Beaconsfield
Beaconsfield

Movie spotlight

Beaconsfield

2012
Movie
111 min
English

On Anzac Day 2006 the Beaconsfield mine collapsed, trapping Russell, Webb and fellow miner Larry Knight one kilometre underground. When it was revealed that two of the men were alive, Australia prayed and the world waited in hope that the miners would make it out alive. But the rescue was far more complex than anyone ever imagined. Beaconsfield recounts this riveting story of mental and physical fortitude and two very different men who were trapped together for 14 days under rubble in a cramped, pitch-black metal basket no bigger than a dog kennel.

Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Director: John P. JonesGenres: Drama, History, Crime

Plot Summary

A documentary that delves into the 1987 Beaconsfield mine disaster in Tasmania, Australia. It reconstructs the harrowing events of the collapse that trapped 15 miners, focusing on the immense rescue efforts and the psychological toll on the trapped men and their families. The film highlights the resilience of the human spirit in the face of extreme adversity and the global attention the incident garnered.

Critical Reception

As a documentary, Beaconsfield received positive reviews for its thorough investigation of the disaster and its respectful portrayal of the miners' ordeal. Critics lauded its ability to build tension and convey the claustrophobic reality of the trapped men, while also celebrating the ultimate success of the rescue. It was noted for its use of interviews and archival footage to create a compelling narrative.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its tense and engaging re-creation of the mine disaster.

  • Applauded for its respectful and emotional tribute to the trapped miners and rescuers.

  • Felt to be a well-researched and comprehensive account of the event.

Google audience: Audience reception is not widely documented on Google reviews for this specific documentary. However, general sentiment for similar disaster documentaries suggests appreciation for factual accuracy and emotional storytelling.

Fun Fact

The film utilizes extensive reenactments and interviews with the actual survivors and rescuers involved in the Beaconsfield mine rescue.

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