Touching the Void
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Movie Reviews of Touching the Void
Movie Review: Gripping, Compelling, and an Emotional Rollercoaster
Summary: 5 Stars
Amazing. Simply amazing. TOUCHING THE VOID is one of the best films I've seen in a long time. Shot in a semi-documentary format (I'd call it "reenactment," but that wouldn't do the film justice), this film delivers one of the most gripping tales I have ever been delighted by. I couldn't take my eyes off of the screen. TOUCHING THE VOID chronicles the real-life adventures of two mountain climbers--men who rush off to conquer a mountain and end up conquering themselves. It is a climb that few had attempted before them and none had succeeded; it is also a climb that no one has since every attempted.
But this is not a typical "hero" story. Our protagonists do not simply "find" themselves on the mountain. Rather, the mountain destroys them and the audience gets to watch as these men hang on for dear life. The fact that it is shot in a documentary-style lends the film an incredible sense of realism. Macdonald's amazing camera shots and scenes of the mountain lend the film even more credibility. And to top it off, the "acting" in this film is quite good. This is not a PBS documentary with stage actors in fake costumes: here we get real climbers, with real frostbite, sometimes in real pain.
I cannot say too much about TOUCHING THE VOID without giving too much away. Suffice it to say that it is a compelling story brought the screen in a masterful way. Perfect from start to finish. Also check out the "Behind the Scenes" extras, featuring more footage and interviews of the actual climbers who braved Siula Grande more than twenty years ago.
Movie Review: Brilliant
Summary: 5 Stars
Touching the Void is an amazing portrayal of a true story of one mans courage to survive. A documentary, but unlike any other I have ever seen, this movie is absolutely brilliant.
The story begins when 2 mountain climbers decide to tackle one of the most difficult peaks in Peru. When Joe slides from a dangerous cliff and is left dangling from the support of his partner climber, Simon is faced with the decision to cut the rope (and lose his friend), or they would both die. Simon's choice leads to Joe's drop down a deep crevace where his leg is broken.
The documentary that follows describes in detail the thought processes between each character. With no special effects, you get the impression that this is not acting - but a camera was there during the actual event. The acting is incredible - and the makeup entirely believable. An amazing portayal of the actual events that happened, Touching the Void manages to capture the heart of human spirit, and the selfishness of survival.
Touching the Void made me laugh, cry, gasp in fear, shake my head in amazement, and mostly realize what it means to be a survivor. I absolutely recommend this movie - it is a completely original documentary, and fantastic to see no Hollywood special effects, beautiful characters and predictable mind sets. Touching the Void is raw, with ragged edges - and exposes parts deep within the human psyche that you must experience for yourself.
Movie Review: Incredible !!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
When I saw this movie was at one of the Local Theatres I jumped at the chance to watch it on a Big Screen (it was actually the same one I saw "Downfall"at but that came later).I had not read the Book but had heard rumours of the Story ,I was utterly spellbound when the camera started rolling ,the attitude on both climbers was incredible. Seemingly oblivious to the actual near impossible feat they were about to encounter ,there pioneering whatever it takes philosophy was wonderful and motivational .I will not go into the outcome because the reader would not believe it!...you have to watch the movie (get the DVD well worth it),the one troubling part I had was "Joe" while he was in
one of his MANY DIRE situations stated that even though he had been raised a Catholic he never Prayed or asked for help or thought about God when he needed him most ?,that just seems so strange ?because in my experience even the most ardent NON believers when they are overwhelmed with fear and up against unimaginable odds they automatically think of a higher power its the code of survival in Mans Reptilian core(Watch the "Endurance" Shackletons legendary Antarctic Expedition). When I finally read the Book (Highly recommended)in the preface written by Chris Bonnington which was a Tribute to BOTH Joe and Simon ,he put into professional context just how remarkable this expedition was . if I could give it 10 STARS I WOULD .
Movie Review: It's hard not to take sides
Summary: 5 Stars
This documentary-style film has been reviewed by over 100 people, so I'm not going to add much by recounting the plot. Briefly, experienced climbers Joe Simpson and Simon Yates climbed Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes in 1985, and got into trouble on the way down. Mr. Yates made the controversial decision to cut the climbing rope he was using to help ferry Mr. Simpson down the mountain, after Mr. Simpson became seriously injured.
Suffice it to say, I (like most viewers, I'd suspect) used the gift of hindsight to evaluate the decisions made by the two climbers.
I suppose the first mistake made was shared by both; they traveled so light they forgot a support crew. True, they did have the 'help' of a man (Richard Hawking) they met on the way to their mountain (who was not a climber), but they essentially went it alone. They summited, but got into real trouble on the way down.
The film is very well done, going to the actual mountain where the events took place (though much was filmed in the European Alps). It details both men's experiences, and begs the question, 'what would you do?' I don't think the answer is a simple as some believe.
A harrowing and gripping film. The scenery, as one could imagine, is stunning. Draw your own conclusions as to which decisions were the right ones, and which weren't.
Highly recommended.
Movie Review: Goodness, a climbing movie that isn't cheesey!
Summary: 5 Stars
Climbers have always felt there was no need for the embarassing antics displayed in absurd films like Vertical Limit, MI-2, and Cliffhanger to get across the at-once dangerous and beautiful aspects of their sport. In fact, it was believed that a truly talented director could convey those things quite well through a little creativity rather than resorting to nitro-glycerine and cheesey free-soloing scenes to add suspense. So it was with great anticipation and a bit of skepticism that the release of this movie retelling the classic story of Joe Simpson's epic in the Andes was anticipated. No one was let down. This is a brilliantly done film, at the original scene, with the real climbers doing much of the legwork. The climbing scenes are shot with authenticity, and even the actors portraying the climbers did a good job. The horrible situation Simpson finds himself in and his deteriorating physical and mental condition are palpable and nerve-wracking. The feeling of desperation and hopelessness reaches the same heights achieved in the book, as does the anxiety and anguish of Simon (his partner). This is a classic film rendering of a classic book. This is one movie you must see; who knows if another climbing story will ever be done as well. And whether you're a climber or not, you will be just as close to the edge of your seat, all without the insulting Hollywood silliness.