Review of Touching the Void (2003) by Josh M — 14 Feb 2010
Between this and that guy who had to cut off his arm with a pocketknife, I think it's safe to say that I will never really feel the need to go mountain climbing. Touching the Void tells the harrowing, horrific story of two climbers who attempt one of the unconquered climbs of the Andes, make the ascent.
..and then watch everything go horribly wrong during the descent. The movie mixes interviews with the men with a series of well-done re-enactments that nonetheless feel a little superfluous in some way; still, none of that matters with a tale this thrilling.
It's no secret that both men survived - after all, they're being interviewed about this story. What keeps us watching, then, is to see how they could possibly have survived - and the results fill me with the utmost respect and disbelief at these men's resolve and dedication.
As a documentary (i.e., from a technical side), Touching the Void was decent; for the tale it tells, though, it's a hell of a film, and well worth seeing.
This review of Touching the Void (2003) was written by Josh M on 14 Feb 2010.
Touching the Void has generally received very positive reviews.
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