Movie - Touching the Void (2003)

[pureantigravity]

Just finished this movie.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0379557/

Haven't read the book.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/...ching_the_Void

It is a gut wrenching story by Joe Simpson about their climbing mishap on mountain in the Andes. Simon Yates and Joe Simpson sought to climb a peak, only to have a mishap on the way down. It is a story of Joe's survival and also Simon's reflections on how it all went down. A bit slow to develop and move along. I almost lost interest half way through but cam back the next day, watched the remainder, and I'm happy I did.

Lessons learned:
- never give up
- carry extra fuel
- carry more rope
- it isn't always worth reaching the summit
- you can survive more than you think you can
- forgive
- develop a sense of humor

I'll give it 3.5 stars out of 5 stars. Not a *must see* but still a great story and one that I think all ski/mountaineers will be happy to have seen.
Make sure to watch the EXTRA FEATURES stuff if you happen on the DVD.

As a story in survival and determination, I'll give it 5 stars for the honest and reality of the events told.
Rotton Tomatoes gave it 94%. I'd be pretty sure it did really well at mountain film festivals.

It is a rainy day movie. One that really hits home what can happen on a mountain adventure.

Cheers!

[bobz]

Yeah, read the book, for sure. It isn't just one of the greatest mountaineering epics ever... the guy is a great writer. After that, check out his two follow-up books.

[wickstad]

I met Joe at REI in Seattle before a showing of that film. Had him sign a few things including a poster of the photo you posted. Also a copy of his “The Beckoning Silence” which is essentially about how death permeates the world of adventure sports. I feel a little bad that I told him how much I laughed out loud while reading that book. But he kind of looked down a little sheepishly and said, “yeah...you’ve got to have a sense of humor.”

[John_B]

The Beckoning Silence ranks up there on the list of my favorite books.

[GeezerSteve]

Touching the Void book is excellent and the movie very well done. Two thumbs up to both.

[pureantigravity]

Touching the Void book is excellent and the movie very well done. Two thumbs up to both.

Just finished the book.
Took a lot of patience to get to the accident part. After that, I was gripped and right into it.
Truly an amazing story of focus and perseverance - and camaraderie.