Movie Review of The Rescue from National Geographic Documentary Films

Thank you, National Geographic Documentary Films! This is very captivating. “The Rescue” is a film that recounts the steps taken to help save twelve youngsters and their coach trapped in an underwater cave from impending tragedy.
Their possible doom came flooding toward them from every direction once the gang (a soccer team) ran into the cave to get out of the heavy monsoon downpour in June of 2018. Their bikes were found outside the cave, reminding devastated mothers and a worried community that they most likely can’t and won’t make it out. This feeling expands, especially with all the monsoons weather still expected to come. Four more months of heavy rain are in the forecast. The area is made of limestone, which accumulates water from everywhere until the ground can’t hold it anymore. Where does the water go then?? Into the caves.

Watching the grounds get wetter by the minute, the name Vern is mentioned. He has explored all the caves and updates the Maps for the Thai National Parks. He’s known as a “Crazy Caver. It’s Vern who tells them that the boys aren’t missing… they’re trapped. When they went into the cave, it filled up like a bathtub and they most likely went in deeper. Vern makes a list of all the Cave Divers he could think of. People he knows to be the best in the world. One by one, we’re introduced to these men. Rick Stanton is one of the main divers that helps in the efforts to extract the kids; another is John Volanthen, and then Dr. Richard Harris. Many others have a hand in the attempt to get them out.
They all help to make this documentary, as well, telling us how they were feeling about the entire event the whole time. Their comments are fascinating, to say the least.

What they lay out for us is also shown using underwater footage and impressive animation. You feel so close to what is happening that you feel you’re in on the planning of getting the children out. A bit of warning, however. While watching, you may get a little claustrophobic, as well. The cave divers go through some really tight squeezes, which could make you a little nervous. So much so that on the big screen really would be the best way to view this movie. You want to feel a part of the action and not miss anything the SEALs, Special Forces from around the globe and cave divers are doing to save these people’s lives. Turns out that Navy SEALs can’t hold a candle next to the diving hobbyists who slither into narrow passages for fun on the weekends. As the days tick by, however, people begin to give up hope. Even John and Rick, who have been on board since day one.

On days nine and ten, they put their emotions aside and concentrate on the task at hand. They have to save these children. They go back into the water and the boys are found. They’re starving, skinny and cold, but they’re alive! Their oxygen is getting thin, too. Great! Another thing to be nervous about.
The kids are given some energy bars and foil blankets to help keep them somewhat comfortable. The divers are happy to have found them but still not totally convinced they’ll be able to get them out alive. Rick comes up with a plan. Great plan, but can it be done? “No,” says Dr. Harris. He’s then asked, “What if it’s the only thing that can be done?” Its’ a crazy idea, especially when the dangers are outlined, but this is when the movie gets more and more engrossing. In case you’re not aware yet, I won’t tell you what they do, but you won’t believe what you’re seeing… and you won’t be able to look away.

The first part of the film is very informative as to how the boys got in there and who the players are in the efforts to get them out. The second half of “The Rescue” is the rescue itself. It’s nail-biting excitement with never-before-seen material used to tantalize and inform yet warn everyone of the risks that climate change poses to us all. It also reveals that we can accomplish anything when we all work together, no matter what country we’re from or what color our skin may be.