Watch Onekotan: The Lost Island

Onekotan: The Lost Island is a 2015 documentary film that follows a daring expedition to Onekotan, a remote island located in the middle of the North Pacific Ocean. The movie chronicles the journey of three extreme athletes - Stefan Ashton Frank, Matthias Haunholder, and Matthias Mayr - who set out to explore the island's stunning landscape and to conquer its challenging terrain.

The film begins with the team's arrival on the island after a grueling journey across the ocean. They set up basecamp near the shore, and the camera captures the stark beauty of the island's landscape - black volcanic sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, and snow-capped peaks towering over the horizon. The team is clearly exhilarated by the beauty of their surroundings, but they know that the real challenge lies ahead.

The main focus of the film is on the team's attempt to climb the island's highest peak, the active volcano of Krenitsyn. The athletes are faced with a daunting task - they must negotiate treacherous glacial terrain, fierce winds, and the constant threat of volcanic activity. The film captures their struggles as they battle the elements, navigate the icy landscape, and face the mental and physical challenges of the climb.

Throughout the film, the team members reflect on their motivations for undertaking this risky expedition. For Stefan Ashton Frank, a professional extreme athlete, it is about pushing the limits of what is possible and discovering new experiences. For Matthias Haunholder, a professional skier, it is about testing his skills and exploring new challenges. For Matthias Mayr, an extreme skier and base jumper, it is about seeking out the unknown and living life on the edge.

As the team marches towards the summit, the film captures the breathtaking beauty of the island's landscape, with sweeping aerial shots of the glaciers, coastline, and volcanic peaks. But there is also a sense of danger lurking beneath the surface - the constant rumble of the volcano, the cracks in the ice, and the unpredictable weather conditions all create a sense of tension and uncertainty.

The film does an excellent job of capturing the individual personalities of the team members, and their interactions with each other. There is a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect between the athletes, but also moments of tension and conflict. The film also explores the cultural significance of the island, which was once inhabited by the indigenous Ainu people, and reflects on the impact of human activity on the environment.

Overall, Onekotan: The Lost Island is a thrilling and visually stunning documentary that will appeal to anyone with an interest in extreme sports, adventure, and exploration. The film manages to balance the thrill of the climb with a thoughtful exploration of the personal motivations of the athletes and the environmental impact of human activity. It is a testament to the power of human spirit, and the willingness of individuals to push themselves to their limits in pursuit of their dreams.

Onekotan: The Lost Island is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 54 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.