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Trapped deep within a flooded Thai cave, twelve schoolboys and their coach face a desperate fight for survival. This gripping documentary recounts the remarkable rescue effort, combining exclusive interviews and unseen footage to plunge viewers into the challenging world of cave diving. It’s a story of bravery and compassion, showcasing the unity and sacrifice of those who risked everything to save them.

Trapped deep within a flooded Thai cave, twelve schoolboys and their coach face a desperate fight for survival. This gripping documentary recounts the remarkable rescue effort, combining exclusive interviews and unseen footage to plunge viewers into the challenging world of cave diving. It’s a story of bravery and compassion, showcasing the unity and sacrifice of those who risked everything to save them.

Does The Rescue have end credit scenes?

No!

The Rescue does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of The Rescue

Explore the complete cast of The Rescue, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


No actors found

Ratings and Reviews for The Rescue

See how The Rescue is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where The Rescue stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Echo Score

The Movie Echo Score

84

The Rescue delivers a compelling documentary experience anchored by strong storytelling and visual execution. Critics highlight its thorough archival integration and the emotional impact of the rescue narrative, while a few note occasional pacing issues and limited direct testimony from the rescued boys. Audience reactions emphasize the film’s tension, inspirational tone, and effective reenactments, reinforcing its overall appeal. The combined assessments suggest a highly engaging yet occasionally uneven documentary that resonates with viewers.

The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for The Rescue

85
Echo Score

Art & Craft

The film demonstrates solid craftsmanship through careful editing and seamless integration of archival and reenacted footage. Reviewers commend the clear visual presentation of complex rescue operations and the polished graphic overlays that map cave layouts. Some criticism points to occasional languid pacing that slightly detracts from the visual rhythm. Overall, the technical execution is strong and supports the narrative effectively.

78
Echo Score

Character & Emotion

Emotional resonance is a central strength, with many viewers describing the story as moving and heart‑warming. The documentary conveys the courage of the divers and the plight of the boys, though the absence of direct interviews limits personal depth. Critics note a lack of direct voices from the rescued participants, which reduces character intimacy. Nevertheless, the overall emotional impact remains significant.

80
Echo Score

Story & Flow

The narrative structure is praised for its tension‑filled progression and clear exposition of the rescue’s logistical challenges. Critics appreciate the documentary’s ability to sustain engagement, though some point to an initially slow tempo that hinders momentum. The storyline balances technical detail with human drama, delivering a coherent and engaging account despite occasional pacing lapses.

88
Echo Score

Sensory Experience

Visual and auditory elements are highlighted as standout features, with seamless reenactments that closely match archival footage. Reviewers remark on the effective use of graphics to illustrate cave geometry and water levels, enhancing viewer comprehension. The sound design supports the suspenseful atmosphere without overwhelming the narrative. Overall, sensory presentation is polished and contributes strongly to immersion.

90
Echo Score

Rewatch Factor

The documentary’s inspirational theme and dramatic climax foster strong replay value. Multiple audiences indicate a desire to view the film repeatedly for its uplifting message and technical clarity. Critics suggest it may surpass conventional thriller dramatizations, adding to its lasting relevance. Consequently, the film maintains high appeal for successive viewings and continued discussion.

Metacritic

84

Metascore

8.4

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

96%

TOMATOMETER

review

99%

User Score

IMDb

8.3 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

79

%

User Score

Letterboxd

4.1

From 56 fan ratings

Take the Ultimate The Rescue Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of The Rescue with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


The Rescue Quiz: Test your knowledge on 'The Rescue', a thrilling adventure of mice saving a young orphan from danger.

What does Penny drop into the river for help?

Awards & Nominations for The Rescue

Explore awards

Discover all the awards and nominations received by The Rescue, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how The Rescue and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.


75th British Academy Film Awards 2022

Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi
Nomination

Best Documentary

Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi

74th Directors Guild of America Awards 2022

Nomination

Documentaries

TIFF Awards 2021 2021

Win

People's Choice Award: Documentaries

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for The Rescue

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Read the complete plot summary of The Rescue, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


In the eerie setting of Devil’s Bayou, Louisiana, a young orphan named Penny takes a brave step as she drops a desperate message in a bottle into the murky river, seeking help to escape her dire situation. This heartfelt plea does not go unnoticed, as the Rescue Aid Society, a global organization of mice operating under the auspices of the United Nations, inadvertently discovers her bottle when it washes ashore in the bustling streets of New York City. Among the mice, the resourceful and courageous Miss Bianca steps up to the plate, volunteering to champion Penny’s cause. She enlists the help of Bernard, a nervous but well-meaning janitor, to act as her co-agent in this critical mission.

Their journey leads them to the Morningside Orphanage, which was Penny’s home, where they encounter an elderly cat named Rufus. Rufus shares alarming insights about Madame Medusa, a sinister figure who once attempted to lure Penny into her clutches, thus prompting the determined mice to investigate Medusa’s pawn shop for any signs that could lead them to the young girl.

Upon their visit to the pawn shop, Bianca and Bernard uncover the nefarious plot that involves Medusa and her unscrupulous partner, Mr. Snoops. Their goal? They are on a relentless hunt for the legendary Devil’s Eye, an enormous and priceless diamond. The mice soon discover that this duplicitous duo has taken Penny to Devil’s Bayou, where she is held captive and guarded by two fierce crocodiles named Brutus and Nero. With the help of their quirky allies, Orville the albatross and Evinrude the dragonfly, they embark on a perilous journey to rescue Penny and thwart Medusa’s malicious scheme.

As they reach the bayou, they uncover Medusa’s chilling plan to coerce Penny into entering a small blowhole leading to a hidden pirate cave—a place rumored to house the coveted diamond. The stakes couldn’t be higher for Bernard and Bianca as they concoct a daring escape plan for young Penny. Alas, their ally Evinrude faces unfortunate delays amidst a chaotic cloud of bats, which threatens to hinder their efforts.

The next day proves to be crucial. Medusa and Snoops push Penny down into the treacherous cave in search of the Devil’s Eye. Unbeknownst to Medusa, Bernard and Bianca cleverly hide within Penny’s dress pocket, ready to aid her at any moment. As they navigate the dangers of the cave, they eventually spot the elusive diamond nestled within a sinister pirate skull. A gripping moment unfolds when Penny bravely pries the mouth of the skull open with a sword, allowing the mice to assist her in retrieving the gem. However, their triumph is short-lived as the cave begins to flood due to the rising tide, forcing them to escape with the diamond in a race against time.

The peril escalates when Medusa, desperate for the diamond, betrays Snoops and cunningly hides the gemstone within Penny’s beloved teddy bear. Tensions flare as she cornered, holding both Penny and Snoops at gunpoint. In a twist of fate, Medusa’s own clumsiness leads her to trip over a trap set by Bernard and Bianca, resulting in Penny seizing the opportunity to escape with the bear and the diamond in tow.

Chaos ensues as the local wildlife, harboring a deep-seated animosity towards Medusa, rally to help Bernard and Bianca trap Brutus and Nero. With fireworks provided by Mr. Snoops creating the ultimate distraction, Penny takes charge alongside the mice in commandeering Medusa’s makeshift swamp-mobile, leading to a frantic chase. Despite Medusa’s attempts to ski on the backs of her own crocodile henchmen, her scheme ultimately collapses when the riverboat sinks under the explosive chaos. Medusa finds herself desperately clinging to the remnants of the vessel, while Mr. Snoops makes a hasty retreat on a raft, leaving her to face the wrath of the disgruntled crocodiles.

As the dust settles back in New York City, the Rescue Aid Society learns of Penny’s heroic return with the Devil’s Eye, now a treasure for the Smithsonian Institution. The news report hints at Medusa and Snoops facing justice, while it celebrates the wonderful news of Penny’s adoption. Just as they believe their adventure has concluded, a new call for help arrives from Evinrude, sending Bernard and Bianca off on a thrilling new escapade. The legacy of their courage and friendship continues, promising more heartwarming and exciting adventures ahead.

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Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for The Rescue

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Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from The Rescue. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


Official Trailer

Official Trailer

The Rescue Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


rescuesoccer2010syear 2018lifecavetrapstuckjourneydramaticnational geographiccave divingcave diversedationflooding cavethailandsearch teamsoccer teampumping watermonsoon seasonmonsoonoxygen levelrescue teamrescue diverrescue attemptrescue partylast minute escapereenactmentfloodtropicallife jacketatropineanesthesiaketamineteenagerteambuddhismsealtitle directed by female

The Rescue Other Names and Titles

Explore the various alternative titles, translations, and other names used for The Rescue across different regions and languages. Understand how the film is marketed and recognized worldwide.


Спасение Rescate en las profundidades 泰国洞穴救援 กู้ภัยถ้ำหลวง Operação: Resgate na Tailândia THE RESCUE 奇跡を起こした者たち THE RESCUE 奇跡を起こした者たち/ザ・レスキュー タイ洞窟救出の奇跡 La Grotte The Rescue - Il salvataggio dei ragazzi 위대한 구조 洞穴救援行動 החילוץ Спасательная операция The Rescue: Das Höhlenunglück in Thailand Záchrana A mentőakció ザ・レスキュー タイ洞窟救出の奇跡 الإنقاذ

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