Watch Into Thin Air: Death on Everest
- TV-14
- 1997
- 1 hr 30 min
-
5.7 (1,716)
Into Thin Air: Death on Everest is a 1997 television movie based on the bestselling non-fiction book, âInto Thin Airâ. This gripping film was directed by Robert Markowitz and stars Peter Horton, Nathaniel Parker, and Richard Jenkins in lead roles. The movie chronicles the true story of a disastrous expedition to the summit of Mount Everest in May 1996, where eight climbers died in one of the deadliest seasons in the history of mountaineering.
The movie begins with Jon Krakauer (played by Peter Horton), a journalist for Outside Magazine, joining a team of experienced mountaineers on a quest for the summit of Everest, led by experienced guide Rob Hall (Nathaniel Parker). While Krakauer has some prior climbing experience, many other team members are amateurs with little experience in high-altitude climbing. The expedition also includes wealthy climbers who are eager to add Mount Everest to their list of feats, with little regard for their own safety.
As the climbers make their way towards the summit of Everest, they face several challenges including altitude sickness, extreme weather conditions, and lack of oxygen. The movie showcases the intense physical and mental hardships that the climbers face, leading up to the final push towards the summit. Tensions rise as the climbers struggle to make it to the top before sunset, leading to a series of unfortunate events that leave several climbers stranded on the summit while others try to make their way back down.
The movie offers a realistic portrayal of the dangers of high-altitude mountaineering as the climbers are hit by a sudden and ferocious snowstorm. The situation turns into a desperate and dangerous struggle for survival as several climbers are stranded on the mountain, with no hope of rescue. The harrowing conditions, lack of oxygen, and an emergency shortage of resources take a heavy toll on the climbers who are struggling to stay alive.
The movie's soundtrack perfectly captures the intensity and suspense of the events unfolding. The emotive score captures the awe-inspiring nature of the mountain and the tragic nature of the excursion. The cinematography captures the raw beauty of the mountainscape, giving viewers a sense of the vastness and brutality of nature.
The cast delivers notable performances, showcasing the emotional and psychological challenges of the situation. Peter Horton delivers an impressive and authentic portrayal of Jon Krakauer, delivering the journalist's compelling narrative. Nathaniel Parker delivers a standout performance as an experienced guide Rob Hall, who is deeply committed to the safety of his team. Richard Jenkins plays the loyal friend and fellow mountaineer, Franklin Hall in a remarkable and moving performance.
Overall Into Thin Air: Death on Everest is an intense and powerful film, that walks the audience through the events of the storm that led to the death of eight climbers. It is a story of perseverance, courage, and loss but also, importantly, of learning. The film boasts of an impressive display of the sporting spirit and sense of brotherhood that exists within the mountaineering community. This movie is incredibly well made, and captures both the majesty and danger of the mountain, showcasing the immense respect we should have for the power of nature. It is a must-watch, especially for adventure sports enthusiasts and people who understand the perilous consequences of pushing oneself beyond their limits.
Into Thin Air: Death on Everest is a 1997 adventure movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.