This movie was the surprise hit of 2004 and no doubt will develop a cult following amongst the outdoors fraternity due to its incredible story. Based on the true story of climbing buddies Joe Simpson and Simon Yates who in 1985 became the first to climb the 21000ft Siula Grande peak in the Peruvian Andes via the difficult west face, but then struck disaster on the descent when Simpson fell and broke his leg.

With no contact with the outside world, Yates tried to assist Simpson down the mountain until a further tragedy struck when Simpson was accidentally lowered into a crevasse by Yates. Not knowing if Simpson was alive or dead, and with his friend's weight dragging him closer to the crevasse, Yates was forced to make the terrible decision to cut the rope connecting the two together and descend alone to base camp. This is where the real story begins as Simpson survived the fall and we watch and listen to him describe his incredible journey back to safety.

Knowing the ending doesn't detract from what is truly an enthralling and inspirational story. The docu style cinematography adds to the effect as we feel every moment of agony suffered by Simpson and finally his elation at being rescued. To me this is one of the must sees this semester and one of the most inspirational movies of all time.