Touching the Void

You will never believe that a re-enacted documentary can grip you like you are watching it live - until you see this movie. It makes Hollywood's actioners pale in comparison. I would like the film even if I knew nothing about climbing; as a climber, it is an incredible true journey into our deepest fears. The DVD I have has additional features about the making of the movie and the return of the men to their mountain; the honest look at the long-term impacts of this event is worth the price of the whole DVD. As a Christian, it was heart-rending to hear Joe disavow any spiritual faith, even after living through such a harrowing ordeal. But he told what he felt . . . for me, I'm glad I know the Rock when I'm climbing on rocks. Great movie!

We watched this film at school and it is such a fantastic film, it is the most unbelieveable story ever. I just can't explain how fab the film is, not the most pleasant but a must see film. Don't even rent it, buy it! Every time you see it you'll find it more amazing.

This true story of two British mountain climbers, Joe Simpson and Simon Yates, will hands down be one of the most gripping and inspirational films you will ever watch. After scaling the 21,000 foot Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes, their descent morphed into a nightmare disaster when Simpson fell and broke his leg. Yates tried to lower him down the mountain, but eventually cut the rope and sent his partner to his death. Or not. The remainder of the film shows how Simpson fell even further into an enormous crevasse and made it down alive by actually lowering himself deeper into that crevasse. The film makers re-enact the drama with actors, but continually switch back to interviews with both Simpson and Yates who describe exactly what happened, what they thought and how they felt. The only story of human bravery, courage and survival that compares to this is Shackleton's failed Antarctica trek in 1914-1916 (recounted in the Imax Endurance). After six surgeries, and an unflincing defense of Yates for cutting the rope, Simpson still climbs today.

I first read the book and was amazed by the will to survive, even with all the odds against them. The DVD gave me a more visual feel and appreciation of what they went thru, and also the extreme terrain and conditions they faced.

A really inspiring story.

I receommend this DVD not just for real story and insipring struggle for survival, but for the fact that everyone of us in our life have up and down times. In many instances we tend to get depressed and get low key even on small failures and setbacks. At those precise movements this DVD can electrify you spirit that we mortal men have unlimited capicity to create IMMORTAL MEMORIES OF INSPIRATION!

DVD is very well made. My only gripe is at 3/4ths of movie, it could feel little dragging, but the end fills up the lost time.

Go get it!