Canessa, and Delgado add depth and profound emotion to the film. Their recounting blends in with the hauntingly beautiful Andes highlands, creating an uncomfortable yet compelling visual exposition. This masterful storytelling allows viewers to become part of the group's desolation, their camaraderie, and their sheer willpower to endure through unbelievable hardships.

Arijon further investigates into the crux of human nature under duress, as the narrative dives deep into the controversial and ethically complex decisions the survivors had to make in the face of their harsh predicament. The film refrains from making moral judgments or sensationalizing the story but concentrates on providing a platform for the survivors to voice their perspectives and recount their horrifying experiences.

Every part of Stranded reverberates with an authentic voice that manages not only to be harrowing but also uplifting. Arijon pays homage to the incredible resilience of the human spirit and one's will to survive against all odds. The movie also highlights the dramatic rescuing phase and the survivors confronting civilization after their traumatic isolation.

Stranded is a remarkable feat of documentary filmmaking that keeps its audience on the edge of endurance, bravery, and resilience while pondering profound questions about how far people will go to stay alive. It manages to go beyond the media-infused scandal behind the survival story and presents it with a raw, humane perspective, baring a range of human emotions against the unforgiving backdrop of the Andes.

The title of the film "Stranded: I've Come from a Plane That Crashed on the Mountains" subtly encapsulates the harrowing journey these survivors embarked on, their return to society, and the burden of their experiences that lingered long after their rescue.

In essence, this documentary takes its viewers on a chilling but enlightening voyage of humanity's potential for endurance and survival, seizing the viewer's attention till the very end. It reflects on the horror that befell the plane crash survivors while also illuminating the underlying strength and heroism of the human spirit in times of unimaginable desperation and crisis.

TV-PG2011126 min.
IMDb8.0/10Metacritic82/100
Director
Gonzalo Arijon
Genres
Documentary