Cold

Cold is an exhilarating and breathtaking documentary that paints an arresting and vivid portrait of courage, adventure, and humanity. Directed by Anson Fogel and Cory Richards, the film follows the remarkable journey of three professional climbers, Simone Moro, Cory Richards, and Denis Urubko from the comfort of their homes to one of the most dangerous and emblematic peaks on Earth, the Gasherbrum II, an 8,035m high mountain located in the Karakoram range of Pakistan.

Starring Richards, who also doubles as a co-director, alongside Moro and Urubko, two of the world's most accomplished mountaineers, the film provides a challenging, sincere and deeply personal representation of what it feels like to push one's body and mind to their absolute limits in one of the coldest, most hostile environments on Earth.

The plot is centered on a daunting expedition to Gasherbrum II, an endeavor that would mark the first successful winter ascent of the mountain if accomplished. This grueling journey would not only test the climbers' physical fortitude and mental resilience but would also expose them to relentless extreme cold, potential avalanches, and high-altitude sickness. Over 3 weeks, the three climbers endured temperatures below -50 degrees Celsius and braved their way through hurricane-force winds in an extraordinary test of human endurance, exposing in a vivid manner that sometimes, the greatest battles are within oneself.

The film is authentic and unflinching, capturing the raw, moment-to-moment reality of the climbers' experiences. It's not just about mountaineering. The breathtaking cinematography throws the viewer into the heart of the action, capturing the sublime, awe-inducing beauty of the desolate, snow-covered landscapes and the punishing conditions the team faces. The film manages to hold its audience captive as they traverse through the bone-chilling vortex of the Karakoram in winter.

All three climbers offer deeply personal insights into their fears, hopes, and motivations, turning this from a simple adventure documentary into a poignant exploration of the human spirit. They share their individual and collective experiences that paint a profound depiction of the sometimes terrifying, sometimes surreal experience of high-altitude mountaineering. The film effectively illuminates the sheer passion, grit, and resilience that the climbers hold.

While not shying away from the dangers and suffering endured, the film also celebrates the friendships, the shared camaraderie, the small victories, and the intense joy of achievement that makes such ordeals worth it. What emerges is a potent and moving exploration of why extreme athletes risk everything for their passion.

Simone Moro, the seasoned Italian alpinist, Cory Richards, an up-and-coming American climber and photographer who documents their journey, and Denis Urubko, an experienced Kazakh climber with a reputation for taking risks, are depicted not as reckless thrill-seekers but as dedicated mountaineers driven by a deep love for the mountains. They must rely on each other’s expertise, leadership, and camaraderie to survive the savage elements and overcome the monumental challenges on this harrowing journey.

Cold is more than an adventure film; it's a story of human perseverance, friendship, and raw survival in the face of overwhelming odds. It not only showcases the physical and mental strength required to take on such an imposing feat but also raises questions about ambition, the value of life, and the human instinct for survival.

The film was released in 2011, garnered rave reviews, and won an array of awards including the Best Adventure Film at the Boulder International Film Festival in 2012. The incredible journey of these men is inevitably inspirational, reminding us of the strength, courage, and resilience of the human spirit. Cold, in its heart-pounding, adrenaline-pumping, and inspiring 19-minute runtime, goes beyond mountaineering. It's a testament to human resilience and the will to survive and face fears head-on. It's about man's continual yearning for discovery and exploration, revealing some profound truths about the human nature. Masterfully directed and stunningly filmed, "Cold" is indeed an unforgettable journey to the top of the world.