The Three Hikers

The Three Hikers is a powerful and compelling documentary film from 2015 that chronicles the ordeal of the eponymous three American hikers – Sarah Shourd, Shane Bauer, and Joshua Fattal. The movie is set against the backdrop of the complex and fraught relationship between the USA and Iran, offering an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of international politics.

The movie starts in the summer of 2009 when these three friends, namely, Sarah, Shane, and Joshua unwittingly became political pawns in a high-stakes international stalemate. During an adventurous hiking trip near the Iraqi-Iranian border, they were inadvertently apprehended by Iranian border guards for allegedly crossing into Iran territory illegally. This unexpected occurrence would kick-start a grueling saga of captivity and detention that would last for over two years.

As its name implies, The Three Hikers is essentially the story of these individuals, with each of the three protagonists themself appearing in the film. Through candid interviews, each of them recounts their individual experiences, feelings, perceptions, and revelations through this life-altering journey. They offer deeply personal accounts of their time in captivity, revealing the mental and emotional toll they experienced.

These personal narratives are expertly woven together with a broader political and geopolitical context. The director, Natalie Avital, has accomplished this by making excellent use of archival footage, talking-head interviews, and painstakingly compiled commentary from friends, family, and an array of foreign policy experts and journalists. These elements combine to present a comprehensive picture of the complex political equation that played out at the macro level.

One distinguishing aspect of The Three Hikers is its ability to humanize a political event, a situation often viewed or reported in terms of statistics or diplomatic exchanges. The movie not only provides a detailed examination of the hikers' ordeal and the geopolitical forces at play but also explores the pain and anxiety endured by their loved ones waiting back home. The ongoing efforts of their families, friends, politicians, and activists striving for their release also get a dedicated focus in the film.

There is a palpable sense of suspense and uncertainty that permeates the movie, which is further intensified by the skillful editing and the potent use of music. The visuals are stark and emotive, effectively amplifying the sense of loneliness, fear, and strength that the three hikers express in their narratives. The interviews themselves are raw and candid, making it impossible for viewers to remain detached.

The film also raises some valid and crucial questions about nationality, human rights, and international politics. It vividly depicts how individuals can become ensnared in the complex web of international diplomacy and how their fates can be influenced by political developments.

Even though the plight of the three hikers forms the central thread of The Three Hikers, the movie is also an exploration of larger world issues. It unfolds against the photo-negative of international diplomacy, the game of political chess, and the manipulation of human life for political leverage. In its exploration of these overarching themes, the film also delves into the political landscape of the Middle East, the turbulent relations between the USA and Iran, and the implications of the same.

In a nutshell, The Three Hikers, through the story of Sarah Shourd, Shane Bauer, and Joshua Fattal, highlights a critical and compelling slice of recent history. The movie is a deeply human story of survival, resilience, and hope in the face of personal and political crisis. It also emphasizes the power of relentless determination when faced with overwhelming odds.

While the film, directed by Natalie Avital, will undoubtedly appeal to those who appreciate well-crafted and engrossing human-interest narratives, those with an interest in international relations and global politics will also find it worthy and intriguing. Viewers are left to ponder over the extent to which innocent lives can be impacted by the larger environment of international politics and state actions. The Three Hikers is thus both a human saga and a political commentary that packs a solid punch, making it a must-watch documentary film.