O Poder e o Impossível

I'm a big fan of films that teach you lessons and survival against all odds, but for some reason this film fell somewhat flat. It's not in the league of Everest or other mountain survival epics.

Maybe it's that the protagonist is so idiotic in that typical American over-emotional way. Over celebrating small victories and screaming and crying over set backs. Have a bit more stiff upper lip old chap. You're probably not going to 'kick nature's ass'. Going down a double black diamond run late in the day with a storm rolling in surely isn't a great choice. Follow the lift down? The cut scenes were annoying and seemed filler as basically it is very hard to tell a story with one character, but it's been done very well more than once.

To sum up; it's the kind of film I like. but it's just not made that well. Ideal for a long-haul flight time-killer.

This film tells the story of a drug addicted man who goes to a mountain cabin to stay away from drugs. He goes snowboarding, but he soon gets lost in the mountains and have no way to get help. He has to fight for survival.

The story is built very slowly, and there are many occasions when I wonder why he does what he does in the film. I don't know snowy mountains at all, but I would have imagined that there can be better decisions and actions than he exhibits. For example, going off the designated paths is not something I would do. Reaching for the bag of drugs after falling into icy water is probably not a good idea. Snowboarding down the slopes after knowing that you are lost seem unwise as well. I don't know if it is possible to backtrack on himself, or at least go to higher grounds to check for the presence of any buildings. The weather in the first few days were good, so he could have gone upwards for help, my logic tells me. Given all these questions and plot points that defy my logic, it is hard to get into the film because I feel exasperated.

The fight for survival is not particularly engaging, as there is little to captivate viewers, and little suspense to drive the film. Though it is exhilarating to see the satisfying ending, the process to the climax does not capture me.

This is not a big Hollywood budget film. But there are many stories out there that don't need special effects etc. to tell a great story. I could relate to Eric's story; his childhood, his young adult life. His addiction. It was only in 'never quitting' that he continued to fight each day to live.

In those 7 days, he truly hit bottom, took stock of his life and found what mattered most. In the end he faced his inner demons and was finally at peace.

This is a great story of survival in the literal and ethereal sense. Inspirational and compelling. I was rooting for Eric, not just for his survival but for his redemption.

The amount of human suffring endured and the ability to display it is all here.

Hartnett has always been a good actor in a seemingly effortlessly way. This brings out his true skills as an actor like never before. The film isn't brilliant, but the story behind it and the story it tells is one of true human splender on how we as people never give up and always try to do the best we can. Enjoy.