105. The Sanctity Of Space; movie review

THE SANCTITY OF SPACE

Cert 12A

100 mins

BBFC advice: Contains infrequent strong language, moderate bloody images

Every time I watch mountaineering documentaries I am rapt in admiration but definitely not envy.

Sure, it would be incredible to take in the beauty of the vast ranges and enjoy the sense of accomplishment of reaching unconquered peaks.

But only very special people would be willing to risk their lives in such a pursuit.

These include Renan Ozturk and Freddie Wilkinson, two modern-day climbers who have been inspired by one of the great mountain pioneers, Brad Washburn.

More than 80 years ago, Washburn first photographed Denali, better know as Mount McKinlay, in Alaska, and Ozturk and Wilkinson were prompted by his images to go sideways across the range’s most forbidding peaks.

Wonderful camerawork captures how they tackle the route over the course of two expeditions, enduring freezing winds, cut ropes, and rockfalls.

Meanwhile, a parallel story is told of Washburn's incredible life, complete with archive footages and interviews stretching over several decades.

Some of the tales of the present and the past are mind-boggling, largely because the climbers take their lives in their hands with almost every step across unpredictable terrain, snow and ice.

Indeed, death and injury to close friends becomes a theme of the documentary.

It is startling to me that grief just seems to bounce off these people but it is because they are so different, that the film is so enlightening and interesting.

And, even if those who are less bothered about the psychology, will be blown away by the stunning images.

Reasons to watch: Some wonderful images

Reasons to avoid: Upsetting scenes

Laughs: A couple of chuckles

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 7.5/10

Did you know? There are 3,174 named mountains in Alaska. Reaching an elevation of 20,308ft (6,190m) Denali (also known as Mount McKinley) is the highest and the most prominent mountain. 

The final word. Renan Ozturk and Freddie Wilkinson: "Perhaps because mountaineers are an egotistical lot, a lot more energy is expended talking about what’s never been done, rather than what was done before. And yet, as mountain climbing seems like a form of exploration headed towards extinction, the lessons and inspiration the past has to offer are sorely needed, like never before." 

 

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