We have been watching and discussing Touching the Void. WOW!
To describe it, we used words like:
gripping, emotive, heartwarming, engaging, amazing, action paced, touching and powerful.
We watched in 3 chunks and disucssed it in detail. We all agreed it was an amazing film. Everyone was captivated by it!
It links in with our theme in lots of ways - it was based upon an autobiography, it involved interviews (open questions!), and is linked to the exploration and challenge work (like Adrian Hayes) we are starting to look at it.
We used the opportunity to have superb discussions about the powerful description of both the scenary and, perhaps more inportantly, the emotions the people in the film experienced.
Beautiful scenery and excellent cinematography highlight this true-life story of two young adventurers who, in 1985, attempt to be the first climbers to reach the top of imposing Siula Grande, in Peru. The two actual climbers, Joe Simpson and Simon Yates, narrate the story, while two stand-in actors re-enact the climbing.
A big part of the film is Joe's quest merely to survive, once he becomes separated from Simon. Toward this objective, he calls forth inner strength in the form of two mental processes: first, make a decision and then act on it; second, set small goals or targets. During his ordeal a part of him keeps pushing: "You have to do this, this, and this, if you're going to get there; come on, keep moving, keep moving; right, get up, and do it again".
In a docudrama like this, acting ability is not that important. What is important is the cinematography. The mountain scenery is spectacular. The camera also captures visual perspective, by backing away from the two climbers, or Joe alone in the second half, to reveal how small and insignificant they are against the towering mountain face, or lost within the vast expanse of a huge glacier, peppered with a maze of dangerous crevasses.
"Touching The Void" is a great story of survival set amid the majestic splendor of the mountains of Peru.
Read more about it on:
Tell Miss Bates and I all about what you thought of this film, by adding comments to this comment.
Mr Watson
34 comments:
Mr Watson, I loved the movie! It is probably now one of the best movies I have ever seen! I hope we can watch it again sometime to get even more under-standing of the movie!
Touching the Void
I absolutely loved Touching the Void; Joe and Simon went so far-off. It was mind-boggling movie with incredible special effects . One thing I can't imagine is how bitterly frozen they must be they said it was about -80C (with the wind blowing in their face) sometime in the movie.
I know it was a 15+ but I think we handled it really well. To be truly honest I was a bit scared to see what they were going to endeavour for 7 days (4 in Simon's case) the strength of minds must be to immense to even start to imagine.
I'd watch it every day if I could, but then it be a bit predictable, but the thought still counts. I am really glad to be able to watch it because otherwise I wouldn't know about it.
I am so delighted we got the good fortune to be able to watch it.
Thanks again
Ethan
I really think Touching the Void was an amazing film full of drama, pain, excitement, attention grabbing moments, terrifing moments, petrifying parts but gladly a relieving ending.
Max
Jack’s homework 17/10/2010
I think the link about Joe Simpson himself and not the wikipedia one because the gallery of pictures is really amazing, the photos tell how determined and protective of the emviroment he is and how much he loves being alive.
Mr Watson , I think touching the void is a fantastic movie and its terrifying at some points. But it's incredibly powerful and you really feel as if you know Joe and Simon as a friend. I would definitely watch again
Thank you for lending it to me
Erin 6JW
Jack’s homework 17/10/2010
I like the link about Joe Simpson best.The gallery of pictures were brilliant, the scenery is beautiful and I would like to see the lovely snow toped mountain range, the amazingly deep crevasses, and the beautiful clear blue icicles. I was also really fascinated by the fact that he can hold himself up on a chocolate brown, jagged, almost horisontal rock face,with all of his weight held just by his hands. Another thing i found interesting was the profile section, because it tells you what his hobbies are, where he lives, what his favourite food, drink, holiday destinations and films are. He is a person I would really like to meet and talk to in detail about his life and how he felt after he survived to tell the truly terrible accident on the mountain.
Jack
I think this film is amazing. I could watach is again and again and still get more from it each time. I am in total awe of Joe's determination and mental toughness - a true hero to get through this ordeal. I think it is fascinating how the two men feel so different about the experience.
It is such a powerful film and hard to believe it is all compeltely true. The camera work and production amke it feel so real as you watch it, and I don't think I have ever been more gripped by a film.
Brilliant! Fascinating! Memorable!
oops. MAKE!!!
I really enjoyed watching touching the void. I will admit that at some parts I was quite frightened. This film had lots of emotions and feelings. Joe and Simon must have had a really tough time climbing Siule Grande. I can’t explain how much I loved this film. WOW what a powerfull film it was briliant. I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did. :)
I think touching the Void was absoloutly incredible! It was so cool how everything was put together and how Joe survived and all of that! I am sure that some people (including me) found heartbreaking and disgusting parts and also rather rude ones, but the movie was amazing all the same!
I think Touching the void is an amazing film it really does make you feel like your are doing the climbing so over all I think it is one of the most powerful and painful films in the world.
Thanks for letting us watch it Mr W.
Tom 6JW
I thought Touching The Void was very exciting and a powerful movie.I also thought it had a lot of dilemmas and hard choices.It was really hard for Simon and Joe. It was a brilliant movie and now one of my favorites.
Harry H
I agree with everyone that it was a amazing
film and it was go to watch as well.Not only
was it a interesting film but it was a very, very
emotional too. I have never seen a film any-
where near as emotional as that film.It really
shows how much trust you need and how much
courage you need to survive a mountain like
the one in the film.It truly touched my heart!
Ella!
touching the void was and amazing film.its a great movie full with action and some heartbreaking moments. it was quite scary at some points ; like when joe fell down that huge grevass, its amazing how he survived with that leg!if i had the chance i would definatly watch it again and i think its 1 of the best films i have ever seen.
toucing the void is my new best movie it was awsome, emotional, interesting, gripping, heroic strength and friendship.
thank you for letting us watch it it was amazing. Joe G
I loved watching Touching The Void and I thought it was an amazing movie. It was so exciting and I could barely believe that Joe survived. It was full of pain power and determination. I am going to go and look for it in the shops so that I can buy a copy for myself.
I thought this movie was excellent except for the grusome bits. My favorout bit was when they reached the top of the mountain and looked down at the clowds below. I can't belive that most people die on the way down!!!
Hannah s
I agree with all of you it is a very very powerful film because of the drama in it and the emotions that are expressed in it too. The way Joe screamed out Simons name was very emotional it was amazing that it actually happened!an I give credit to Joe for going back there where this awful thing happened( which he explained in the extras )I am being truthful that to me that was the most amazing ,incredible film I have ever watched!
I loved the movie it just explains how difficult it must have been for Joe and Simon.I feel very sorry for Joe mostly,because he almost died.As for Simon, i feel sorry for him too because almost everyone are blaming Simon for cutting the rope.However, I don`t blame him. He had no other choice.I am very proud of Joe,he was extremely brave and had tonnes of determination.
Tom Houghton 6LBa
I think mr Watson needs to check his spellings :-))
Touching the void was the most emotional, gripping, heart breaking yet interesting film i have ever watched. i enjoyed it thoroughly. I think that even though it was very scary, i would still watch it again. I think the most heart breaking part of the film was when Simon said that he and Joe were not close friends, even after he saved Joe's life.
I really do think Touching the void is a spectacular film, and the fact it's true makes it even more amazing.
I love it so much that I went out and bought the dvd and found out the was a follow up to touching the void called THE BECKONING SILENCE!!! OOOOOHHHH!! In my opinion there was only was one down side to the film and that was the song by boney M called show your emotions! IT DROVE ME MENTAL!!!!!
Rory Riddle 6JW
I think that Touching The Void was a strong, powerful action packed film about important decisions and trust. I was very touched when Joe crawled himself into the base camp and hopelessley called Simons name.
I was over flowed with relief when Simon came out and saw Joe. That was what made this movie the best movie I've ever seen! I would definitely recommend it!!
Jasmine
Touching the void was absaloutley amazing i loved it! I think it was an extremeley powerful movie and i would love to watch it again. At some parts it was emotional and others really exciting. I wouldnt really like to be any of them Joe or Simon even Richard because i would have been absaloutley petrified. Great Movie! I would love to see it again and highly recommend it!
Sophie 6JW
TOUCHING THE VOID COMMENT BY AMAURY
It is really the best
film I've EVER EVER EVER seen!!!!!
I wish all of my family had watched it. I think people would acctualy think this is a great film.
Bye and thanks for reading
Touching the void was the best film I've ever watched in my life because of so many reasons!It was filled with emotions, pain, anger, depreshion, drama and horrific moments. I can't begin to think how much pain perticually Joe but also Simon!When it went on to the interviewing moments you could see thatJoe was truely reliving it.I really enjoyedthis film and want to watch it again!!!
touching the void was and amazing film.its a great movie full with action and some heartbreaking moments. it was quite scary at some points ; like when joe fell down that huge grevass.
if i had the chance i would definatly watch it again and i think its one of the best films i have ever seenI am going to go and look for it in the shops so that I can buy a copy for myself!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THAT MOVIE IS
I thought the film was truly amazing I wouldn't mind watching it again. I don't know how Joe went through that much pain and I think he has a lot of mental strenth.
harry.w.
Touching the Void!
The film was great, I enjoyed it but it was however a bit emotional at times for me. I would maybe like to see it again now that I know what will happen to Joe.
I also like the part where Boney M starts to come on when Joe is almost thinking that things might not work out. He can’t believe that something as silly as a song he doesn’t really like will be perhaps his last thoughts. It’s a really fantastic film and I am very grateful for seeing it. I couldn’t even imagine falling down into the cold, dark crevice. I now believe since what he has been through he is just trying hard not to look back. The film itself is creative and emotional and that’s good because they want you to know how Joe felt. I can understand a little bit of his pain and put myself into his shoes since I broke my ankle but my injury wasn’t as near as sore as his.
By Eden
mr.Watson i really loved touching the void and i was really happy to watch it again i think it is the most powerfull movie i ever saw cannot imagine the pain when joe broke is leg and the weather but i thought the pictures of the mountains the lake and the glacier was fantastic i really loved it and i also thought it was a fantastic idea to do touching the void in class
mr.Watson i loved touching the void
i think it is the most powerfull movie i ever saw
at some parts it was a little bit scary when joe broke
his leg ... i can not imagine the pain and the weather
it must have horrible but i thought the pictures of the andes
the glaciers the mountains and the snow were fabulous
i really loved it and i thought it was a fantastic idea to do touching the void in class
I loved the movie 'Touching the Void'.It is now one of my favourite movies.The movie makes you feel like you are part of it.The description in it is great.
I really enjoyed Touching The Void. My favorite part was when Joe tried to climb out of the Craves. I feel like watching it over and over again! It is a heartbreaking, painful, exciting and a entertainning movie.
At least Joe, Simon and Richard are lucky not to be dead. Even though nobody died it was still sad I dont know why :D
I can't believe that this really happened! I promise you I am never going to climb a mountain in my life!!!!
Sara
simon must be so sad and guilty after he cut the rope
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