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The Dark Glow of the Mountains
The Dark Glow of the Mountains
8.6
/10
703 Ratings

THE DARK GLOW OF THE MOUNTAINS

Gasherbrum - Der leuchtende Berg

Directed by Werner Herzog
West Germany, 1985
Documentary, TV Movie, Short

Synopsis

A voyage into the Himalayas with the great mountain climber Reinhold Messner. What makes this undertaking all the more extraordinary is the fact that the two climbers set off on their expedition without oxygen tanks and without high-altitude base camps, taking only their backpacks with them.

Synopsis

A voyage into the Himalayas with the great mountain climber Reinhold Messner. What makes this undertaking all the more extraordinary is the fact that the two climbers set off on their expedition without oxygen tanks and without high-altitude base camps, taking only their backpacks with them.

Our take

Focusing on the human aspect of a seemingly impossible climb, Werner Herzog allows the viewer to connect with the climbers on an almost visceral level. The result is a powerful, empathetic documentary which captures the full scope of its protagonists’ emotions as well as the breathtaking scenery.