In a society often divided by our differences, it’s easy to lose hope for humanity. While many work tirelessly to bring about education and open lines of dialogue in an effort to bring unity, there is something particularly remarkable about how a crisis can bring people together. Perhaps this is why there is a soft spot in my heart for inspiring movies based on real life events that demonstrate the goodness in humanity.
Mixed Take was invited to watch an advance screening of Ron Howard’s Thirteen Lives, a movie that recounts the incredible true story of the rescue of a boys’ soccer team trapped in the Tham Luang cave in Thailand, starring Viggo Mortensen and Colin Farrell. The film, while inspiring, also has its fair share of heart-pounding, claustrophobic moments. While I was given an entire movie theater seat, I only occupied the edge. The film captures the emotion of anxious parents, as they worry that they have already seen their boys for the last time. It captures the pressure felt by the local Thai government as they scramble for solutions before a spectating world. It captures the sacrificial hearts of those involved in the rescue. It captures the idea that every single life on earth is precious. At end of the day, that’s what moves me most. For all of the stereotypes we harbor and prejudice we face, crisis brings us together and produces greatness.
A boys soccer team and their coach pick the wrong day to travel into a tourist cave. They venture too far in when a flash flood traps them. The only way to reach them is cave diving, a dangerous activity in the best conditions - even for experienced divers. With rising waters, as monsoon season commences, the audience feels the ever-mounting stress of how to rescue these boys. You can suffer through all of the stress like me, thank you very much. Rather, I marveled at what came next.
(L to R) Thira ‘Aum’ Chutikul as Commander Kiet, Popetorn ‘Two’ Soonthornyanakijas Dr Karn, Joel Edgerton as Harry Harris, Colin Farrell as John Volanthen and Viggo Mortenson as Rick Stanton in Thirteen Lives. Photo credit: Vince Valitutti
Mortensen and Farrell, along with Joel Edgerton and a few others play the roles of volunteer divers. These are European/Australian men who dive as hobbyists but are recognized for their skill. Unlike in many "White Savior" stories where the white character solves the problem or completes the rescue alone, this movie makes it clear that the task is too big for them alone. Local farmers agree to sacrifice their crops, their livelihood, in an effort to redirect water from the mountain pouring into the cave. Thai military and relief workers work tirelessly against the clock of the rising waters. In fact, when it was all said and done, thousands of volunteers from Thailand and all around the world, came to offer their help. All this for thirteen lives? What does it say about humanity that we are willing to spend so much money, time, resources, as well as sacrifice safety, for the sake of thirteen people? If this is your thought, you’re not alone. The Pharisees once thought as you did.
The call for help, answered by the multitudes, demonstrates the heart of the gospel. If you recall in Luke 15, after the Pharisees grumble that Jesus would associate himself with a tax collector, Jesus shares what has become a popular parable. He points out that a person with a hundred sheep would leave the ninety-nine to save the one. And when he saves the one, it would lead to great rejoicing. The tax collector that turns to Jesus is the one sheep of his parable.
The gospel is all about abandoning money, time, resources, and safety to save a few. The events of Thirteen Lives demonstrates the gospel in not only sacrifice, but in unity. For a short time, cultural, ethnic, and economic differences are set aside for the sake of accomplishing something greater. Something that requires many people from diverse backgrounds using different skills.
Director Ron Howard on the set of Thirteen Lives. Photo credit: Vince Valitutti
The movie not only recounts this feat of unity, it tells it in a way that honors the Thai people. The gospel is not American, nor are we God’s nation. I appreciate Howard’s direction. Representatives of the Thai culture helped him preserve the language and customs in order to frame the film as a Thai story that invites others to join in. Success can only come from humility. Egos, in a situation like this only serve to sabotage the efforts.
As inspiring as this is, I am discouraged that the sense of urgency fades when the crisis is averted and “normal” tragedies resume. Neither poverty nor injustice nor brokenness nor separation from God has been able to unite humankind, let alone the Church. Perhaps a movie like this can serve as a wakeup call as it provides a snapshot of what humankind can accomplish in a time of crisis. With the odds, ever so insurmountable, we could almost excuse the idea of surrendering hope to an inevitable doom in Tham Luang. What I found most encouraging was how when one group lost hope, another stepped up to suggest the impossible. The cycle of encouragement, paired with the accountability of the world watching, erased the idea of giving up as an option. If we desire to meet a hurting world, perhaps it will require us to surrender our own egos for a unified, multi-generational church representing the nations of the world.
About ROBERT RIVERA
He is the co-host of Mixed Take, a World Outspoken podcast exploring the relationship between entertainment and culture through a biblical lens. You can connect with him on Twitter @robriv.
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