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Entertainment • Film

Alive (1993 film)

Alive is a 1993 American survival drama film directed by Frank Marshall.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Alive is a 1993 American survival drama film directed by Frank Marshall. It is based on Piers Paul Read’s 1974 nonfiction book about the Uruguayan rugby team whose plane crashed in the Andes in 1972. The film stars Ethan Hawke, Josh Hamilton, and Vincent Spano, and was released in the United States and Canada on January 15, 1993.

Plot

The film follows the survivors of a Uruguayan rugby team after their plane crashes in the Andes in 1972. Stranded in extreme conditions, they struggle to survive while awaiting rescue.

Production

Alive was directed by Frank Marshall and written by John Patrick Shanley. It was filmed in the Purcell Mountains in British Columbia and features narration by John Malkovich.

Release and reception

The film was released on January 15, 1993 in the United States and Canada. It received mixed to positive reviews and performed commercially well at the box office.

Historical basis

The story is based on the real 1972 crash of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571, which became widely known for the survivors’ long ordeal in the Andes. The film draws from Piers Paul Read’s 1974 book on the event.

Key facts

  • Alive depicts the aftermath of the 1972 Andes plane crash involving a Uruguayan rugby team.
  • The film is adapted from Piers Paul Read’s nonfiction book about the crash survivors.
  • Frank Marshall directed the film, with a screenplay by John Patrick Shanley.
  • Principal filming took place in the Purcell Mountains in British Columbia.
  • The film grossed about $82.5 million against a reported $32 million budget.
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Canadian context

The film was filmed in British Columbia, Canada, specifically in the Purcell Mountains, which is a notable Canadian production connection.

Frequently asked questions

What is Alive (1993 film) about?
It is about the survivors of a Uruguayan rugby team after their plane crashes in the Andes in 1972.
Who directed Alive?
Frank Marshall directed the film.
What book is Alive based on?
It is based on Piers Paul Read’s 1974 nonfiction book Alive: The Story of the Andes Survivors.
When was Alive released?
It was released on January 15, 1993 in the United States and Canada.
Who starred in Alive?
The film stars Ethan Hawke, Josh Hamilton, and Vincent Spano.
Was Alive a box-office success?
Yes. It grossed about $82.5 million worldwide on a reported $32 million budget.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alive_(1993_film)
    Supports: Director, writer, cast, source material, release date, filming location, running time, and box-office information
  2. D23 — https://d23.com/a-to-z/alive-film/
    Supports: Plot basis, release date, director, cast, and adaptation from Piers Paul Read’s book
  3. The Hollywood Reporter — https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/hollywood-flashback-chilling-survival-story-alive-landed-in-theaters-31-years-ago/
    Supports: Release context, subject matter, and reference to the real Andes disaster