Much has been speculated about the authenticity of "Nanga Parbat": critics complained that the film is solely based on the memories of Reinhold Messner, which often conflict with the memories of other participants of that fateful 1970 expedition.
But, apart from the authenticity question, the film optically leaves little to be desired: snow and ice covered mountains, filmed breathtaking and flawless (some viewers even say, there was too little of the landscape photography). Indeed, Joseph Vilsmeier ("Bergkristall") knows how to impressively film nature and rigid landscapes. Never known as brilliant film-maker, Vilsmeier knows how to routinely produce quick, cheap and efficient films-for-TV director and knows how to handle his landscape-photography.
The weakest link among the actors is actor Karl Markovics, or rather his portrayal of expedition leader Karl Maria Herligkoffer: whether the portrayal is accurate (Messner had been fighting many bitter legal battles until Herligkoffers death in 1991) or fictional (which many expedition members claim), I cannot tell. But Markovics, known to German/Austrian TV-viewers as "Inspector Stockinger" plays the role like it was a caricature of 'The Fuehrer': a man stuck firmly in the 1930's ethos, throwing "blood and honour" speeches; you'd almost expect him to wear a brown uniform and give a Sieg Heil-salute any minute. Only later, once Messner and his brother have started their fateful journey, do we see some humanity but by that time we've already identified the character Herligkoffer as some leftover fascist.
In contrast stands the figure of Florian Stetters Reinhold Messner who, at the beginning of the movie, faces his "nemesis" Herligkoffer like a Christ-like figure; marked by his Nanga Parbat experience and walking on crutches, yet dignified, righteous, victorious even. Yes, Reinhold Messner is primarily known for his expeditions and only secondarily for his larger than life ego. Alas (for both Messner and the audience), Stetter isn't the actor to carry a movie – especially not a movie about a larger than life figure like Messner. His performance reeks of television routine, rattling down his lines, leaving the audience to wonder why they should cheer for such protagonist. Same goes for Andreas Tobias (playing Messners doomed brother Guenther), who had appeared in a number of TV-series and production prior to "Nanga Parbat" and nothing much since. Well, perhaps acting isn't meant for everybody.
What's left are some beautiful filmed mountain climbs – especially during the first part of the film; beware: if you're not comfortable with great heights, this movie might not be for you – and an often riveting mountaineer-drama. Drama because if you're looking for an authentic documentations of the actual events, you might be disappointed. If authenticity is what you're looking for, watch 2007's "To The Limit".
I'd give the film generous 6 points from 10.
But, apart from the authenticity question, the film optically leaves little to be desired: snow and ice covered mountains, filmed breathtaking and flawless (some viewers even say, there was too little of the landscape photography). Indeed, Joseph Vilsmeier ("Bergkristall") knows how to impressively film nature and rigid landscapes. Never known as brilliant film-maker, Vilsmeier knows how to routinely produce quick, cheap and efficient films-for-TV director and knows how to handle his landscape-photography.
The weakest link among the actors is actor Karl Markovics, or rather his portrayal of expedition leader Karl Maria Herligkoffer: whether the portrayal is accurate (Messner had been fighting many bitter legal battles until Herligkoffers death in 1991) or fictional (which many expedition members claim), I cannot tell. But Markovics, known to German/Austrian TV-viewers as "Inspector Stockinger" plays the role like it was a caricature of 'The Fuehrer': a man stuck firmly in the 1930's ethos, throwing "blood and honour" speeches; you'd almost expect him to wear a brown uniform and give a Sieg Heil-salute any minute. Only later, once Messner and his brother have started their fateful journey, do we see some humanity but by that time we've already identified the character Herligkoffer as some leftover fascist.
In contrast stands the figure of Florian Stetters Reinhold Messner who, at the beginning of the movie, faces his "nemesis" Herligkoffer like a Christ-like figure; marked by his Nanga Parbat experience and walking on crutches, yet dignified, righteous, victorious even. Yes, Reinhold Messner is primarily known for his expeditions and only secondarily for his larger than life ego. Alas (for both Messner and the audience), Stetter isn't the actor to carry a movie – especially not a movie about a larger than life figure like Messner. His performance reeks of television routine, rattling down his lines, leaving the audience to wonder why they should cheer for such protagonist. Same goes for Andreas Tobias (playing Messners doomed brother Guenther), who had appeared in a number of TV-series and production prior to "Nanga Parbat" and nothing much since. Well, perhaps acting isn't meant for everybody.
What's left are some beautiful filmed mountain climbs – especially during the first part of the film; beware: if you're not comfortable with great heights, this movie might not be for you – and an often riveting mountaineer-drama. Drama because if you're looking for an authentic documentations of the actual events, you might be disappointed. If authenticity is what you're looking for, watch 2007's "To The Limit".
I'd give the film generous 6 points from 10.
