BIGSTAR

We’ve got yet another indie film recommendation for you from Sundance!

Premiering at Sundance Film Festival this week is the gripping film ‘THE SUMMIT’, directed by Nick Ryan, about “the deadliest day on the world’s most dangerous mountain”, K2.

Ever seen Stallone’s ‘Cliffhanger’?  Well ‘THE SUMMIT’ makes that flick look like a joke.  And don’t expect bad guys, good guys, and a whole-hearted happy ending where we all sit around the log cabin and tell stories.  This here film is very real, uses actual footage, interviews, and hits on the debatable and controversial nature of the search and sport of modern adventure.

Synopsis:

In August 2008, twenty-four climbers from several international expeditions converged on High Camp of K2, the last stop before the summit of the most dangerous mountain on earth.  Forty-eight hours later, eleven had been killed or had vanished, making it the worst K2 climbing disaster in history.

In a century of assaults on K2, only about 300 people have ever seen the view from the planet’s second highest peak.  More than a quarter of those who made it didn’t live long enough to share the glory, or to tell the tale.

At the heart of ‘The Summit’ lies a mystery about one extraordinary man, Ger McDonnell. By all accounts, he was faced with a heart-breaking dilemma— at the very limit of his mortal resources, he encountered a disastrous scene and a moral dilemma: three climbers tangled up in ropes and running out of time.  In the death zone, above 8,000 metres, the body is literally dying with each passing second.  Morality is skewed 180 degrees from the rest of life. When a climber falls or wanders off the trail, the unwritten code of the mountain is to leave them for dead.  Had Ger McDonnell stuck to the climbers’ code, he might still be alive.

Here’s the trailer…

 

Yeah.  Still think you’re badass enough to take on K2?  I didn’t think so.  Here are a few other climbing films we recommend you check out as well.  In fact, by click the images below you can stream them instantly right here on BIGSTAR!

Documenting a yearlong journey as seen through the eyes of a selection of world-class climbers. Higher Ground focuses on the importance of exploration, passion for the mountains and those who pursue the lifestyle.

Featuring: Mike Anderson, John Chilton, Audrey Gariepy, Phil Gruber, Shawn Huisman, Sean Isaac, Lisa Korthals, Guy Lacelle, Rob Owens, Ines Papert, Rob Pizem, Andrew Querner, Scott Semple, Josh Wharton, Barry Blanchard, Jimmy Dunn, and Jeff Lowe.

The latest film by the multi-award winning adventure filmmakers Alastair Lee and David Halsted has all the hallmarks of becoming one of the most significant British climbing films in years. The film charts the routes of arguably the worlds greatest traditional climber; Dave Birkett. ’Set in Stone’ charts Dave’s remarkable passion for climbing and the pursuit for a magical line on his beloved Lakeland crags. Featuring the first ascent of ’Return of the King’ E9 6c, Dave’s latest addition to Scafell’s East Buttress – just one of many Lakeland masterpieces including the extraordinary “Nowt Burra Flee’in Thing” (E8 6c) – Cam Crag, Wasdale Screes; a stunningly evocative line. All filmed using innovative techniques, including ’The Brief History of Birkett ’ animation which covers the 70 year Birkett family legacy.

Featuring: Davie Birkett, Bill Birkett, Mary Birkett, Stephen Reid, David Reeves, Steve Crowe, Damian Mahony, Colin Wells, Paul Cornforth, Mark “Ed” Edwards, Antony Carysforth, Mark Glaister, Belay Sue, Jack Launer, Gaz Howell, and Miles Whitaker.

A film inspired by the fanatic spirit of climbing, from people who decide to dedicate their life to this sport… Every actor in the film found his own way to access to this fanatic search, the quest to have pleasure climbing on the stoned spots and share smiles with friends. The word “Fanaticos” often comes from spanish climbers, that’s why the film is dedicated to the richness of the Spanish lands and their climbers.

Featuring: David Brasco, Jordi Prat, Ignasi Garcia, Andoni Perez, Carlos Lagrono, Andrea Chlebova, Ruth Planels, Daila Ojeda, Miguel Riera, Nil Morales, Paula Naranjo, Antonin Cherbonnier, Geraud Fanguin, Philippe Ribiere, Mael Loizance, Arnaud Catzeflis, Adrien Bo.