The Cave (2019)

“The idea of moving underground was simple. As simple as the death lurking on the surface. The cause of that death is clear and simple too. As simple as the urge to survive. As a doctor, I’ve witnesses so many tragedies, so much suffering. So many lies. It made us search for a way to survive. ” – Amani Ballour

Number of Times Seen – 1 (5 Feb 2020)

Brief Synopsis – Documentary about the troubles that doctors in Syria face as they must tend to wounded and perform surgery in hidden underground caves.

My Take on it – This is a film that has a very interesting premise and due to the context of things, it works really well.

They are able to find a way to show the world the kind of hardships that people living in Syria must constantly endure as they must find ways to stay alive during the constant bombardments from the air.

The story is able to show the realistic portrayal of life in Syria and how the people are required to build secret hospitals in order to survive.

We also get to see the kind of duress that these people must endure throughout their daily lives.

This film was deservingly nominated for an Oscar for Best Documentary Feature but wasn’t able to win against American Factory (2019).

The story is also able to show how dangerous life can be for these people as they need to constantly fear for their lives due to the civil war that as been raging for years.

Bottom Line – Intriguing premise that works within the context of the story. They are able to show the hardships that these people must live under as they try to stay alive during the constant bombardments in Syria. The story shows the realism of things that go on there and the fact that they are required to build their hospitals in secret places shows the kind of duress that these people are under throughout their daily lives. This was deservingly nominated for an Oscar for Best Documentary.

MovieRob’s Favorite Trivia – After The Cave was shortlisted for the Documentary Feature Oscar, the director Feras Fayyad was denied a visa to the United States to attend events to promote his film. (From IMDB)

Rating – Globe Worthy (7/10)