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Jason versus The Summit

Actually, I wish I had stones enough to tackle the summit of K2, the most dangerous peak in the world. Instead, I will satisfy myself watching documentaries about mountain climbing and tragedy like Nick Ryan's 2012 film The Summit.

This is the story of the deadliest day on the world's most dangerous mountain, when 11 climbers mysteriously perished on K2.

The Summit is a hell of a documentary, mixing interviews, archival footage and some of the most dramatic recreations I have every seen to bring this thrilling, real-life adventure story to the screen. It's one part mystery, one part survival tale, and inspiring and tragic until the end.

Yes, I think people who enjoy climbing mountain like K2 are insane, but that's only because I am afraid of heights and am big on self preservation. The Summit is as close as I've ever come to climbing a mountain from my sofa. Some sequences are jaw droopingly beautiful, others terrifying. Suffice to say, there's never a dull moment.

Ryan's doc is confusing at times, but that's because even the survivors are unclear about what actually happened. Instead of being frustrating, it's prompted me to want to watch The Summit again so I can try and piece all the details together. That's a big win for a genre of film that doesn't often lend itself to repeated viewing.

I liked The Summit a lot. It's great to look at and packs a heavy emotional punch. I was excited and saddened by it, and there's some incredible scenery too. This is great stuff, and something I recommend every armchair adventurer check out. A Good for shizzle.
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