The Summit of the Gods (2021) Movie Script
Walking.
Climbing.
More climbing.
Ever higher.
For what?
THE SUMMIT OF THE GODS
I'm Fukamachi Makoto.
I make a living
taking pictures for magazines.
I had been following a Japanese team
up Everest's Southwest Face.
This is base camp, do you read me?
This is Tanaka, I read you.
A front is coming up from the valley,
head back down.
We're almost to the top,
we can't turn back now.
You're behind schedule,
the storm will beat you to it.
We'll try our chances.
It's too risky!
You're too far behind schedule.
Do you copy?
Tanaka?
- No, we couldn't make it to the top.
- What?
- They didn't get past 8,000 meters.
- Even with oxygen?
I told you they were underprepared.
The Southwest Face is tough.
- Where did they stop?
- After camp 5.
Tanaka and Goto did well
but got behind schedule.
Conditions on the ridge were bad,
so they turned back.
Is there enough
for a double-page spread?
This is the last time,
you hear me?
Stop complaining.
You're out of doors,
seeing the world.
I'm wasting my time,
my photos are worthless.
See you Monday at the office?
Yeah, yeah, see you.
- Fukamachi, your beer's getting warm!
- OK...
- Hurry up, you're behind us a round.
- Coming.
Hi.
Hello.
Journalist?
Yeah.
Want a big story for your magazine?
Does Mallory's camera interest you?
Look.
It's Mallory's camera, look.
The real thing, it's from up there.
Do you know the story?
Well? Quite a scoop, right?
I'll give you a good price.
Come off it.
10,000 rupees, $200.
It's a bargain!
Forget about it.
What an asshole.
You don't know what you're missing.
- Hello, I...
- This is Nepal Airlines.
All our operators are currently busy.
Try again later.
You can't expect
to strike gold every day.
That's the game you play in life.
But I was really having doubts
about what I was doing.
Where is it?
- Where?
- Where's what?
I'm no dummy, I know you took it.
No, I swear.
You know I'd never do that.
What did you do with it?
No need to get worked up!
I can explain!
Stop!
Stop!
Hand it over.
OK! One second!
Here.
But...
Hey, wait!
Habu.
Come on...
The first ascent to the top of Everest
was in 1953.
But it wasn't the first attempt.
On June 8th, 1924, at 12:50 p.m.,
Brit George Mallory
and his climbing partner
were last seen on the northeast ridge
near the summit.
They never returned.
No one knows if they reached the top.
We do know
that they had a camera
for proof should they be successful,
a Vest Pocket Autographic.
If someone found the camera
and developed the film,
we could finally answer the question
on everyone's mind:
Was Mallory the first to ascend Everest?
But...
there was one problem.
I've looked all over town,
talking to shopkeepers but no use,
he's a ghost.
Yet I'm sure it was him.
Habu Joji?
The Habu Joji?
You know any others?
He disappeared years ago,
but suddenly reappears
with Mallory's camera
right under your nose?
Was he not a great climber?
He could have found the body
and camera near the summit.
People have searched for 70 years.
If he was found, we'd know.
- You can't even prove it was Habu.
- What about this?
Many people have lost fingers.
And if it was him,
why should he have the camera?
The Vest Pocket was a popular model.
You know that.
No, no.
Why would Habu have fought that guy?
Why didn't you ask him?
I've looked high and low,
but you know Kathmandu.
Well, in the meantime,
I'll take this one for the cover.
This one's good
but needs reframing.
If Mallory made the ascent,
it could change mountaineering.
The first person to scale Everest,
we can't miss out on that.
I have to find Habu.
I bet lots of people knew him
who could help.
The camera is buried in the snow
with Mallory,
and no one cares about Habu.
So, drop it.
Can I get the exclusive
if I wind up developing the film?
And a cut of the copyright.
Deal.
Habu would be tough to track down.
He no longer had an address, family,
or friends in Japan.
Hello, I'm Fukamachi Makoto, journalist.
I wanted to ask you about Habu Joiji...
Habu Joiji.
Yet in the '60s, he had a following.
He was quick
with a style all his own,
considered a prodigy.
He made some first ascents,
winter ascents, speed records.
They said he would be
a great climber,
that he was the best
in his generation even.
Then one day, he just disappeared.
Into thin air.
What could have happened?
Hold this bag.
I got it, thanks.
- Where are the carabiners?
- Under the chair.
Who folded this rope?
Should I carry your rucksack next time?
Not this again, come off it.
Join me!
It's just one week,
there are great routes to do.
Habu, I can't, we just got back.
This is a new job,
I can't up and leave.
I'll tell your boss climbing makes you
more efficient, it'll all be sorted.
Nonsense.
- Who's up for bowling Saturday?
- Great idea!
I'll give you a thrashing.
Guys, we're bowling on Saturday.
- Care to join?
- Sure thing.
They call me the Strike King.
Hey, we're running Saturday.
- Did you forget?
- Uh, no...
Sorry, Saturday's no good.
We planned something a while ago.
- Gents, there's good news.
- Toshiro's been fired?
- We're getting a new van?
- Better, we're going to Nepal.
I found a sponsor
for the Annapurna expedition,
but they're only covering
half the cost.
You'll have to pay the rest.
- Fine.
- No problem.
I'm aware that not everyone
can afford it,
but if successful,
we'll be better financed next time.
Send in your visa applications
before the end of the month.
There's lots of equipment to buy,
we'll go over it together.
- Toshiro, can you do the accounting?
- No problem.
I'll provide forms
for the climbing permits.
They're time-consuming, so don't delay.
Why send those guys?
They're inexperienced.
They don't train enough,
always out partying.
They haven't climbed
50 days this year.
It should be us,
we're better than them!
All because they can afford it.
You don't find this outrageous?
Put that out!
You struggle breathing at altitude.
Money, sponsors...
If we were famous,
we'd get sponsors.
We'll make a name for ourselves.
We'll do something
no one's ever done, you in?
Sure, what do you have in mind?
- The Demon Slab.
- In winter?
You're insane, no way.
No one would do that.
Exactly.
You're still here?
Everyone else left.
The first winter ascent
on the Demon Slab.
Not bad for back then.
Yeah... Hey, got any leads?
I called the embassy.
Habu arrived in Nepal eight years ago,
but his visa has expired.
He's hiding out,
that's why he disappeared
after I saw him.
What's that got to do
with the camera?
I'll find it.
Have fun.
The club's Annapurna expedition failed.
No one was hurt,
but no one made it to the summit either.
I propose a toast to Inoue and Habu!
Thanks a lot.
- Thanks, here's to you!
- Well done.
Habu finally got his revenge.
Good thing you boys are here
to keep up the club's image.
Some here should take after them.
We were being cautious.
- Safety first.
- More professional.
But the Demon Slab, that's amazing!
And in those conditions.
Yeah, they got lucky, that's all.
It wasn't luck.
It wasn't luck, we bivouacked
and waited for the right moment.
You wait for sunny weather
to melt the snow on the route,
then an overnight freeze
so it doesn't fall on you,
then you go.
Except it snowed during the day,
so we took a beating.
Yeah, the powder falls were a pain,
but it was all about speed.
And we wasted no time!
The worst was the icefall
and overhang at the end.
We were completely hemmed in.
Fortunately, I found a way out.
It wasn't easy to see,
but I wouldn't let us fail.
Inoue, where were you all this time?
Cheers!
Wait, Inoue did well,
but I was in front the whole time, so...
As if you'd climbed it
all by yourself.
- In a way, yes.
- Habu!
What? I led the whole route.
- What's gotten into you?
- What?
You need to respect your teammates,
for team spirit!
I wasn't criticizing Inoue, it's just...
Can you see why he's hurt?
I recounted what happened.
I can't help it if he's hurt.
Couldn't find his keys!
We looked all over.
After an hour he realized
they were in his pocket.
Speaking of the team,
all Buntaro talks about
is climbing with you.
No, out of the question.
He's too young, he'd slow me down.
I've known young climbers
who do pretty well.
Though he was underage,
I remember one who asked to join my club.
What did he say to me?
"Mr. Ito, sir, please let me in,
please let me join."
Just think about it, he'd love it.
There's always danger,
imagine you're tied to someone
who's unconscious or injured
and can't get up,
hanging on the end of the rope,
dragging you down,
it's a tough position.
What do you do?
Do you cut the rope?
It depends, I don't know.
If you don't act quickly,
you'll both fall.
You have to decide.
I wouldn't cut the rope, I couldn't.
If I were tied to you,
I wouldn't hesitate.
I would cut it.
No reason two people should die.
What if it were you on the end?
Shouldn't your partner think twice?
No, that's the solution.
If I ever fall, don't hesitate.
I wouldn't blame you.
Habu!
I wanted to congratulate you
on the Demon Slab.
Hase. Hase Tsuneo.
Yeah...
The Takizawa Passage last summer, right?
You set a new speed record.
Well done.
I'm glad to run into you.
I was just wondering...
There aren't many rock faces like that,
even in Europe,
how did you go about it?
Tell me.
Have you ever done
a winter ascent?
I didn't want to hurry it.
I bivouacked and waited.
I needed nice weather
for the sun to melt the snow
and clear the route.
The last ice passage is tricky
because you can't slow down,
but I mean...
You know all about speed.
Thanks for the tips.
Are you attempting the Demon Slab?
Yeah, leaving tomorrow.
That's good, who with?
No one, going it alone.
And now for the sporting event
of the week.
That's no overstatement
as the young mountaineering talent
Hase Tsuneo
has just completed
his solo winter ascent
up the Demon Slab,
the first ever to do it!
A solo ascent up the Demon Slab,
unbelievable!
This isn't the last
we'll be hearing about him.
Indeed,
Hase Tsuneo is the climber to watch.
Now to baseball,
with the Osaka Buffalos qualifying
for the Pacific League
thanks to top batter Sakamura,
traded earlier this year.
A week?
Out of the blue like this?
Are you kidding?
To do what?
To go to the mountains. Please.
The mountains?
I must be dreaming.
No, I need manpower here.
No way.
Back to work,
there are three trucks to unload.
I quit.
Tell him I'm in a meeting.
Yes, Sir.
No, I did like him,
but he was so...
How to put this?
He didn't know when to stop.
He had to be climbing all the time.
Once, I almost got fired
because of him.
That's why you stopped climbing
with him?
After a while, I understood something:
Partners didn't mean much to Habu,
be it myself or anyone else.
We were just there
so he could go farther, that's all.
I didn't want to stay behind him
my whole life.
So, I stopped.
After that...
he mostly climbed solo.
Mr. Habu! Mr. Habu!
Mr. Habu.
Buntaro, how are you?
Hi, Ryoko.
Sorry, Habu,
I didn't want him to bother you.
Off to climb the Wind Walls?
Let me climb with you,
I'll do everything you say!
What would Inoue say
if you took his place?
He won't be long.
I know you don't have a partner anymore.
Please, let me come.
You're not ready for a route like this.
It's too technical, I can't bring you.
I've been training for weeks,
I've improved!
The holds are barely visible,
the rock is soft, it's too dangerous.
Be reasonable, go home.
Your sister's waiting.
If you won't take me,
I'l go alone.
Hey, Buntaro!
Ever done a climbing wall?
There's a hold on your right!
Higher.
There you go.
Keep going, that's good.
You have improved.
Thank you, Mr. Habu.
Really, you did well on the crossing,
it wasn't easy.
It's because I have a good teacher!
With you, I could climb anywhere,
the Alps, even the Himalayas!
Picture us climbing Everest together!
Yeah...
Let's get past this overhang first.
Better hurry
to get back by nightfall.
You're still a bit young
for bivouacking.
Well done, you're past the hardest part.
There were two
I couldn't get out. Sorry.
No matter, we still have enough.
There's another small slope,
then it gets easier.
Want to rest a bit?
No, I'll be fine.
We'll rest afterward.
All right, back to it.
Take this.
Give me some slack, please!
Buntaro!
Buntaro, can you hear me?
Buntaro, answer me!
I'm here!
Are you injured?
My leg!
Can you reach the rock face?
Sorry, Habu... I'm sorry.
Can you reach the rock face?
No!
It's too far!
OK, can you climb the rope
with a Prusik knot?
All right!
We're both secured!
Buntaro! Can you hear me?
Yes!
I'm sorry!
It's my fault!
I'm going to try to pull you up.
The rope is fraying against the rock.
If I keep pulling, it will snap.
I'm sorry!
I wasn't good enough.
You're talking nonsense.
You're doing very well.
We'll find a way out, you'll see.
When we get out of this,
we'll go to the Alps.
The two of us.
We'll go.
We'll go, yeah...
I promise.
Forgive me, Buntaro.
Forgive me.
Buntaro!
Come with us.
No name on it, just cash.
But I knew it was from him.
- He felt guilty.
- For what?
For my brother's death?
At first, I wanted him to.
It was easier for me,
but I came to see no one was to blame.
Buntaro insisted on going with him.
You can't keep people
from doing what they want,
even if it's senseless.
Even if it's dangerous.
He adored Habu.
He wanted to be just like him.
He was like him.
Always wanting to climb,
to go higher and higher.
What for?
The mail kept coming for a few years,
first from Japan, then Nepal.
- Then nothing for three years.
- Nepal?
Might you have an address
or something to help me?
Never an address, a message,
or a signature.
I'm sorry, I can't help you.
Well...
By the way, you didn't mention:
Why are you looking for Habu?
Is it for an article?
He may know
something important about...
About?
You know the first ascent of Everest
was in '53?
No...
Anyway, there's another climber
who may have...
Forget about it.
I hope you find what you're looking for.
Goodbye.
I hope so, too.
I do remember something.
The last envelope had a note,
the only one...
saying he couldn't send postage
from where he was going,
and that he was sorry, that's it.
Back in the day,
the biggest challenge in mountaineering
was solo ascending
the three north faces in the Alps:
The Eiger, Matterhorn,
and the Grand Jorasses.
The exalted winter trilogy.
Habu went to Europe
to be the first to do it.
But he wasn't the only one.
Hase Tsuneo was there.
Habu had put some distance
between him and his rival.
He had scaled the first two
and was high up the Grand Jorasses,
about to taste victory.
Is anyone out there?
I'm over here!
I'm over here!
Habu?
Mr. Habu?
Please take me with you,
Mr. Habu.
No, you're not real...
Please, take me with you.
- I'm sorry.
- Please!
I'm sorry.
Will we go to the Alps?
No, go away!
Come on, Habu.
Habu!
When help arrived,
Habu had spent three days
and five hours on the rock face.
Most people would have died.
Not him.
Hase's team sent out a search party
and spotted him.
He owed his life to his competitor.
Ironic, huh?
Habu may have lost this round,
but it was a miracle he survived.
Now to the world of mountain climbing.
There was a tragedy
on Everest yesterday.
Japanese climbing star Hase Tsuneo
died in an avalanche
while attempting
a solo ascent
up the infamous Southwest Face.
After hours of searching,
rescue teams found the climber
lifeless at more than 6,000 meters
in the Western Cwm,
or "The Valley of Silence,
grimly silent today.
He left to climb the Southwest Face.
No way,
no one can pull that off in winter.
He can.
Perhaps, but he hasn't.
And you still have nothing
on the camera.
- It's not like him to give up.
- He's old now.
And he's shot,
no one would sponsor him.
I called the Kathmandu Tourism Office
that issues climbing permits.
He applied for one three years ago.
- For the Southwest Face?
- I don't know...
The permit was denied,
because he was preparing
something dangerous.
- What are you doing?
- What?
You disappeared a month ago
into your records, archives,
calling all over the place.
What's all this for?
You won't find him.
He must be somewhere.
You don't have a whiff of a lead.
Do me a favor:
Forget Habu and this camera story.
Go back to what you're good at:
Nice photos.
That's what people want.
Hello?
This is he.
Of course, I can come tomorrow
Curious about the end
of my Everest story?
- Did it captivate you?
- You told it well.
No, I found Habu's last envelope.
The one with the note.
I kept it, actually, and...
You have his address?
No, but I noticed something.
Look.
The other envelopes are from Kathmandu,
but this one isn't.
I thought it could be
of interest to you.
Namche Bazaar!
Do you know it?
The last village before Everest.
Three years ago,
but maybe he's still there.
To get to Everest,
there's only one road
and a week's walk through Khumbu Valley,
the Sherpa country.
Habu had disappeared
and no one knew of his whereabouts,
but if he was in the area,
I would find him.
Is anyone home?
Hey, anyone in there?
What do you want?
Hello.
I'm a journalist
for a Japanese magazine.
Fukamachi.
Go away, Fukamachi.
I won't take much time,
just a few questions...
I have nothing to tell you.
I saw you in Kathmandu with that guy.
The camera was a Vest Pocket,
you found it on Everest.
- That would mean...
- Come off it, leave me alone.
I know what you're planning:
Everest, the Southwest Face.
I won't peep,
I just want to cover it.
Let me follow you,
I'll stay behind.
You won't see me,
I'll just be taking photos.
If you succeed solo,
no one will know.
Is that what you want?
You need proof that you did it.
You need me.
I don't need anyone, now leave.
Let me climb with you,
I'll do everything you say!
You're too late,
I stopped a long time ago.
- That's all over.
- No, wait. Don't do this.
I said it's over, now go away!
I know you're still climbing!
You can't stop me from coming,
you hear me?
I'll be waiting for you
at base camp this winter.
Climbing used to be a competition
of who could go the highest.
Once a summit was reached,
you'd think the competition was over.
It doesn't work that way.
Climbers always find new challenges.
If they can't go higher,
they'll do the hardest route,
they'll go the fastest, solo,
with no oxygen.
In short, it's never over.
Everest was ascended in '53
on the Nepal side,
without oxygen in '78,
and solo two years later
through the Norton Couloir.
In the winter of '85,
Hase attempted the Southwest Face,
but never made it back.
The Southwest Face in winter
was still unconquered.
Habu would take it on
solo and without oxygen.
I wouldn't miss that for the world.
What's the forecast?
We have to wait,
the wind's up from the valley,
clouds are gathering on the peaks,
and it'll snow soon.
You won't be able to leave
for three days.
- Maybe four.
- Five to let it settle.
We'll wait.
How long will you give yourself
for the ascent?
- A week?
- Three nights, four days.
Is that possible?
It's the only way.
Do you know the rules for solo climbs?
No communicating, no intervening.
You take your photos, that's it.
If I'm struggling, you stay put.
If you're in trouble,
don't count on me, got it?
Yes.
Well, goodnight.
Don't be too quick to judge him.
He's coming up on eight years here.
Eight years of preparation,
it's all that matters to him.
This ascent means everything for him.
He won't let anyone get in his way.
I didn't want to...
I know, I know.
You're here, that's good.
He'll never admit it,
but he'll need your photos
if he succeeds.
You're not like him.
Your limits aren't his limits.
Don't try to follow him at all costs.
If you feel you can't go on,
don't push it.
Head back.
With the lack of oxygen at 7,500 meters,
you'll start getting headaches,
and it'll be hard to advance,
that's how it goes.
Above 8,000 meters,
you're in the death zone.
The body isn't designed to survive
at that altitude.
You'll have to be quick,
or you won't make it back.
Do you understand?
I understand.
You ready?
You?
I think so.
What you're doing is dangerous.
There'd be no point otherwise.
Why are you doing this?
Hase is dead, the competition is over.
Why are you set on following me?
Some photos for a magazine?
Commission for an article?
There's more to it.
Once you've tasted it, it's everything.
There's no going back.
That's how it is.
Is this where you found it?
The camera.
Did you find it on Everest?
- Is it...
- Enough questions.
It's nobody's camera.
Prepare your rucksack,
we leave tomorrow.
Come on.
Habu?
Oh, no...
Come on.
Habu, you all right?
Sleep well?
Fine, peaceful night.
You're lucky, we had heavy winds.
You on schedule?
I start at 6 a.m. as planned.
If this weather holds,
I'l pass Warship Rock easily
and be at the grey tower tonight.
Good, let me know if anything changes.
Good luck.
Habu, do you read me?
I read you, what's going on?
The weather's turning.
A storm is gathering on the South Col,
winds at 200.
It's coming your way,
better not hang around.
Copy that.
Shit!
Come on.
Move!
Fukamachi!
Fukamachi, wake up!
How do you feel?
Can you climb?
Leave me!
Don't argue,
take off your rucksack.
Give me your ice axe, too.
It'll get in the way.
Take off your crampons
and leave it to me!
Stop, you won't make it!
We'll both get stuck here!
Hold on.
Drink.
I'm sorry, it was my fault.
Drink, you need to rehydrate.
Why did you save me?
We said no intervening.
You're not saved yet.
You still have to get down.
If this keeps up, it'll be hard.
So, it's over?
We've lost too much time,
the window's too short.
The only way is to take the Yellow Band.
It's too exposed this time of year.
The rock is fragile.
You don't have enough rope, it's...
Impossible.
We stop here.
Draw your legs in.
I found it up there. Near the ridge.
The camera.
I've attempted the Southwest Face
many times, but I always fail.
The weather was bad last winter,
and I got lost after the grey tower.
The summit was so close,
but I couldn't find a route.
I was exhausted
and looking for a place to take shelter.
I found him there.
Do you think that he...
That he reached the summit?
You'll be disappointed.
He was last seen at 8,700 meters.
I found him above that
but couldn't tell
if he was ascending or descending.
With the film, we can find out.
What does it matter?
Thank you.
Shall we?
Careful out there.
The storm may return,
and the wind can pick up
once out of the pass.
I won't be there to help.
Wait, you're not...
Get to the valley by noon.
Don't hang around long.
You OK?
I'm fine.
Did Habu come back?
- Not yet.
- Did he make it?
I don't know, the last radio contact
was yesterday morning.
He was about to do the summit,
things seemed OK.
No news since.
Something's not right.
He could be stuck
because of the bad weather.
Just wait.
One more day. Just one.
There's no use, it's over.
Come on.
He asked me to give you this.
If you're reading this,
I didn't make it.
Keep the camera.
Maybe it'll answer your questions
about Mallory,
and you can finish your article.
But if you're wondering why he did it,
why I do it,
you won't find the answer.
But being here,
you must have an idea.
What brought you here
is also what pushes me to climb.
I don't know what it is,
but I stopped asking the question
once I understood
I couldn't live without it.
Some people look for a meaning
to their lives.
Not me.
Climbing is the only way for me
to feel alive.
So, I did it right to the very end.
With no regrets.
Habu was right.
I had answered the Mallory mystery,
yet it wasn't enough.
Why try to go higher, be the first?
Why risk your life so unnecessarily?
Now I know.
You don't need a reason.
For some, a mountain
isn't a destination but a path,
and its summit
a stop on the way.
Once you're up there,
you simply have to keep going.
THE SUMMIT OF THE GODS
Climbing.
More climbing.
Ever higher.
For what?
THE SUMMIT OF THE GODS
I'm Fukamachi Makoto.
I make a living
taking pictures for magazines.
I had been following a Japanese team
up Everest's Southwest Face.
This is base camp, do you read me?
This is Tanaka, I read you.
A front is coming up from the valley,
head back down.
We're almost to the top,
we can't turn back now.
You're behind schedule,
the storm will beat you to it.
We'll try our chances.
It's too risky!
You're too far behind schedule.
Do you copy?
Tanaka?
- No, we couldn't make it to the top.
- What?
- They didn't get past 8,000 meters.
- Even with oxygen?
I told you they were underprepared.
The Southwest Face is tough.
- Where did they stop?
- After camp 5.
Tanaka and Goto did well
but got behind schedule.
Conditions on the ridge were bad,
so they turned back.
Is there enough
for a double-page spread?
This is the last time,
you hear me?
Stop complaining.
You're out of doors,
seeing the world.
I'm wasting my time,
my photos are worthless.
See you Monday at the office?
Yeah, yeah, see you.
- Fukamachi, your beer's getting warm!
- OK...
- Hurry up, you're behind us a round.
- Coming.
Hi.
Hello.
Journalist?
Yeah.
Want a big story for your magazine?
Does Mallory's camera interest you?
Look.
It's Mallory's camera, look.
The real thing, it's from up there.
Do you know the story?
Well? Quite a scoop, right?
I'll give you a good price.
Come off it.
10,000 rupees, $200.
It's a bargain!
Forget about it.
What an asshole.
You don't know what you're missing.
- Hello, I...
- This is Nepal Airlines.
All our operators are currently busy.
Try again later.
You can't expect
to strike gold every day.
That's the game you play in life.
But I was really having doubts
about what I was doing.
Where is it?
- Where?
- Where's what?
I'm no dummy, I know you took it.
No, I swear.
You know I'd never do that.
What did you do with it?
No need to get worked up!
I can explain!
Stop!
Stop!
Hand it over.
OK! One second!
Here.
But...
Hey, wait!
Habu.
Come on...
The first ascent to the top of Everest
was in 1953.
But it wasn't the first attempt.
On June 8th, 1924, at 12:50 p.m.,
Brit George Mallory
and his climbing partner
were last seen on the northeast ridge
near the summit.
They never returned.
No one knows if they reached the top.
We do know
that they had a camera
for proof should they be successful,
a Vest Pocket Autographic.
If someone found the camera
and developed the film,
we could finally answer the question
on everyone's mind:
Was Mallory the first to ascend Everest?
But...
there was one problem.
I've looked all over town,
talking to shopkeepers but no use,
he's a ghost.
Yet I'm sure it was him.
Habu Joji?
The Habu Joji?
You know any others?
He disappeared years ago,
but suddenly reappears
with Mallory's camera
right under your nose?
Was he not a great climber?
He could have found the body
and camera near the summit.
People have searched for 70 years.
If he was found, we'd know.
- You can't even prove it was Habu.
- What about this?
Many people have lost fingers.
And if it was him,
why should he have the camera?
The Vest Pocket was a popular model.
You know that.
No, no.
Why would Habu have fought that guy?
Why didn't you ask him?
I've looked high and low,
but you know Kathmandu.
Well, in the meantime,
I'll take this one for the cover.
This one's good
but needs reframing.
If Mallory made the ascent,
it could change mountaineering.
The first person to scale Everest,
we can't miss out on that.
I have to find Habu.
I bet lots of people knew him
who could help.
The camera is buried in the snow
with Mallory,
and no one cares about Habu.
So, drop it.
Can I get the exclusive
if I wind up developing the film?
And a cut of the copyright.
Deal.
Habu would be tough to track down.
He no longer had an address, family,
or friends in Japan.
Hello, I'm Fukamachi Makoto, journalist.
I wanted to ask you about Habu Joiji...
Habu Joiji.
Yet in the '60s, he had a following.
He was quick
with a style all his own,
considered a prodigy.
He made some first ascents,
winter ascents, speed records.
They said he would be
a great climber,
that he was the best
in his generation even.
Then one day, he just disappeared.
Into thin air.
What could have happened?
Hold this bag.
I got it, thanks.
- Where are the carabiners?
- Under the chair.
Who folded this rope?
Should I carry your rucksack next time?
Not this again, come off it.
Join me!
It's just one week,
there are great routes to do.
Habu, I can't, we just got back.
This is a new job,
I can't up and leave.
I'll tell your boss climbing makes you
more efficient, it'll all be sorted.
Nonsense.
- Who's up for bowling Saturday?
- Great idea!
I'll give you a thrashing.
Guys, we're bowling on Saturday.
- Care to join?
- Sure thing.
They call me the Strike King.
Hey, we're running Saturday.
- Did you forget?
- Uh, no...
Sorry, Saturday's no good.
We planned something a while ago.
- Gents, there's good news.
- Toshiro's been fired?
- We're getting a new van?
- Better, we're going to Nepal.
I found a sponsor
for the Annapurna expedition,
but they're only covering
half the cost.
You'll have to pay the rest.
- Fine.
- No problem.
I'm aware that not everyone
can afford it,
but if successful,
we'll be better financed next time.
Send in your visa applications
before the end of the month.
There's lots of equipment to buy,
we'll go over it together.
- Toshiro, can you do the accounting?
- No problem.
I'll provide forms
for the climbing permits.
They're time-consuming, so don't delay.
Why send those guys?
They're inexperienced.
They don't train enough,
always out partying.
They haven't climbed
50 days this year.
It should be us,
we're better than them!
All because they can afford it.
You don't find this outrageous?
Put that out!
You struggle breathing at altitude.
Money, sponsors...
If we were famous,
we'd get sponsors.
We'll make a name for ourselves.
We'll do something
no one's ever done, you in?
Sure, what do you have in mind?
- The Demon Slab.
- In winter?
You're insane, no way.
No one would do that.
Exactly.
You're still here?
Everyone else left.
The first winter ascent
on the Demon Slab.
Not bad for back then.
Yeah... Hey, got any leads?
I called the embassy.
Habu arrived in Nepal eight years ago,
but his visa has expired.
He's hiding out,
that's why he disappeared
after I saw him.
What's that got to do
with the camera?
I'll find it.
Have fun.
The club's Annapurna expedition failed.
No one was hurt,
but no one made it to the summit either.
I propose a toast to Inoue and Habu!
Thanks a lot.
- Thanks, here's to you!
- Well done.
Habu finally got his revenge.
Good thing you boys are here
to keep up the club's image.
Some here should take after them.
We were being cautious.
- Safety first.
- More professional.
But the Demon Slab, that's amazing!
And in those conditions.
Yeah, they got lucky, that's all.
It wasn't luck.
It wasn't luck, we bivouacked
and waited for the right moment.
You wait for sunny weather
to melt the snow on the route,
then an overnight freeze
so it doesn't fall on you,
then you go.
Except it snowed during the day,
so we took a beating.
Yeah, the powder falls were a pain,
but it was all about speed.
And we wasted no time!
The worst was the icefall
and overhang at the end.
We were completely hemmed in.
Fortunately, I found a way out.
It wasn't easy to see,
but I wouldn't let us fail.
Inoue, where were you all this time?
Cheers!
Wait, Inoue did well,
but I was in front the whole time, so...
As if you'd climbed it
all by yourself.
- In a way, yes.
- Habu!
What? I led the whole route.
- What's gotten into you?
- What?
You need to respect your teammates,
for team spirit!
I wasn't criticizing Inoue, it's just...
Can you see why he's hurt?
I recounted what happened.
I can't help it if he's hurt.
Couldn't find his keys!
We looked all over.
After an hour he realized
they were in his pocket.
Speaking of the team,
all Buntaro talks about
is climbing with you.
No, out of the question.
He's too young, he'd slow me down.
I've known young climbers
who do pretty well.
Though he was underage,
I remember one who asked to join my club.
What did he say to me?
"Mr. Ito, sir, please let me in,
please let me join."
Just think about it, he'd love it.
There's always danger,
imagine you're tied to someone
who's unconscious or injured
and can't get up,
hanging on the end of the rope,
dragging you down,
it's a tough position.
What do you do?
Do you cut the rope?
It depends, I don't know.
If you don't act quickly,
you'll both fall.
You have to decide.
I wouldn't cut the rope, I couldn't.
If I were tied to you,
I wouldn't hesitate.
I would cut it.
No reason two people should die.
What if it were you on the end?
Shouldn't your partner think twice?
No, that's the solution.
If I ever fall, don't hesitate.
I wouldn't blame you.
Habu!
I wanted to congratulate you
on the Demon Slab.
Hase. Hase Tsuneo.
Yeah...
The Takizawa Passage last summer, right?
You set a new speed record.
Well done.
I'm glad to run into you.
I was just wondering...
There aren't many rock faces like that,
even in Europe,
how did you go about it?
Tell me.
Have you ever done
a winter ascent?
I didn't want to hurry it.
I bivouacked and waited.
I needed nice weather
for the sun to melt the snow
and clear the route.
The last ice passage is tricky
because you can't slow down,
but I mean...
You know all about speed.
Thanks for the tips.
Are you attempting the Demon Slab?
Yeah, leaving tomorrow.
That's good, who with?
No one, going it alone.
And now for the sporting event
of the week.
That's no overstatement
as the young mountaineering talent
Hase Tsuneo
has just completed
his solo winter ascent
up the Demon Slab,
the first ever to do it!
A solo ascent up the Demon Slab,
unbelievable!
This isn't the last
we'll be hearing about him.
Indeed,
Hase Tsuneo is the climber to watch.
Now to baseball,
with the Osaka Buffalos qualifying
for the Pacific League
thanks to top batter Sakamura,
traded earlier this year.
A week?
Out of the blue like this?
Are you kidding?
To do what?
To go to the mountains. Please.
The mountains?
I must be dreaming.
No, I need manpower here.
No way.
Back to work,
there are three trucks to unload.
I quit.
Tell him I'm in a meeting.
Yes, Sir.
No, I did like him,
but he was so...
How to put this?
He didn't know when to stop.
He had to be climbing all the time.
Once, I almost got fired
because of him.
That's why you stopped climbing
with him?
After a while, I understood something:
Partners didn't mean much to Habu,
be it myself or anyone else.
We were just there
so he could go farther, that's all.
I didn't want to stay behind him
my whole life.
So, I stopped.
After that...
he mostly climbed solo.
Mr. Habu! Mr. Habu!
Mr. Habu.
Buntaro, how are you?
Hi, Ryoko.
Sorry, Habu,
I didn't want him to bother you.
Off to climb the Wind Walls?
Let me climb with you,
I'll do everything you say!
What would Inoue say
if you took his place?
He won't be long.
I know you don't have a partner anymore.
Please, let me come.
You're not ready for a route like this.
It's too technical, I can't bring you.
I've been training for weeks,
I've improved!
The holds are barely visible,
the rock is soft, it's too dangerous.
Be reasonable, go home.
Your sister's waiting.
If you won't take me,
I'l go alone.
Hey, Buntaro!
Ever done a climbing wall?
There's a hold on your right!
Higher.
There you go.
Keep going, that's good.
You have improved.
Thank you, Mr. Habu.
Really, you did well on the crossing,
it wasn't easy.
It's because I have a good teacher!
With you, I could climb anywhere,
the Alps, even the Himalayas!
Picture us climbing Everest together!
Yeah...
Let's get past this overhang first.
Better hurry
to get back by nightfall.
You're still a bit young
for bivouacking.
Well done, you're past the hardest part.
There were two
I couldn't get out. Sorry.
No matter, we still have enough.
There's another small slope,
then it gets easier.
Want to rest a bit?
No, I'll be fine.
We'll rest afterward.
All right, back to it.
Take this.
Give me some slack, please!
Buntaro!
Buntaro, can you hear me?
Buntaro, answer me!
I'm here!
Are you injured?
My leg!
Can you reach the rock face?
Sorry, Habu... I'm sorry.
Can you reach the rock face?
No!
It's too far!
OK, can you climb the rope
with a Prusik knot?
All right!
We're both secured!
Buntaro! Can you hear me?
Yes!
I'm sorry!
It's my fault!
I'm going to try to pull you up.
The rope is fraying against the rock.
If I keep pulling, it will snap.
I'm sorry!
I wasn't good enough.
You're talking nonsense.
You're doing very well.
We'll find a way out, you'll see.
When we get out of this,
we'll go to the Alps.
The two of us.
We'll go.
We'll go, yeah...
I promise.
Forgive me, Buntaro.
Forgive me.
Buntaro!
Come with us.
No name on it, just cash.
But I knew it was from him.
- He felt guilty.
- For what?
For my brother's death?
At first, I wanted him to.
It was easier for me,
but I came to see no one was to blame.
Buntaro insisted on going with him.
You can't keep people
from doing what they want,
even if it's senseless.
Even if it's dangerous.
He adored Habu.
He wanted to be just like him.
He was like him.
Always wanting to climb,
to go higher and higher.
What for?
The mail kept coming for a few years,
first from Japan, then Nepal.
- Then nothing for three years.
- Nepal?
Might you have an address
or something to help me?
Never an address, a message,
or a signature.
I'm sorry, I can't help you.
Well...
By the way, you didn't mention:
Why are you looking for Habu?
Is it for an article?
He may know
something important about...
About?
You know the first ascent of Everest
was in '53?
No...
Anyway, there's another climber
who may have...
Forget about it.
I hope you find what you're looking for.
Goodbye.
I hope so, too.
I do remember something.
The last envelope had a note,
the only one...
saying he couldn't send postage
from where he was going,
and that he was sorry, that's it.
Back in the day,
the biggest challenge in mountaineering
was solo ascending
the three north faces in the Alps:
The Eiger, Matterhorn,
and the Grand Jorasses.
The exalted winter trilogy.
Habu went to Europe
to be the first to do it.
But he wasn't the only one.
Hase Tsuneo was there.
Habu had put some distance
between him and his rival.
He had scaled the first two
and was high up the Grand Jorasses,
about to taste victory.
Is anyone out there?
I'm over here!
I'm over here!
Habu?
Mr. Habu?
Please take me with you,
Mr. Habu.
No, you're not real...
Please, take me with you.
- I'm sorry.
- Please!
I'm sorry.
Will we go to the Alps?
No, go away!
Come on, Habu.
Habu!
When help arrived,
Habu had spent three days
and five hours on the rock face.
Most people would have died.
Not him.
Hase's team sent out a search party
and spotted him.
He owed his life to his competitor.
Ironic, huh?
Habu may have lost this round,
but it was a miracle he survived.
Now to the world of mountain climbing.
There was a tragedy
on Everest yesterday.
Japanese climbing star Hase Tsuneo
died in an avalanche
while attempting
a solo ascent
up the infamous Southwest Face.
After hours of searching,
rescue teams found the climber
lifeless at more than 6,000 meters
in the Western Cwm,
or "The Valley of Silence,
grimly silent today.
He left to climb the Southwest Face.
No way,
no one can pull that off in winter.
He can.
Perhaps, but he hasn't.
And you still have nothing
on the camera.
- It's not like him to give up.
- He's old now.
And he's shot,
no one would sponsor him.
I called the Kathmandu Tourism Office
that issues climbing permits.
He applied for one three years ago.
- For the Southwest Face?
- I don't know...
The permit was denied,
because he was preparing
something dangerous.
- What are you doing?
- What?
You disappeared a month ago
into your records, archives,
calling all over the place.
What's all this for?
You won't find him.
He must be somewhere.
You don't have a whiff of a lead.
Do me a favor:
Forget Habu and this camera story.
Go back to what you're good at:
Nice photos.
That's what people want.
Hello?
This is he.
Of course, I can come tomorrow
Curious about the end
of my Everest story?
- Did it captivate you?
- You told it well.
No, I found Habu's last envelope.
The one with the note.
I kept it, actually, and...
You have his address?
No, but I noticed something.
Look.
The other envelopes are from Kathmandu,
but this one isn't.
I thought it could be
of interest to you.
Namche Bazaar!
Do you know it?
The last village before Everest.
Three years ago,
but maybe he's still there.
To get to Everest,
there's only one road
and a week's walk through Khumbu Valley,
the Sherpa country.
Habu had disappeared
and no one knew of his whereabouts,
but if he was in the area,
I would find him.
Is anyone home?
Hey, anyone in there?
What do you want?
Hello.
I'm a journalist
for a Japanese magazine.
Fukamachi.
Go away, Fukamachi.
I won't take much time,
just a few questions...
I have nothing to tell you.
I saw you in Kathmandu with that guy.
The camera was a Vest Pocket,
you found it on Everest.
- That would mean...
- Come off it, leave me alone.
I know what you're planning:
Everest, the Southwest Face.
I won't peep,
I just want to cover it.
Let me follow you,
I'll stay behind.
You won't see me,
I'll just be taking photos.
If you succeed solo,
no one will know.
Is that what you want?
You need proof that you did it.
You need me.
I don't need anyone, now leave.
Let me climb with you,
I'll do everything you say!
You're too late,
I stopped a long time ago.
- That's all over.
- No, wait. Don't do this.
I said it's over, now go away!
I know you're still climbing!
You can't stop me from coming,
you hear me?
I'll be waiting for you
at base camp this winter.
Climbing used to be a competition
of who could go the highest.
Once a summit was reached,
you'd think the competition was over.
It doesn't work that way.
Climbers always find new challenges.
If they can't go higher,
they'll do the hardest route,
they'll go the fastest, solo,
with no oxygen.
In short, it's never over.
Everest was ascended in '53
on the Nepal side,
without oxygen in '78,
and solo two years later
through the Norton Couloir.
In the winter of '85,
Hase attempted the Southwest Face,
but never made it back.
The Southwest Face in winter
was still unconquered.
Habu would take it on
solo and without oxygen.
I wouldn't miss that for the world.
What's the forecast?
We have to wait,
the wind's up from the valley,
clouds are gathering on the peaks,
and it'll snow soon.
You won't be able to leave
for three days.
- Maybe four.
- Five to let it settle.
We'll wait.
How long will you give yourself
for the ascent?
- A week?
- Three nights, four days.
Is that possible?
It's the only way.
Do you know the rules for solo climbs?
No communicating, no intervening.
You take your photos, that's it.
If I'm struggling, you stay put.
If you're in trouble,
don't count on me, got it?
Yes.
Well, goodnight.
Don't be too quick to judge him.
He's coming up on eight years here.
Eight years of preparation,
it's all that matters to him.
This ascent means everything for him.
He won't let anyone get in his way.
I didn't want to...
I know, I know.
You're here, that's good.
He'll never admit it,
but he'll need your photos
if he succeeds.
You're not like him.
Your limits aren't his limits.
Don't try to follow him at all costs.
If you feel you can't go on,
don't push it.
Head back.
With the lack of oxygen at 7,500 meters,
you'll start getting headaches,
and it'll be hard to advance,
that's how it goes.
Above 8,000 meters,
you're in the death zone.
The body isn't designed to survive
at that altitude.
You'll have to be quick,
or you won't make it back.
Do you understand?
I understand.
You ready?
You?
I think so.
What you're doing is dangerous.
There'd be no point otherwise.
Why are you doing this?
Hase is dead, the competition is over.
Why are you set on following me?
Some photos for a magazine?
Commission for an article?
There's more to it.
Once you've tasted it, it's everything.
There's no going back.
That's how it is.
Is this where you found it?
The camera.
Did you find it on Everest?
- Is it...
- Enough questions.
It's nobody's camera.
Prepare your rucksack,
we leave tomorrow.
Come on.
Habu?
Oh, no...
Come on.
Habu, you all right?
Sleep well?
Fine, peaceful night.
You're lucky, we had heavy winds.
You on schedule?
I start at 6 a.m. as planned.
If this weather holds,
I'l pass Warship Rock easily
and be at the grey tower tonight.
Good, let me know if anything changes.
Good luck.
Habu, do you read me?
I read you, what's going on?
The weather's turning.
A storm is gathering on the South Col,
winds at 200.
It's coming your way,
better not hang around.
Copy that.
Shit!
Come on.
Move!
Fukamachi!
Fukamachi, wake up!
How do you feel?
Can you climb?
Leave me!
Don't argue,
take off your rucksack.
Give me your ice axe, too.
It'll get in the way.
Take off your crampons
and leave it to me!
Stop, you won't make it!
We'll both get stuck here!
Hold on.
Drink.
I'm sorry, it was my fault.
Drink, you need to rehydrate.
Why did you save me?
We said no intervening.
You're not saved yet.
You still have to get down.
If this keeps up, it'll be hard.
So, it's over?
We've lost too much time,
the window's too short.
The only way is to take the Yellow Band.
It's too exposed this time of year.
The rock is fragile.
You don't have enough rope, it's...
Impossible.
We stop here.
Draw your legs in.
I found it up there. Near the ridge.
The camera.
I've attempted the Southwest Face
many times, but I always fail.
The weather was bad last winter,
and I got lost after the grey tower.
The summit was so close,
but I couldn't find a route.
I was exhausted
and looking for a place to take shelter.
I found him there.
Do you think that he...
That he reached the summit?
You'll be disappointed.
He was last seen at 8,700 meters.
I found him above that
but couldn't tell
if he was ascending or descending.
With the film, we can find out.
What does it matter?
Thank you.
Shall we?
Careful out there.
The storm may return,
and the wind can pick up
once out of the pass.
I won't be there to help.
Wait, you're not...
Get to the valley by noon.
Don't hang around long.
You OK?
I'm fine.
Did Habu come back?
- Not yet.
- Did he make it?
I don't know, the last radio contact
was yesterday morning.
He was about to do the summit,
things seemed OK.
No news since.
Something's not right.
He could be stuck
because of the bad weather.
Just wait.
One more day. Just one.
There's no use, it's over.
Come on.
He asked me to give you this.
If you're reading this,
I didn't make it.
Keep the camera.
Maybe it'll answer your questions
about Mallory,
and you can finish your article.
But if you're wondering why he did it,
why I do it,
you won't find the answer.
But being here,
you must have an idea.
What brought you here
is also what pushes me to climb.
I don't know what it is,
but I stopped asking the question
once I understood
I couldn't live without it.
Some people look for a meaning
to their lives.
Not me.
Climbing is the only way for me
to feel alive.
So, I did it right to the very end.
With no regrets.
Habu was right.
I had answered the Mallory mystery,
yet it wasn't enough.
Why try to go higher, be the first?
Why risk your life so unnecessarily?
Now I know.
You don't need a reason.
For some, a mountain
isn't a destination but a path,
and its summit
a stop on the way.
Once you're up there,
you simply have to keep going.
THE SUMMIT OF THE GODS