Watch The Three Hikers

The Three Hikers is a gripping and emotionally charged documentary that tells the story of three American hikers who were detained in Iran in 2009. The film follows Sarah Shourd, Shane Bauer, and Joshua Fattal on their journey through the rugged mountains of Iraqi Kurdistan and into the hands of Iranian authorities. The film opens with footage of the three hikers hiking in the beautiful wilderness of northern Iraq, before trekking across the border into Iran. This remote and rugged terrain is not without its hazards, and the hikers must deal with extreme heat, dehydration, and the constant threat of encounters with dangerous animals.

Despite the challenges, the trio is determined to press on and complete their journey. However, their dreams of adventure are cut short when they are suddenly arrested by Iranian border guards on suspicion of espionage. Accused of being CIA agents, the hikers are thrown into Tehran's notorious Evin Prison, where they face months of interrogations, physical abuse, and psychological torture.

Through interviews with family members, journalists, and government officials, the film chronicles the harrowing ordeal of the three hikers and their families. It delves deep into the political and cultural tensions between the United States and Iran, and the complex and often unpredictable ways in which these tensions play out.

The Three Hikers also explores how the families of the hikers, aided by a team of activists and human rights advocates, worked tirelessly to secure the release of their loved ones. It highlights the strength and resilience of the hikers and their families, who refused to give up hope despite years of uncertainty and fear.

Throughout the film, we see the hikers' personal stories unfold against the backdrop of larger global issues such as human rights, diplomatic relations, and cultural misunderstandings. The Three Hikers challenges viewers to question their assumptions about the world and to consider the power of empathy and compassion in promoting peace and justice.

Beautifully shot and expertly edited, The Three Hikers is a gripping and powerful documentary that captures the heart-wrenching story of three individuals who were caught in the crosshairs of international conflict. It is an intimate and moving portrait of resilience, hope, and the enduring power of the human spirit.

The Three Hikers is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.