“127 Hours”, 2010
Director: Danny Boyle
Based on a true story, this film follows the harrowing ordeal of a hiker who becomes trapped in a remote canyon in Utah and must resort to extreme measures to survive.
Starring: James Franco, Kate Mara, Amber Tamblyn, Clémence Poésy, Lizzy Caplan, Treat Williams, Kate Burton, Sean Bott, John Lawrence, Koleman Stinger;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: thriller, biography, drama, adventure;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 93 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “127 Hours” on the website imdb.com
“The Way Back”, 2020
Director: Gavin O'Connor
A group of prisoners escape from a Siberian gulag during World War II and embark on a treacherous journey through the desert to reach safety.
Starring: Ben Affleck, Al Madrigal, Janina Gavankar, Michaela Watkins, Brandon Wilson, Will Ropp, Fernando Luis Vega, Charles Lott Jr., Melvin Gregg, Ben Irving;
Production year: 2020;
Genre: drama, sport;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 108 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
More information about the film “The Way Back” on the website imdb.com
“Tracks”, 2013
Director: John Curran
This film tells the true story of a young woman who sets out on a solo trek across the Australian desert with her four camels and dog.
Starring: Mia Wasikowska, Adam Driver, Rolley Mintuma, Rainer Bock, Robert Coleby, Emma Booth, Lily Pearl, Jessica Tovey, Melanie Zanetti, Jamie Timony;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: biography, drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 113 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
“The Flight of the Phoenix”, 1965
Director: Robert Aldrich
After crash-landing in the Sahara Desert, a group of plane crash survivors must work together to build a new aircraft from the wreckage in order to escape.
Starring: James Stewart, Richard Attenborough, Peter Finch, Hardy Krüger, Ernest Borgnine, Ian Bannen, Ronald Fraser, Christian Marquand, Dan Duryea, George Kennedy;
Production year: 1965;
Genre: drama, adventure;
Age: 16+;
Duration: 142 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “The Flight of the Phoenix” on the website imdb.com
“Gerry”, 2002
Director: Gus Van Sant
Two friends named Gerry find themselves lost in the desert with no idea of how to get back to civilization, leading to a test of their friendship and will to survive.
Starring: Casey Affleck, Matt Damon;
Production year: 2002;
Genre: drama, detective, adventure;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 103 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6;
More information about the film “Gerry” on the website imdb.com
“The Hills Have Eyes”, 2006
Director: Alexandre Aja
A family becomes stranded in the desert and must fend off a group of mutated cannibals in this horror film.
Starring: Aaron Stanford, Kathleen Quinlan, Vinessa Shaw, Emilie de Ravin, Dan Byrd, Tom Bower, Billy Drago, Robert Joy, Ted Levine, Desmond Askew;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: horror, thriller;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 107 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,4;
More information about the film “The Hills Have Eyes” on the website imdb.com
“Lawrence of Arabia”, 1962
Director: David Lean
While not entirely focused on being lost in the desert, this epic film follows T.E. Lawrence's experiences in the Arabian Desert during World War I.
Starring: Peter O'Toole, Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn, Jack Hawkins, Omar Sharif, José Ferrer, Anthony Quayle, Claude Rains, Arthur Kennedy, Donald Wolfit;
Production year: 1962;
Genre: drama, adventure, war, biography;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 216 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,3;
More information about the film “Lawrence of Arabia” on the website imdb.com
“Into the Wild”, 2007
Director: Sean Penn
Though not set in a desert, this film follows a young man who ventures into the Alaskan wilderness, facing similar themes of isolation and survival.
Starring: Emile Hirsch, Hal Holbrook, Marcia Gay Harden, William Hurt, Jena Malone, Brian H. Dierker, Catherine Keener, Vince Vaughn, Kristen Stewart, Jim Galien;
Production year: 2007;
Genre: drama, adventure, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 148 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,1;
More information about the film “Into the Wild” on the website imdb.com
“Films about being lost in the desert offer a unique exploration of survival, human resilience, and the harsh realities of nature. Through stunning cinematography and captivating performances, these films immerse audiences in the unforgiving landscape of the desert, highlighting the triumphs and tribulations of those who find themselves stranded in its vastness. From tales of desperation and isolation to stories of hope and redemption, these films remind us of the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity, leaving a lasting impact on viewers long after the credits roll.”
