8.0/10
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168 user 122 critic

Touching the Void (2003)

Trailer
1:10 | Trailer
The true story of two climbers and their perilous journey up the west face of Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes in 1985.

Director:

Kevin Macdonald

Writer:

Joe Simpson (book)
8 wins & 10 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview:
Brendan Mackey ... Joe Simpson
Nicholas Aaron ... Simon Yates
Richard Hawking Richard Hawking ... Self
Joe Simpson Joe Simpson ... Self
Simon Yates Simon Yates ... Self
Ollie Ryall Ollie Ryall ... Richard Hawking
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Storyline

In 1985 two friends, Joe Simpson and Simon Yates, set out to climb Siula Grande in Peru via the West Face, a hitherto unaccomplished feat by any climber. After a tough ascent they succeed but on the descent they run into significant problems. Soon they are both in dire danger and the chances of surviving are slim. Written by grantss

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

When The Ultimate Adventure Becomes The Ultimate Nightmare See more »


Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

The film makers took both Joe and Simon back to Peru to shoot on the actual glacier and terrain where the events originally took place. Local mountaineers were filmed on the glacier, but did not climb the actual mountain on Joe and Simon's request as they felt it was too dangerous. See more »

Goofs

Commenting his descent deeper into the break, Joe says, "I didn't put a knot into the end of the rope. If there was nothing down there, I would fall, and it would be quick." Two minutes before (approx. at 54:30) he is throwing the end of the rope into that break, and as it falls, we see clearly that the knot is properly tied at the end. Just as safety rules prescribe. See more »

Quotes

[first lines]
Joe Simpson: We climb cause it's fun.
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Crazy Credits

During the first part of the closing credits (before the crawl), the credits are accompanied by black-and-white pictures showing the three men's journey back into civilization; the final picture is of Joe in the hospital. See more »

Connections

Referenced in The 50 Greatest Documentaries (2005) See more »

Soundtracks

Himalayan Flight
Written by Ravi
Performed by The Overtone Choir
See more »

User Reviews

 
Best Film of 2004
2 January 2005 | by unbend_5440See all my reviews

Touching The Void is part Documentary, and part dramatic re-enactment. Real interviews of Joe and Simon are inter-cut with dramatic re-enactments of their disastrous climb. If this had been a straight-up documentary, told by only interviews, it would have been a moving story, but would have lacked something. If it had been a straight-up dramatic movie, with actors and special effects, it would have been thrilling, but still missing some realism. Combining Joe and Simon's first hand story with realistic recreations on location is what this story needed to be told in the most realistic and scary way. The re-enactment was done on location at Siula Grande, with stunt climbers and actors. Watching the story unfold just by seeing the events on film is exciting, but when you're hearing Joe and Simon narrating their thoughts on the actual events at the same time, you can't help but feel genuine terror and concern for them. Take the scene where Joe is hanging over the cliff, ready to die. You know that he did survive, because you're seeing and hearing him talk about it in the movie, but it's his words that ground you in the moment. I've never heard a person talk about what it's like waiting to die, let alone have a visual image to go along with their words. I can honestly say that I was terrified for him, even knowing the outcome. And there are a dozen other scenes that produce the same effect. The majority of this film is made up of hopeless moments. Hearing Joe and Simon tell their story makes you believe it's hopeless, because that's how they actually felt at the time. This movie is very heavy, and almost as draining as an actual mountain descent would be. Touching The Void is as unique, powerful, and terrifying as any film I've seen in years.


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Details

Official Sites:

IFC Films [United States]

Country:

UK | USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 February 2004 (Canada) See more »

Also Known As:

Touching the Void See more »

Filming Locations:

Peru See more »

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Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$96,973, 25 January 2004

Gross USA:

$4,593,598

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$13,904,795
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

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Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
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