High and Hallowed

High and Hallowed is a captivating and inspiring documentary film that aims to transport viewers back to one of the most significant moments in mountaineering's high altitude history. The film primarily revolves around the first successful ascent of Mount Everest's West Ridge by Tom Hornbein and Willi Unsoeld in May 1963.

Born out of the adventurous vision of Jon Krakauer and Tom Hornbein, this film encapsulates the essence of the human pursuit of extremity, danger, and the potent allure of the unknown. High and Hallowed merges the world of mountain climbing, the spirit of exploration, human courage, and the relentless pursuit of a formidable challenge.

Jon Krakauer is world-renowned for his best-selling books related to mountaineering, such as "Into Thin Air," where he demonstrates his profound knowledge and connection with mountain climbing. His involvement in High and Hallowed adds an extra layer of authenticity to the story. Krakauer's nuanced perspective on the history of mountaineering, along with his rich narrative style, serve to guide the viewers through this epic journey.

Through rare historical footage and intimate interviews with Hornbein, we revisit the 1963 Everest expedition. The more than 50-year-old storytelling unveils the intensity, the risks, and the palpable danger the team faced during their attempt on the then un-conquered ridge.

In the film, Tom Hornbein is deeply reflective about his legendary ascent. He provides personal insight into what drove him to undertake such a perilous venture. The sheer audacity and bravery of Hornbein and his partner Unsoeld in opt for the unventured West Ridge instead of the established South Col route, even in face of skepticism and potential rejection from their expedition team, add to the legend of this climb.

High and Hallowed also presents an interconnected modern narrative. It features a 2012 expedition, where a team of mountaineering enthusiasts lead by David Morton, Jake Norton and Charley Mace, attempt to retrace and accomplish the daring route undertaken by Hornbein and Unsoeld. This voyage is not merely a trip down memory lane, but rather a tribute, as well as a testament to the audacious spirit of the original climbers.

The modern expedition and its challenges are contrasted with the original climb, demonstrating how the landscape and the trials climbers face have changed over the decades yet the essence of human courage and perseverance remain steadfast. Watching how the modern team grapples with the same infamous ridge underlines the significance of the 1963 achievement.

High and Hallowed is not just an adventure chronicle. It is an eloquent meditation on mountaineering and its broader impact on our comprehension of life, exploration, risk, and the indomitable human spirit. The raw energy, emotions, and awe-inspiring landscapes captured in the documentary brings us closer to understanding why, in the face of potential tragedies, climbers still challenge their limits, exemplifying human resilience and audacity.

It's a documentary that raises salient points about the risks, both psychological and physical, and rewards inherent to high-altitude climbing. It goes beyond providing a mere adrenaline rush by exploring the climbers' mental landscape and the philosophical underpinnings of mountaineering. Nevertheless, it doesn't shy away from presenting the terrifying aura of Everest, and the beauty yet hostile environment that climbers have to negotiate.

The film shows the grim side of climbing where cruel weather, health complications, and technical difficulties constantly remind climbers of their fragile existence in the face of nature's mighty force. While doing so, it respects the climbers' choices, praising their tenacity, courage, and the deep desire for personal achievement.

The use of vivid and breathtaking cinematography in High and Hallowed, paired with a beautiful score, transports the audience to the intimidating slopes of the tallest peak on earth. It casts the beauty and the deadly nature of the mountain in sharp relief. The snow-covered ridges, the deep crevasses, the azure sky and the windswept landscapes of Everest come alive on screen and help the viewers visualize the extreme real-life adventure.

Overall, High and Hallowed is a must-watch for those interested in mountaineering, adventure sports, and global exploration. Even those who are not avid adventure seekers will find the film captivating for its story of human resolve, courage, and the pursuit of seemingly impossible dreams. Through the lens of Krakauer, Hornbein and the 2012 team, we get a glimpse into the spirit of mountaineering that constantly pushes boundaries and reinvents what is ‘known.’