127 Hours (2010)

93% of critics liked it
(210 reviews)
84% of users liked it
(81,106 ratings)

James Franco stars in director Danny Boyle's inspiring survival drama based on the incredible true story of Aron Ralston, who became trapped alone in a Utah canyon for days after slipping on a loose rock, and resorted to extraordinary measures in order to make it out of his dire predicament alive.… More James Franco stars in director Danny Boyle's inspiring survival drama based on the incredible true story of Aron Ralston, who became trapped alone in a Utah canyon for days after slipping on a loose rock, and resorted to extraordinary measures in order to make it out of his dire predicament alive. An experienced hiker and climber, Ralston (Franco) is very much in his element when he parks his truck by a mountain near Moab, UT, hops on his bike, and peddles to the middle of nowhere. Later, when Ralston encounters a pair of young female hikers who have gotten lost while searching for a local landmark, he jovially shows them a sight that most casual hikers miss before bidding them farewell and continuing on his way. Drifting through the canyons alone, deep in thought, however, the explorer who presumed he was ready for anything quickly discovers just how fast things can spin out of control when a rock gives way as he shimmies down a crevice, and pins his hand to the unforgiving wall of stone. Over the course of the next 127 hours, Ralston tries everything he can think of to free himself, flashing back to small but memorable events in his life -- as well as forward to the future that he might enjoy should he manage to wiggle free -- as his body begins the slow process of shutting down. Eventually realizing that the only way out is to leave part of himself behind, the exhausted, delirious adventurer draws his cheap made-in-China multi-tool, and does what it takes to survive. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 33 min.
Directed By: Danny Boyle
Written By: Danny Boyle, Simon Beaufoy
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: Nov 5, 2010 Limited
On DVD: Mar 1, 2011
Studio: Fox Searchlight

Critic Reviews

Bill Goodykoontz, Arizona Republic
It's an incredible performance by Franco, walking the line between what once was enthusiasm but now is manic desperation.
Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel
It's a tribute to Boyle's filmic flair and the humanity he wears on his sleeve that we can recall how Ralston's 127 hour saga ends and still be stunned, moved and thrilled by the finale.
Tom Long, Detroit News
Directed and co-written by Danny Boyle in a style that travels from ecstatic to nerve-wracking and back, this is a film about perseverance, strength and the importance of always letting people know where you're going.
Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star Tribune
The nightmare becomes a tribute to Ralston's bravery -- without casting him as a hero. He just got tired of waiting to die and decided to live.
Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail
Shiver-making moments aside, in a important way 127 Hours suffers from the filmmaker's lack of nerve, a reluctance to let the audience taste Ralston's dread and the expectation of a slow, absurd death.
Lisa Kennedy, Denver Post
In his impressive follow-up to Slumdog Millionaire, the Academy Award-winning director honors the lure of solitude while at the same time celebrating the beautiful necessity of other people.
Robert Denerstein, Movie Habit
Boyle solves the problem of shooting a film in a single location
Greg Maki, Star-Democrat (Easton, MD)
... Essentially Franco in a one-man show, and his charm and enthusiasm instantly win us over.
Neil Pond, American Profile
For a movie about a man falling into a canyon crack, there's much to think about here, not the least of which is how far any one of us would go, under similar circumstances, to survive.
Wesley Lovell, Oscar Guy
Danny Boyle is hit-or-miss for me. Thankfully, this was a hit.
Matt Neal, The Standard
You'll feel like you're clenching everything in your body as this movie builds towards its inevitable climax, but this is a masterful work...
Glenn Lovell, CinemaDope
A lot of movies about climbing ‒ Touching the Void, North Face ‒ are about men who get into trouble by pushing their luck. This one takes as its main theme the sin of hubris.
Matt Soergel, Florida Times-Union
This is an honest-to-goodness, feel-good triumphant scene -- albeit one that's disorienting and exhausting, somewhat as it must have been in real life.
Dave White, Movies.com
It's haunting and moving and -- if you're squeamish -- only involves major arm-cut-offing for like 60 seconds of screen time.
R. L. Shaffer, IGN DVD
Driven by James Franco's charisma and Danny Boyle's bizarrely antiquated, but refreshingly sharp sense of style, 127 Hours is as exciting as a film about a guy stuck to a rock could possibly be.
Philip Martin, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
...immaculate in its technical aspects, not just in the way the camera hunts down interesting images but in its pitch perfect casting and ... sound design. This is the sort of movie you admire more for its virtuosity than [its]story
James Plath, Movie Metropolis
A tour de force for Franco, certainly, but also for Boyle, who takes something you'd think impossible to film and somehow makes a compelling story out of it.
Marc Fennell, Triple j
Danny Boyle makes you experience the ordeal in vivid, intimate details. You feel everything from the visceral agony to the utter triumph. It's brilliant movie-making

Read all 18 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Albert K

An amazing movie with quality acting from James Franco. However, I had many quirks about the film's approach to the film's style in showing the psyche of James Franco's character, Aron Ralston. A great movie though.
Daniel J D

Disappointment is a good way to describe my feelings on this film. I've probably watched too many better Boyle movies and loved Clémence Poésy too much in In Bruges to enjoy one where both their respective performances here are largely curtailed by cheesy, melodramatic flashback… More
Disappointment is a good way to describe my feelings on this film. I've probably watched too many better Boyle movies and loved Clémence Poésy too much in In Bruges to enjoy one where both their respective performances here are largely curtailed by cheesy, melodramatic flashback scenes. The film is otherwise-solid--James Franco is James Franco, the film looks nice, the shots are somewhat creative, and the soundtrack isn't terrible--but maybe that's the problem. It's (no pun intended) an uphill battle to make a film about a guy trying to climb out of a canyon interesting, especially when American film is already so saturated with amazing-tale-of-survival stories, true and otherwise, just over 90 minutes or otherwise.
Dan S

The best film of 2010, anchored entirely by an outstanding turn from James Franco, who is without question one of this generation's most promising young actors. The stylistic and trippy inserts director Danny Boyle includes enhance this film and make it much more involving (the… More
The best film of 2010, anchored entirely by an outstanding turn from James Franco, who is without question one of this generation's most promising young actors. The stylistic and trippy inserts director Danny Boyle includes enhance this film and make it much more involving (the amputation scene, in particular). A.R. Rahman's exceptional soundtrack also hits with force when it needs to. This is excellent film-making, and the point it makes about the importance of human interaction and the fact that it was family that drove Ralston's exit from that claustrophobic cave is what makes it all the more inspirational. James Franco should get nominated for this performance, and I will admit the ending got me a little teary-eyed. When comparing the film to say, "Touching the Void", both do a phenomenal job drawing their audience into the story and characters, and offering a compelling conclusion - even if you already know what's going to happen.
xGary X

A true life story of the thrill-seeking mountain climber who became trapped in a remote ravine without hope of rescue and resorted to amputating his own arm with a pen knife to escape. Danny Boyle once again finds the kind of off beat material he has made his name upon and thanks to… More
A true life story of the thrill-seeking mountain climber who became trapped in a remote ravine without hope of rescue and resorted to amputating his own arm with a pen knife to escape. Danny Boyle once again finds the kind of off beat material he has made his name upon and thanks to some glorious scenery and a fine performance by the ever reliable Franco, he creates a film that is far above the usual "triumph of the human spirit" melodrama. In fact the only real drawback to the whole thing is the fact that the audience knows in advance exactly what is going to happen and therefore there are no surprises whatsoever. That and the fact that although it is embellished by Boyle's usual blend of visual gimmickry and pop music, we are still basically spending an hour and a half watching a guy in a hole. Still, it manages to engage and entertain throughout and is a pretty amazing story of physical endurance and power of will.
Scott G

An inspirational story put too life through Danny Boyle's beautiful portrayal, I aspire to be like Aron Ralston, some good scenery shots that outline America's dusty beauty, although claustrophobic, very entertaining.
paul s

Fresh and freewheeling, mirroring the main (and really only) character, 127 Hours tells the story of an adrenaline junky who lives to hike the barren Canyonlands of eastern Utah. By now we all know the story of how James Franco's character gets his arm trapped between a… More
Fresh and freewheeling, mirroring the main (and really only) character, 127 Hours tells the story of an adrenaline junky who lives to hike the barren Canyonlands of eastern Utah. By now we all know the story of how James Franco's character gets his arm trapped between a cliff wall and a large boulder, but director Danny Boyle keeps your interest by giving you a back story via remembrances and hallucinations, aimed at giving you a true feel for who this guy is, as well as feeling right there with him in his impossible situation. Obviously he escapes (otherwise there wouldn't have been a story to tell, now would there?), and funny thing, it almost seems anti-climatic (as zen masters tell ya - the journey is more important than the arrival) - and yes, here, the journey (ie, the story) is compelling; filmed with precision and a nice use of lighting and close-ups. To tell the truth, I was a bit skeptical of the validity of this film (I had heard about the gruesome "solution"), but really, the film is so much more than that, and except for lagging a bit shortly before the solution, is well paced - to the point where you don't even mind the tagged "and he still climbs rocks today" add on.
Eric A

Impressive film about a tragic incident. After you watch this, go to youtube and look up the real life documentary on Aron Ralston....the actual video is almost identical! They got this movie spot on.
Gregory D

So I watched Buried and was incredibly disappointed. I figured there is only so much content that can be put into a film about a guy stuck in one place. So it was only by chance that I saw yet another movie about a guy stuck in one spot. As it turns out it can be done eloquently. 127… More
So I watched Buried and was incredibly disappointed. I figured there is only so much content that can be put into a film about a guy stuck in one place. So it was only by chance that I saw yet another movie about a guy stuck in one spot. As it turns out it can be done eloquently. 127 Hours was vastly superior in every way to Buried. His character was likable, the situation and his attempts to get free were plausible. It was a balanced film too; it was as suspenseful as it was charming. The end sequences were powerful with great cinematography and sound. This is a film you can watch with a group of people (not children) or on your own.
J P

Awesome movie and performance by Franco. damn yo. I laughed at the part where he was cutting his arm off though. It was really inappropriate, but I couldn't help it. Franco had his fucking game face on when he was cutting away haha.
Sergio G

Excellent movie. How much you love your life? What would you do without any help? James Franco surprised me with his acting, he really deserved his Oscar nomination. Fantastic rithm and soundtrack. Thumbs up!
Kyle F

Since the whole movie pretty much IS James Franco's performance, It's wonderful that he delivers top-notch acting. The movie manages to be fun, ubnoxious, and gut-wrenching all at once, even if the style grows a bit tiresome towards the end. Simplicity and gravity are two… More
Since the whole movie pretty much IS James Franco's performance, It's wonderful that he delivers top-notch acting. The movie manages to be fun, ubnoxious, and gut-wrenching all at once, even if the style grows a bit tiresome towards the end. Simplicity and gravity are two other virtues that make this movie stand out.
Alexander W

I agree I loved the movie too, flash is a good word to describe it, and Danny Boyle did well to include so much for a storyline which is pretty shallow when you think about it. You'll laugh a lot and once its over you'll pinch yourself.
Anthony L

Visually it's brilliant, very flash with an awesome soundtrack - typical Danny Boyle really. The one thing that bothers me though is that being trapped in a cave for 5 days isn't that exciting. I think it would have been a greater challenge to have shown the real emptiness,… More
Visually it's brilliant, very flash with an awesome soundtrack - typical Danny Boyle really. The one thing that bothers me though is that being trapped in a cave for 5 days isn't that exciting. I think it would have been a greater challenge to have shown the real emptiness, loneliness and nothingness that the experience in that situation would really be like. Steve McQueen (III) would probably have made it like that but then again, it probably wouldn't have been as entertaining. Where he really excels is in his depiction of madness, the loosing of ones mind - played brilliantly by Franco but without Boyle's realist surrealism (Can I copyright that?) this film just wouldn't have worked. Respect due for not shying away from showing the graphic sides of the story too and I also loved the Scooby-doo bit, it's great seeing that kind of thing in an mainstream/Oscar nominated film. I've not read the book it's based on but I can guess how it translates, my only wonder is whether it's a good read or not. It's an interesting story, don't get me wrong but I don't know if the cliches of the film are from the book or not. For example, I can see why Aron Ralston in the film is filming himself, whether he did or not in real life doesn't really matter, but did he start talking like a game-show host when he started to go a bit mental because I've seen that a couple of time in film already, I'm just saying! But like I've touched upon, Franco's performance is perfect, he's definitely an actor on the up and even though I've had issues with Danny Boyle's films in the past, I'm looking forward to his next.
Roy G

At the end, we stagger like Ralston from the dark into the light. We might have both our arms left, but our nerves are just as terrorised.
Thomas J

I already knew the outcome of this story and thought I would be bored quickly... I was mistaken! I enjoyed this movie. James Franco does an excellent job!
shahmeer h

The first I heard of 127 Hours was when I saw the poster of it. I expected the film to be a documentary of some sort by just looking at the poster, for no reason whatsoever. But then I heard about it some more online, and so I researched it. Turns out, it was much more than I… More
The first I heard of 127 Hours was when I saw the poster of it. I expected the film to be a documentary of some sort by just looking at the poster, for no reason whatsoever. But then I heard about it some more online, and so I researched it. Turns out, it was much more than I assumed. It's actually a survival drama and a true story. Then I learned it starred James Franco, the Renaissance man. Then I learned it was directed by the director of Slumdog Millionaire. Then I learned it was nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, and not just that, but that it supposedly knocked out The Town for the spot. Then I learned James Franco got nominated for Best Lead Actor for the film. And then, after seeing it, I learned it was one of the best films I had seen in 2011. It's a story about a man, Aaron Ralston, who goes out into a canyon for some adventure. But while crossing a rocky cavern, he slips on a loose rock and falls under it with his hand crushed between the rock and the wall. The story revolves around his longing for life, his fantasies to get out, and his determination to live. It's a very fine story, especially the fact that it's a true story. Its acting is just plain out superb. Although there was only one actor, he did great. James Franco had a rock solid performance. He did amazing as a cheerful adventurer, but he really shined when the character was about to die, and Franco looked like he was about to die. He looked mad and delusional, he looked scared and frightened, and he looked courageous and determined, all the qualities one might have when there at the brink of death. And I might have thought James had been at the brink of death if he wasn't so amazing at acting. I also enjoyed the different scenes in the film. I usually don't mention if there were good or bad scenes in the movie, but the scenes in this film just kind of stood out. The film basically had scenes which showed Aaron's ideas or thoughts in his head while he was stuck in the cavern. They were expressed in odd, but nice, ways. Such as a radio talk show, a video diary, and more. It made the film much, much better. Then I loved the story itself. It was dramatic, scary, and at times humorous, which all blended in well. I know it's not very possible to make a sequel to this film, but if it was, I hope they could. But, sadly, this movie has a few flaws. First of all, it was way to short. It should've been 2 hours at the least, but instead they made the movie 1 and a half hour long. It's hard to fit 127 full hours into a 4 hour film, but it's extremely hard to fit it into a 1 and a half hour film. It all just results in rushing. Then I disliked the score. It was kind of strange, putting it in scenes randomly, and it was a little bit annoying. Then I disliked the product placement. There was A LOT of it in this film, and it really could have done without it. I know that the filmmakers just wanted to be as close to the real thing as possible, including the real life props and products, but it seemed very "placed" and "paid for". But besides all that, this film was exceptionally good. After all, it sends a clear message. Under all the longing for life, the need for water, and courage, I believe all Aaron wanted was his family, and their love. I guess this movie came a long way from my thoughts of it from that poster. 7/10
Kase V

Wow, wow, wow. James Franco gives quite arguably the performance of the year, and damn it's about time. For this one, you have to watch it all, and drink it in. You won't leave disappointed.
Jameson W

An absolutely fantastic film! A powerful, touching, and inspirational film that is truly one of a kind. Fantastically shot and brilliantly directed by Danny Boyle, this film captures what I thought could never be an intriging story. I was so wrong! This film delivers in so many ways… More
An absolutely fantastic film! A powerful, touching, and inspirational film that is truly one of a kind. Fantastically shot and brilliantly directed by Danny Boyle, this film captures what I thought could never be an intriging story. I was so wrong! This film delivers in so many ways that I never imagined. It is undoubtably worthy of all the praise it received. This film would have had zero effectiness had it not been for the Oscar nominated performance by James Franco. He brilliantly portrays the trapped Aron Ralston as he cycles through countless emotions. His talent and his maturity as an actor shines here; this performance solidifies him as one the best young actors today. The film also has great cinemtography and a brilliant musical score by A.R. Rahman. As for the arm scene. You've probably heard of it. It's gory and disturbing both visually and sound wise. However, it's a brilliant part of the story that is essential to it's message, the scene is not bad when you think of it in light of what else is happening. 127 Hours...a brilliant, briliant film. One of the best of 2010, and truly one of a kind. I absolutely recommend it!
Brad W

A true and heroic tale of Aron Ralston. This movie is slow I will admit, but life itself is not an action thrill ride, its following one man step by step and we actually feel his pain. The camerawork is great, actually showing many different angles at times. Amazing movie.
Lanning :

I wanted to see this because I'm a fan of James Franco from way back, like in the days of Freaks and Geeks. I wanted to like it -- like 93% of the professional critics. Really? I mean REALLY? I am about to indulge in something that's a cross… More
I wanted to see this because I'm a fan of James Franco from way back, like in the days of Freaks and Geeks. I wanted to like it -- like 93% of the professional critics. Really? I mean REALLY? I am about to indulge in something that's a cross between hyperbole and the truth. I felt as though this one took a real-time 127 hours to watch. Not to downplay the true-life horror of Ralston's life story. But seriously? Word: not every top news-making story of sensational survival necessarily translates into great cinema. Borat it. Whatevahs. Not my cup of tea for sure. If it's yours, right on and Go James Franco! A very talented actor in my book.