Adrenalised, awe-inspiring and beautifully shot, Danny Boyle’s most recent offering commendably refrains from the over-sentimentality which is prevalent in many life-affirming films.

127 Hours is based on the true story of Aaron Ralston, a self-assured extreme sports junkie. It is April 2003, and ignoring a backlog of phone messages from his concerned family, Ralston ventures into the stunning surroundings of the Blue John Canyon, Utah, to mountain bike, ‘canyoneer’, and impress female backpackers. Eventually, Ralston loses his footing and falls into the Canyon, trapping his arm under a boulder. Ensue 127-hour struggle to break free.

Danny Boyle has brilliantly recreated Ralston’s experiences. Although it is based on a story that risks boring the audience, 127 Hours has incredible pace and dynamism. It features gorgeous shot after gorgeous shot, wisely venturing far beyond Ralston’s limited perspective. Boyle compensates for the lack of dialogue with a rich soundtrack and the use of flashbacks, dreams and magical realist hallucinations. James Franco admirably portrays the likable yet conceited Ralston, despite his character being physically inert for most of the film.

A particularly thought-provoking moment emerges unexpectedly when Ralston, in his desperation, contemplates masturbation. His thought process is implied with great subtlety which, like the rest of the film, encourages the audience to imagine how they would react if placed in his situation.

As you begin to wonder where 127 Hours has left to go, you are suddenly reminded of the reason you came to see this movie. Ralston’s emancipation through the cutting off of his own arm is recreated with unflinching realism. Whilst managing to avoid gratuitousness, this act of remarkable courage is the dramatic high point of the film. Far from reliant on its startling culmination, however, Boyle’s ability to grip the audience throughout ensures that 127 Hours has become so much more than just ‘that film’ – you know, the one where the guy cuts his own arm off.