Howard worked from a screenplay by William Nicholson (Gladiator) and story by Don McPherson (The Gunman). The film concentrates on the almost miraculous rescue mission rather than the youngsters, and the intense cinematography by Suyombhu Mukdeeprom (Beckett) gives us a close look at what rescuers were going through.

Viggo Mortensen (Green Book) and Colin Farrell (Seven Psychopaths) play British cave divers who are called to help the Thailand SEALS. The two Brits can’t figure out how to rescue the trapped youngsters, so they contact a doctor portrayed by Joel Edgerton (The Gift). It’s this caring doctor who finally figures out how the boys might be saved.  

Mortensen and Farrell are practically unrecognizable in these roles. Mortensen – who gets the only sarcastic humorous line in the entire film -- is bald and Farrell looks like an average good guy instead of the complicated characters he’s used to playing. All three of these actors downplay their sympathetic parts here to make everything seem believable. And, of course, many excellent Thailand actors add to the authenticity of this terrific offering.

We feel tension in “Thirteen Lives”

as rescuers try many dives.

Young boys and coach lost in Thai caves

while plans are made to end in saves.

Worried parents and friends stand by.

It’s hard to watch and not to cry.

Though early scenes are calm and bright.

Look out for darkness in the night.

Strong rain storms make it hard to see.

Could death be youngsters destiny?

Not when experts come there to try.

 And find a way to save each guy.

Ron Howard’s helming deserves praise.

This “Thirteen Lives” his rep will raise.

He makes us feel that we are there.

And so we really do care.

I have to admit this movie scared me during most of its running time. I am afraid of water and never learned to swim. Because much of the film shows people diving and swimming under difficult situations I wanted to close my eyes and think about more happy things. But the story is so compelling, I watched everything.

Director Howard has said that this movie and the real rescue are tributes to the people of Thailand who never gave up.

The passion of rescue reveals the highest dynamic of the human soul. --- Kurt Hahn

(Released by United Artists Releasing/Amazon Prime. Rated “PG-13” by MPAA.)