https://youtu.be/4ZViCIUrTnM?si=6oqonOWBCqJVSq_I
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Overview: Alive (1993)
Title & Plot
Alive is a 1993 American survival drama directed by Frank Marshall, based on the 1974 book Alive: The Story of the Andes Survivors by Piers Paul Read. It recounts the true story of a Uruguayan rugby team whose plane (Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571) crashed in the Andes mountains in 1972. The survivors endured 72 days in extreme conditions, ultimately resorting to cannibalism to stay alive, until two of them trekked out to find help.
Cast & Crew
The film stars Ethan Hawke as Nando Parrado, Josh Hamilton as Roberto Canessa, and Vincent Spano as Antonio Balbi. It was written by John Patrick Shanley and produced by Kathleen Kennedy and Robert Watts, with music by James Newton Howard. Nando Parrado himself served as a technical advisor on the production.
Production Details
Although set in the Andes, filming took place in the Purcell Mountains of British Columbia, Canada, using a Fairchild F-227 similar to the real plane. The production strove for realism, involving one survivor and using accurate equipment and locations.
Release & Reception
Released on January 15, 1993, the movie runs approximately 125 minutes. It earned about $82.5 million worldwide on a $32 million budget. Critical reception was mixed-to-positive; it holds a ~63% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Some reviews praised its emotional impact and survival realism, while others criticized its portrayal as overly "Hollywoodized" and lacking in deeper sociological or character complexity.
Documentary Companion
Alongside the feature film, a companion documentary titled Alive: 20 Years Later (also known as Alive – The Miracle of the Andes) was released in 1993. Narrated by Martin Sheen, it features real survivors reflecting on their experience two decades later and includes rescue footage.
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How Alive Stacks Up Against the Newer Society of the Snow (2023)
A modern retelling of the same tragedy, Society of the Snow (2023) directed by J. A. Bayona, presents a grittier and more culturally authentic perspective. It's a Spanish-language film with Uruguayan and Argentine actors and much more emotionally immersive tone.
Critical Comparisons:
A Financial Times review notes Bayona's film "delves deeper into the human, philosophical, and spiritual aspects of the story," focusing on authenticity rather than sensationalism.
According to Vanity Fair, Alive opts for a more traditional, "Hollywoodized" dramatic approach, whereas Society of the Snow offers a rawer, immersive recounting.
On Reddit, viewers comment:
> "Society of the Snow feels more well researched... scarier and more downhearted than Alive."
"Survivors said that SotS is the most accurate depiction of what happened, Alive is more theatrical or movie-oriented vs real events."
Another adds:
> "Society of the Snow for me, no contest. ... it was made with Argentinean & Uruguayan actors speaking the native language... You can tell this was a major passion project."
But some still value Alive: "Alive told the story of the accident and the way it resolved well… I like them both equally… prioritising different things."
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Summary Table
Feature Alive (1993) Society of the Snow (2023)
Approach Dramatic, inspirational, Hollywood-style Gritty, authentic, immersive
Language & Casting English; primarily American actors Spanish; Uruguayan & Argentine actors
Emotional Tone Uplifting, polished storytelling Stark, emotionally raw, respectful
Realism & Authenticity Moderate—survivor advisor, real equipment High—cultural accuracy and emotional depth
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Final Thoughts
Alive offers a classic survival drama with impressive cinematics, strong casting, and a compelling emotional core—especially notable in the early '90s context. If you're drawn to inspirational retellings and Hollywood-style storytelling, it's worth watching.
But if you prefer a more visceral and culturally faithful retelling—with native-language performances and grittier realism—Society of the Snow might resonate even more powerfully.
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