MovieChat Forums > Nordwand (2008) Discussion > Why do these people want to climb mounta...

Why do these people want to climb mountains?

posted 14 years ago by runsunny
18 replies | jump to latest

Finally I understand - a bit.
I went to see a screening at an art house theater last nite. At first, I didn't think I'd like it, then became totally engrossed. Beautiful cinematography, acting, characterization and well done depiction of a true story. Two climbers who were familiar with the story and had climbed Eiger were there. I've run marathons but to scale a mountain - it is challenging fate to the utmost. Human nature differs in all individuals and that's a beautiful thing.

[–] condorama 14 years ago

If you're not a climber you will never get the thrill. But if you are.........................................................yeah.

[–] DogtownGirl 14 years ago

It's like big wave surfing ... you have to do it, to get it. I do neither. I admire the courage and gall of both types of athletes.

RIP: ANY Celebrity that dies too soon. Many are perishing, or, close to dying.

[–] GrrMeister 14 years ago

Because it's there !

No it's the challenge that distinguishes us from being careful and playing ‘safe’

If it were not for this outstanding human characteristic we would still be living in caves. Do you think the moon missions were safe in 1969 ? No extreme danger and only 50% chance of return or LESS, yet knowing that they set out and conquered.

I like climbing but must admit my limits are relatively low and would not (or do not have) that extra bit to take extreme risks having broken neck with extreme skiing accident. Am 100% now and somewhat wiser, although I did have an ambition that got me going to do the extreme black run – and indeed did it safely 2 years later. (Schilthorn Near Eiger – Bernese Oberland – Switzerland)

It is in Human Nature and I have been lucky having now reached 67 years old and look back to racing (500RG Pepsi Suzuki GP motorcycle) and some close moments.

[–] 14 years ago

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[–] GrrMeister 13 years ago

Well thank you, really the line ‘because it’s there’ is a bit of a steal I will admit. I believe it was quoted from Edmund Hillary when asked why he had climbed Everest. Whilst this is true in real terms it’s because of the challenge in achievement. There is of course another explanation which is the pure thrill and excitement and with a first ascent the eternal record established of the accomplishment. As long as we are here there will be the enduring human spirit to do such things, as I said earlier if it were not so we would not be where we are today. It is ‘wired’ in our DNA so should prove enduring. So keep Climbing !

[–] 13 years ago

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[–] dead_head-1 13 years ago

it is actually a quote from George Mallory... google him, you wont regret it.

[–] GrrMeister 13 years ago

a subject of speculation - according to Mr Google ? What is your point if we want to go there ? - ever climbed even a small 'mountain' ? or watched 'The Sound of Music' even ? - humble me managed to reach the 'climbers hut' on the Matterhorn (solo) in 1965 (100th year - a very big thing in Zermatt) but I will admit even at a 'tender age' managed to see my limitations and descended to safer heights - my admiration goes out to braver souls (sometimes perhaps unfairly who are dubbed as foolhardy)

Whatever your point a great film no less - and go safely up the railway and get off at Eiger NordWand station - look out of the ½" thick plate windows & take your hat off - I did - awesome.(not my hat by the way that had 'National Trust' on it !

[–] Imdb11168 12 years ago

Mallory DIED climbing Everest, stop making a hero out of him.

Mallory was a brave man a good climber, and a better athelete than most people, but compared to the other climbers, he had 'also ran' acheivments. A brave climber, because he attempted a new route, but there are others who have established a new route, or at least survived if they could not succeed.

Mallory made three earlier unsuccesful attempts to summit Everest and died on his fourth attempt. Secondly, Mallory was critisized for poor judgement which led to the death of maybe 7 porters in his third attempt. Mallory also failed Mount Velan because of altitude sickness.

Mallory only falls in this legendery category because the British press is always searching for heroes, he has a route named after him in a British Mountain unknown outside Britain, and of course, a quote named after him as well

Darkness lies an inch ahead

[–] megaskunk 12 years ago

That "because it's there" is a good point but it's gotten old a long time ago.

Mankind got pretty bored and we're even more interested to know whats there, where is nothing? dark matter.

So the good old saying/thinking of having interest in something that just happens to be around doesn't actually cut it.

[–] ichbinsisyphos 12 years ago

Well it is not simply there, it is there and represents a challenge. Actually I take the saying more as a more polite way to say "stop asking stupid questions" or a more elaborate version of "because." ;-)

I will now end this debate with you.

[–] GrrMeister 13 years ago

Thank you mp390a15 we are singing from a similar prayer book I think....

[–] andrewsk8s 11 years ago

During the scenes of the many observers with telecsopes and binoculars, I was thinking of how it was analogous to the moonshot of that time period. As incomprehensible as it might be to a majority of humanity who naturally and understandably gravitate toward safety, survival and subsistence, there are human endeavours that are worth even the risk of death (some would say "a good death").

[–] ceekay-1 13 years ago

You said you've run marathons. It's a little surprising that you don't understand it in that case. Usually people who do sports easily understand the nature of challenging your own body and mind.

[–] Gloede_The_Saint 13 years ago

I suggest watching Werner Herzog's documentary Gasherbrum - Der leuchtende Berg from 1985. It offers a lot of insight into the mind of mountain climbers. Here's the IMDb link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087317/

My 105 favorite films - http://www.imdb.com/list/5pdE8_ZEh0Y/?publish=save

[–] GrrMeister 12 years ago

Here we go again, but in reply to Gloede if you want to watch a really great movie try 'The Alps' http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0972356/
well worth the effort to get this and the 2nd DVD shows how they filmed the scenes on the Eiger - awesome !!

[–] anondragon2012 11 years ago

Alot of people climb for different reasons.
Specifically the Germans (bavarians and Austrians) in the 30s, it was quite specific.

Most German and Austrian climbers were poor destitute youth, who growing in poor post WW1 Germany had no school to go to, no jobs to attend.

Thus they climbed mountains. They didnt care if they died or not.
They climbed in ways unconventional to previous alpinists, in risky ways with weird new equipment (which became the norm today).

Above all, they wanted to prove they were men. Masculine men who could beat poverty and starvation and elevate themselves above common humans.

This was the German alpine spirit of the time.
Those guys were great. But they lived in a cruel ruthless world and now thankfully it has changed.

[–] zee-la 10 years ago

"because they're there!"