[Zenith]

Has anyone on here read the book and/or seen the film? If you haven', then you really should - both are outstanding!

I finished the book yesterday, and the film (co-incidentally) was on tonight. Both are absolutely amazing. Joe Simpson has to be one of the most mentally strong people ever. I can't even begin to contemplate what he went through.

Amazing.

[direwolf74]

Agreed! I haven't read the book, but the movie was amazing.

[The Horrible Esthete]

I recorded that over a year ago on my DVR, and it is still on there. Moved me to tears. Absolutely gut-wrenching and uplifting. Simpson has fortitude that I simply cannot fathom.

[MountainHip]

Shall I interject some controversy ... just FYI.

This film debuted at the Banff Mountain Film festival to the dismay of some hardcore traditionalists in the mountaineering world, critizing the moves of Yates cutting the rope, apparently that move goes against some well rooted rules of mountaineering.

However it was very emotional hearing first hand from Joe, and his account of his mind blowing act.

These individuals are very courageous, and it is a great story. I quickly purchased this DVD myself.

[Zenith]

This film debuted at the Banff Mountain Film festival to the dismay of some hardcore traditionalists in the mountaineering world, critizing the moves of Yates cutting the rope, apparently that move goes against some well rooted rules of mountaineering.

Yeah, Yates was cristicised for what he did by many in the Climbing Community. Personally, I think he made the right choice. It wasn't like he took the decision lightly - he had exhausted ever other option available to him at the time. As it turned out, they both (eventually) made it down alive, which came about directly from him cutting the rope. If he hadn't have done that, they would both have had a long, drawn out death.

I think that (and I'm sure that Yates says that, in hindsight, he would have done this as well) he could have made more of an effort to look for Joe in the Crevass, but even that I don't blame him for. He was (understandably) convinced that Joe was dead.

I don't think it's fair for people to critcise his actions. There are only a tiny number (if any) other people that have been in the same, or similar position.

That film and book chokes me up evertime. It's amazing.

[The Horrible Esthete]

Simpson continues to insist that his his buddy Yates made the right choice.

You certainly can't argue with the result of his actions!