What a beautiful film! “Touching The Void” is about two mountaineers (Joe and Simon), who decide to live up to their great ambition of climbing the Siula Grande, a 20, 814 ft mountain located in the Peruvian Andes. What follows is a beautifully hellish story of 2 friends’ will to survive when Joe, an experienced climber, breaks his leg as the pair are starting to rappel down one of the world’s most treacherous mountains. I was left on the edge of my seat for the entire length of the film. Besides death, not much more could of gone wrong. It was nerve-racking, at times difficult to watch but ultimately one of the most rewarding and honest documentaries I’ve ever seen, and trust me, I’ve seen many.

Very rarely will I see a film where every word holds its weight, to the point where I paused the movie many times to simply reflect. I would ask myself what would I do in these situations? Would I be as mentally strong? Would I give up? Would I capitulate and accept death? Truth be told, I don’t think anyone can honestly answer these questions without experiencing the sheer nightmare these guys went through. Just when you think things can’t get any worse for Joe and Simon, nature will gladly prove you wrong. Thin air, snowstorms, freezing cold temperatures, nasty winds, crevasses and extreme ice are just the beginning of what Simpson & Yates will be forced to deal with. I don’t want to give away too much so I’ll just say this: If there’s ever a documentary I would recommend with confidence, this is it. Within the same breath it effortlessly explores life, death, hope and despair which makes for a powerful and unforgettable experience.

If any of you have seen this movie, I would love know what you thought of it.