A good movie always attracts viewers’ attention, primarily if it is based on actual events. A realistic plot characterizes it and allows learning about real heroes, not fictional characters. Among the many such works, films about mountaineering deserve special attention. They all tell incredible stories of real people who conquered the world’s most famous peaks. Some did it perfectly, and they became real heroes of their countries, while others tragically ended their lives on the mountain slopes and remained forever in the memory of their loved ones. In all cases, these people left their mark on the history of mountaineering, and famous directors immortalized their exploits in their films.
Touching the Void
The famous film by British director Kevin Macdonald is rightfully considered one of the best on mountaineering. It is based on the autobiographical book “Touching the Void” by the conqueror of various peaks, Joe Simpson, who played the main role together with another climber, Simon Yates. The film turned out to be quite successful and collected several prestigious awards. It also attracted public attention to mountaineering and people engaged in this challenging business.
“Touching the Void” tells about the events of 1985. At this time, two friends successfully climbed to the top of Siula Grande (Peru). However, the most demanding tests were waiting for them ahead. Due to bad weather, they could not start their descent for a long time. As soon as the climbers set off, they faced many difficulties that forced them to begin a fight for survival. One of the friends (Joe Simpson) seriously injured his leg, which only worsened their situation. Because of this, Simon Yates was forced to help his colleague, belaying him and allowing him to move slowly.
At one point, Joe lost his footing and fell, but Simon was able to stop his fall but found himself isolated from his friend. In a challenging situation, Simon realizes he can no longer hold Joe, so he cuts the safety rope. Yates searched for his fallen friend for a long time but eventually realized it was useless and went to the camp. However, Simpson miraculously survived. He received severe injuries but was able to complete the descent on his own.
Everest
This mountaineering film by the famous director Baltasar Kormakur impressed many viewers and experts. It became one of the best in its genre and earned more than $200 million in box office receipts. The main roles in “Everest” were played by such famous actors as Jason Clarke, Jacob Gyllenhaal, John Hawkes, Josh Brolin, and Samuel Worthington.
This film tells about the events of the spring of 1996. Then, several climbers went to the Himalayas to conquer the legendary Everest. At first, everything went perfectly. The team members gradually adapted to the local weather anomalies and learned to spend much time in thin air. Some climbers quickly passed all the tests, but others developed various health problems. They had to be eliminated with the help of available drugs and an oxygen mask.
When the day of climbing the mountain came, all team members were full of energy and determination to achieve their goal. However, after just a few hours, the climbers began to have problems. Challenging weather, thin air, dangers lurking at every step, the absence of AGM thermal scopes and other night optics, and the lack of sufficient experience in climbing such peaks led to not everyone being able to arrive at their chosen destination. Then, the situation only worsened. An intense snowstorm covered Everest and turned the descent from the mountain into a real test of survival. As a result, most of the team died without ever reaching the camp at the foot of Everest.
North Face
This film by director Philipp Stoelzl will not leave anyone indifferent. It tells the story of two climbers who, back in 1936, attempted to climb the legendary north face of the Eiger. The latter is considered one of the most dangerous in the Alps, and even today, many professional climbers do not dare to overcome it. Benno Fuermfnn and Florian Lukas played the leading roles in this film.
The plot of “North Face” is entirely based on actual events. In it, two German military friends fond of mountaineering begin to fight for the right to climb a dangerous peak. To do this, they devise a way to leave the army to devote themselves to their favorite business. The main characters’ competitors are Austrians, French and Italians. This competition is covered in many media outlets, so no one has the right to lose. However, due to the difficult conditions and the danger of the climb, the teams from France and Italy quickly give up the fight.
The remaining two teams begin their ascent, which many people watch. They overcome difficult sections and achieve local goals. Then, various events forced the Austrians and Germans to join forces for rescue and descent to a safe place. However, they cannot avoid tragedy.
127 Hours
This film about American climber Aron Ralston became a natural sensation. It won several significant awards and received many positive reviews from worldwide viewers. James Franco, Amber Tamblyn, and Kate Mara played the leading roles, and Danny Boyle directed it.
The film’s plot is taken from the book by Aron Ralston, “Between a Rock and a Hard Place”, which he wrote after his adventure in Bluejohn Canyon. The famous story that shocked the world began in 2003. Then Aron went to Utah on his own, where he planned to get into the slot canyon and get out of it with the help of his climbing equipment. Having reached the right place, he gets down to business. At one point, a huge boulder weighing about 360 kg presses Aron’s hand to the wall, leaving him unable to escape the canyon. Being alone, the main character records a video diary, simultaneously chipping off pieces of stone with his knife. He also survives in conditions of lack of food and water.
On the sixth day, Aron falls into despair. He has run out of supplies, and there is no help to be expected from anywhere. He realizes he made a mistake when not telling anyone about his plans, but he can no longer fix the situation. In the end, he decides and cuts off his hand. This gives the climber a chance to save himself. Aron Ralston’s real life continues today. He still goes mountaineering, but now he always leaves a note for his relatives about where he is going and where to look for him in case of trouble.
Also Read: Padel in San Antonio, Texas: Understanding the Fundamentals
Nanga Parbat
This film by director Joseph Vilsmaier tells the story of the mountaineering brothers who decided to conquer one of the greatest mountains in the world—Nanga Parbat. Florian Stetter and Markus Krojer played the main roles. The film turned out to be fascinating, and the audience noticed minimal differences from the real story of the Messner brothers.
The film begins with a story about Reinhold and Guenther’s childhood. Even then, they were interested in mountaineering and climbed the school’s wall where they studied. As adults, the brothers set themselves the goal of getting to the top of Nanga Parbat. To do this, they met Karl Herrligkoffer, who organized several expeditions to the legendary mountain. He included Reinhold and Guenther in his team, making them the happiest people on the planet.
During the ascent of Nanga Parbat, the brothers and other team members faced extreme cold and terrible weather conditions. This stopped many, but not Reinhold and Guenther. They persistently pursued their dream and eventually conquered Nanga Parbat. During the brothers’ descent, an avalanche occurs. Guenther dies, and Reinhold gets seriously injured and has frostbite. Barely alive, he reaches the camp and is handed over to rescuers.
Films about mountaineering occupy a special place in the history of world cinema. Most of them are based on actual events and tell the stories of great climbers. Such films make viewers follow every move of the heroes with bated breath and sincerely worry about their fate. Watching movies about mountaineering, you can feel the spirit of adventure and appreciate the danger that lovers of high mountains are exposed to every second.
