I had been really looking forward to catching this film as far back in 2015 as I can remember hearing about it. I can pretty much guarantee that climbing Everest will never be something I endeavour to attempt, let alone complete. But the whole world - the alien, cold, snowy, treacherous world of the Sherpa really intrigues me. And, you know, I was really looking forward to the CGI show too.This past Saturday, my husband and I took a last minute trip to the cinema to catch this latest blockbuster. The film has a few big names involved, including Jake Gyllenhaal, Keira Knightley and Josh Brolin all make appearances, however they are all background players to Jason Clarke, who plays the lead Rob Hall. The movie follows the true story of New Zealander Rob Hall who sets up a tourist company, taking experienced climbers to Everest's summit.
The film never lets up in tension. You are constantly holding your breath, at the behest of this giant snowy beast. The film is definitely designed to pull at your heart strings too, but I just found myself being so ... angry. I was so angry at the characters (true life personalities) attempting the ascent. My husband argued that this is human development, discovering the world and pushing frontiers. And I totally get it. Only, I don't think that's it with this crowd, and many like it. It's not about pioneering methods or trails, or discovering new and unexplored vistas. It's about ego. At one point in the film, one of the climbers says "A few more days of pain, and then you'll forevermore be known as the man who climbed to the top of Everest" - and that's what it comes down to. Forget the spouses, children, parents and friends left at home, holding fort and trying to get by and wait for news on whether their beloved has lived or died.
Subject matter aside, the cinematography was beautiful and the soundtrack suspenseful. The acting was fantastic, and the story captivating. Definitely worth a watch.
Everest - 6.5/10
