Watch Return to Mount Kennedy

Return to Mount Kennedy is a documentary film that follows the footsteps of a historic climb that took place on Mount Kennedy in Yukon, Canada in 1965. The film is directed by Eric Becker and produced by Peter Rosten. The main subjects of the documentary include Robert F. Kennedy (brother of the late President John F. Kennedy), legendary mountaineers Bob Whittaker and Jim Whittaker, and their sons Leif Whittaker and Christopher Kennedy. The film showcases the journey of these individuals as they embark on their own personal journeys to retrace the climb that their fathers made on Mount Kennedy over 50 years ago.

The story begins with archival footage of John F. Kennedy giving a speech in 1964 about the importance of adventure and exploration. This leads into the story of how Jim Whittaker (the first American to summit Mount Everest) and Bobby Kennedy decided to climb Mount Kennedy as a symbolic gesture of friendship between the United States and Canada. The climb was notable not just for its symbolism, but also for its sheer difficulty. The mountain had only been climbed once before, and the route that Kennedy and Whittaker chose was the most challenging one possible.

The documentary then shifts to the present day, where we meet the sons of Jim Whittaker and Bobby Kennedy. Leif Whittaker and Christopher Kennedy meet for the first time and start to form a bond as they prepare for the climb. Both men are carrying the legacy of their fathers, and it's clear that this climb has a lot of meaning for them.

The film then takes us on a journey up Mount Kennedy, as the team begins their ascent. Along the way, we see interviews with the climbers as they discuss the challenges they're facing. The climb is difficult both physically and emotionally, as they're forced to confront their own personal demons and struggles. However, through it all, they're able to rely on each other for support and encouragement.

One of the more interesting elements of the film is the way that it juxtaposes the modern climb with the original one. We see archival footage of Jim Whittaker and Bobby Kennedy making their way up the mountain, and it's clear that the climb was just as difficult then as it is now. The film does a great job of honoring the legacy of that original climb while also showing how far we've come in terms of mountaineering technology and techniques.

Ultimately, the team is able to reach the summit of Mount Kennedy, and the accomplishment is a powerful one. The final scenes of the film show the climbers reflecting on their journey and what it meant to them. They're all emotional and open about the impact that this experience has had on their lives, and it's clear that they've all grown in important ways.

Return to Mount Kennedy is a beautiful film that tells a powerful story of exploration, legacy, and friendship. The way that it combines archival footage with modern-day climbing footage is seamless, and it gives the film a sense of depth and meaning. Whether you're a fan of mountaineering or just love a good human-interest story, this film is definitely worth your time.

Return to Mount Kennedy is a 2019 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.