127 Hours is a riveting ride

Not for the faint of heart, 127 Hours tells the real-life story of Aron Ralston, a young, energetic mountaineer who embarks on a climbing adventure that goes horribly wrong.

Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle manages to capture the audience's attention right from the start. With speedy camera manoeuvres and fist-pumping music by A.R. Rahman from the first frame, the pace is set for an intense and riveting ride.

James Franco delivers a charismatic, suspense-filled performance. We feel his determination and fear, his anguish and later his desperation.

Despite knowing the outcome of this story, I found myself teeming with hope at each new day, each new sunlight, and each new attempt Aron made to free his arm.

Before watching the movie, I wondered how Boyle would manage to make such a simple story that focuses on the isolation of one character seem exciting. Boyle transcends the norm with the use of flashbacks, hallucinations, sound, detailed close-ups and vast aerial shots which all come together to provide a visually grand experience.

"The scene" as I will call it — the one that caused much flurry and horror among audiences — is emotional, gruesome, desperate and visceral. But it is also a poignant and an almost perverse reminder of how we as humans will cling to life using all means possible for those that we love. It is also deeply philosophical, reminding us to stop, once a while, and smell the flowers.

Despite the haunting reality of Aron's situation, the eventual outcome is one that is both intense and inspiring.

If you missed this film at the Dubai Film Festival you can see it across the UAE starting tomorrow.