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[ethereal music playing]
BASED ON THE MANGA BY JIRO TANIGUCHI AND BAKU YUMEMAKURA
[man] Walking.
Climbing.
More climbing.
Always higher.
And for what?
[breathing heavily]
[camera clicks]
[ethereal music continues]
My name is Fukamachi Makoto.
I take photos for magazines.
That year, I was following a Japanese team up the southwest face of Everest.
[grunts softly]
[camera clicking]
[man 1] This is base camp. Do you read me?
[man 2] This is Tanaka. I read you.
[base camp] A major front is approaching. You'd best turn back.
[Tanaka] We're almost there, we can't turn back now.
[base camp] You're behind schedule. The storm will arrive before you.
[Tanaka] We'll take our chances.
[base camp] It's too risky. You're too far behind schedule.
Do you hear me? Tanaka?
[radio crackles]
[customers chatting indistinctly]
[Fukamachi] No summit this time. A waste of time.
-[editor] What? -They didn't pass 8,000 meters.
Even with oxygen?
They were ill-prepared. That's not how the southwest face is done.
-Where did they get to? -Just past camp five.
Tanaka and Goto did well, but couldn't stay on schedule.
Conditions on the ridge weren't great. They had to turn back.
Got enough for a double-page spread?
-This is the last time I'm doing this. -Oh, stop whining.
You're outdoors, seeing the world.
[scoffs] I'm wasting my time. My photos are worthless.
-See you in the newsroom on Monday. -Yeah, yeah. Bye.
Fukamachi, your beer's getting warm.
-Yeah. -You're a round behind.
[Fukamachi] Okay, coming.
[dial tone sounding]
Hey.
Hello.
Journalist?
Yeah.
[line ringing]
Looking for a scoop for your magazine? Would Mallory's camera interest you?
Look.
-Huh? -Mallory's camera, I said. Look.
Authentic. It came from up there. You know the story?
That's a scoop, right?
-I'll give you a good price. -What are you talking about?
10,000 rupees, 200 dollars. A bargain!
[scoffs] Forget it!
[sneers] Poor bastard.
Don't know what you're missing.
Uh, hello--
[on recording] You've reached Nepal Airlines. All our lines are busy.
Please call back later.
[Fukamachi] I know you can't strike gold every day.
That's how it is.
But I was starting to wonder what I was doing there.
-[clattering] -[gasps]
[men speaking indistinctly]
[clattering continues]
-I'd never do that. -What did you do with it?
No need to get angry.
I'll explain!
Stop! Stop!
[gasping]
[groans]
-Hey. -Give it back.
Okay, wait. Wait!
Here.
[whispers indistinctly]
Hey, wait!
Habu.
[panting]
[ethereal music playing]
[breathing heavily]
Come on!
[Fukamachi] The summit of Everest was reached in 1953.
But that wasn't the first attempt.
In 1924,
on June 8, at 12:50,
Englishman George Mallory and his climbing partner were last seen
on the north ridge, near the summit.
They never returned. Nobody knows if they succeeded.
But we know they had a camera to take home proof if victorious.
A Vest Pocket Autographic.
If someone were to find the camera and develop the film,
they'd have the answer to the question that's been asked for years.
Was Mallory the first person to conquer Everest?
But…
there was only one problem.
YU PUBLISHING
[Fukamachi] I searched the neighborhood, asked shopkeepers. Nothing.
The guy's a ghost.
But I'm sure it was him.
[editor] Habu Joji? The Habu Joji?
Is there another?
The guy disappeared years go. He suddenly resurfaces with Mallory's camera?
Right under your nose?
He was a good climber.
He may well have found the body near the summit and taken the camera.
People have looked for Mallory for 70 years.
If he'd been found, we'd know.
-You aren't even sure it's Habu. -What about this?
He's not the only one to lose fingers. That proves nothing about the camera.
The Vest Pocket is common.
You know that.
No. So why would Habu have been fighting with that guy?
Why didn't you ask him?
[scoffs]
I looked everywhere, but you know Kathmandu.
Well, in the meantime,
I'll take this one for the cover.
This one isn't bad, but it needs to be cropped.
If Mallory reached the summit,
it'd change the history of mountaineering. The first man on Everest.
We can't let this go.
I have to find Habu.
People here knew him, they could help.
[sighs]
Listen, the camera's buried in the snow with Mallory.
No one cares about Habu.
So drop it.
If I get them, can I get the exclusive on Mallory's photos?
And a cut of the copyright royalties.
[chuckles]
Okay, sure.
[folk music playing]
[grunts]
[Fukamachi] It was going to be tough to find Habu.
He no longer had an address, family, or friends in Japan.
-Hello? -[woman] Hello?
My name is Fukamachi Makoto. I'm a journalist.
I wanted to talk to you about Habu Joji.
-[woman] Who? -[Fukamachi] Habu Joji.
[Fukamachi] During the '60s, he had a certain notoriety.
Because of his speed and unique style, he was considered a prodigy.
He'd accomplished some firsts, winter ascents, speed records.
In mountaineering circles, his career looked promising.
People even said he was one of the best of his generation.
Then one day, he disappeared. Just like that.
Vanished. What happened to him?
[inspiring music plays]
-[man 1] Grab this bag. -[man 2] Cool, I've got it. Thanks.
[man 1] Anyone got the bag with carabiners?
-[man 3] Under the seat. -[man 4] Who folded this rope?
-Shall I carry your bag? -Anything else?
-[laughs] -It's okay.
Go on, come with me. It's only a week. There are great routes to do.
I can't, Habu. We just got back.
It's a new job, it's important. I can't just take off.
I can talk to your boss. Tell him you're more productive after climbing.
[laughs] As if.
-Fancy bowling on Saturday? -Yeah.
-Good idea. -I'll thrash you.
Guys, bowling on Saturday. You coming?
Sure. I'm the strike king.
We're going running on Saturday. You haven't forgotten?
No, of course not.
Sorry, we can't Saturday.
It's been planned for ages.
-[Ito] Good news, gentlemen. -Toshiro's been fired?
[all laugh]
-We're getting a new truck? -Even better. We're going to Nepal.
[all exclaim]
[Ito] I found a sponsor for the Annapurna expedition.
But they only cover half the cost. You'll have to cover the rest.
-Yes. -Okay.
I'm aware that not everyone can afford to go.
But if we're successful,
the next expedition will be better financed.
As for visas, don't forget to apply before next month.
We have a lot of equipment to buy. I'd like us to discuss it together.
-Toshiro, take care of the accounts. -Yes, no problem.
[Ito] I'll hand out the forms for the climbing permits.
Things take time, so don't hang about--
[Habu] They aren't skilled enough to go.
They don't train enough. They're always partying.
They don't even climb 50 days a year.
We should be going. We're better than them!
Just because they can afford to pay.
Do you think that's right?
Throw that thing away!
That's why you struggle to breathe at high altitude.
Money, sponsors… Hmph!
If we were famous, we'd have sponsors.
We'll make a name for ourselves. Do something no one's ever done.
-Are you game? -Yeah. What do you have in mind?
Demon Wall.
In winter? You're crazy. It's impossible. No one does that.
Exactly.
[heavy prog rock playing]
You're still here? You're the last one.
The first winter ascent up Demon Wall. Not bad for the time.
Yeah. Have you made any progress? Do you have any leads?
I called the embassy.
Habu arrived in Nepal eight years ago, but his visa's expired.
He's in hiding. That's why he ran when I recognized him.
-What's that got to do with the camera? -I'll find it, I'll find it.
Okay.
Have fun.
[Fukamachi] The other club members who went to Annapurna had failed.
Everyone returned safely, but no one reached the summit.
[Ito] I'm raising my glass to Inoue and Habu.
-Yes, thank you. Cheers. -Bravo.
[Fukamachi] Habu got his revenge.
Well done, boys.
Lucky you're here to redeem the club's image.
Others should take note.
-We were being careful. Safety first. -Yeah, just being professional.
Still, the Demon Wall, that's incredible, and with that weather!
Hey, they got lucky is all.
[Habu] It wasn't luck.
It wasn't luck. We set up the bivouac and waited for the right moment.
You need a nice day. The sun melts the snow and clears the route.
An overnight freeze to set the snow that's left
so that it doesn't fall on you. Then you go.
Only it started snowing during the day. We took a hammering.
The powder snowfalls were a real pain.
-We had to be quick. -[Inoue] We didn't hang around!
[climbers chuckle]
The hardest part was the icefall and the overhang.
You should've seen it, a real barricade!
But I found a way through.
It wasn't easy to see, but we had to try. I went there for a reason.
So where were you then, Inoue?
[climbers laugh]
Come on, cheers.
[Habu] Hang on.
Inoue handled things very well, but I was always out ahead, so…
So it's like you climbed the wall alone.
Well, no, but in some ways, yes.
[Ito] Habu.
What? It's true. I was in front the whole way.
[Ito sighs]
-What were you thinking? -What?
Learn to be less hard on your partners. What about team spirit?
I wasn't trying to criticize Inoue. It's just that…
But you get why he's hurt, right?
I explained what happened.
-I can't help it if that's upsetting. -[sighs]
[climber 1] He looks around, panicked.
-[all laughing] -He can't find his keys.
We looked everywhere. An hour later, he found them in his pocket.
Can you believe it?
Speaking of the team, Buntaro won't stop talking about climbing with you.
No, no way. He's too young. He'd slow me down.
I've known some young climbers who do pretty well.
One even sought me out one day,
wanting to join the club, but he was underage.
-[chuckles] -What was it he said again?
"Mr. Ito, please say yes! Let me join your club."
[laughs fondly]
Come on, think about it. He'd love it.
There's always risk. Imagine, you're tied together.
Your partner is hurt or unconscious. He can't climb back up.
He's swinging at the end of the rope.
It's pulling you over. You're in big trouble
What do you do? Do you cut the rope or not?
Just like that? I don't know.
[laughs] If you don't act quickly, you both fall.
You have to make a choice.
I wouldn't cut the rope. No way. I couldn't.
If it was you on the other end, I wouldn't hesitate.
[all laugh]
-[Habu] I'd cut the rope. -Huh?
No point in both of you dying.
What if you were at the end of the rope? You'd want your partner to think twice.
No, because there is no other solution.
If I fall, don't think twice. I wouldn't hold it against anyone.
[Inoue] Another round?
[climber] Yeah, sure.
[man] Habu?
Habu, I wanted to congratulate you on Demon Wall.
Hase. Hase Tsuneo.
Yes…
Yes, the Takizawa Passage last summer?
A new speed record? Well done.
I'm glad to have run into you. I'm curious…
There aren't many rock faces like that, even in Europe.
How did you go about it? Tell me.
Ever done a winter ascent?
Mmm.
I didn't want to rush it.
I set up the bivouac and I waited.
I needed a nice day. The sun melts the snow and clears the route.
[ethereal music playing]
[train rumbles]
[train fades into distance]
The last passage is technical.
You mustn't slow your pace, but well, you know all about speed.
Thanks for the advice.
Gonna attempt Demon Wall?
Yeah, I leave tomorrow.
That's good. With who?
No one. I'm going alone.
[pop music playing over radio]
[announcer 1] And now, the sporting event of the week.
[announcer 2] Yes, and that's no exaggeration.
The up-and-coming young climber, Hase Tsuneo,
has just scaled the notorious Demon Wall, in winter, alone.
A first.
[announcer 1] The Demon Wall alone? That's incredible!
[announcer 2] I don't think he'll stop there.
You'll be hearing more from him!
[announcer 1] Hase Tsuneo, the climber to watch.
Now the baseball results.
The Osaka Buffalos have just qualified for the Pacific League
with two exceptional strikes by Sakamura, the new recruit…
[peppy rock music plays on radio]
HABU JOJI
A week? Just out of the blue like this?
Are you crazy? And to do what exactly?
To go to the mountains. Please.
To the mountains? I must be dreaming.
No. I need the manpower here. No way.
Back to work. There are three trucks to unload.
I quit.
[gentle music playing]
-Tell him I'm in a meeting. -[woman] Very well, sir.
[footsteps receding]
[door closes]
No, I did like him. But he was so…
How can I put this?
He didn't know when to stop. He always had to be climbing.
[chuckles] I almost got fired because of him once.
Is that why you stopped going with him?
No. Over time, I finally realized something.
His climbing partners didn't count for much.
Me no more than anyone else.
We were there to help him climb higher. That's all.
I didn't want to spend my whole life behind him.
So I stopped.
After that,
there weren't many people left to climb with him.
Mr. Habu! Mr. Habu!
Mr. Habu.
Buntaro, how are you?
Hello, Ryoko.
Sorry, Mr. Habu. I didn't want him to bother you.
Off to climb the Wind Walls?
Let me climb with you. I'll do whatever you say!
[chuckles] What about Inoue? What will he say if you replace him?
He'll be here soon.
I know you don't have a partner anymore.
Let me come, please.
[sighs]
You're not ready for a route like this. It's too technical. I can't take you.
I've been training for weeks. I've improved.
Uh…
The holds are barely visible. The rock is friable. It's too dangerous.
Be sensible and go home. Your sister's waiting for you.
I'll go alone, then.
[sighs]
-[engine shuts off] -Hey, Buntaro!
Ever climbed a climbing wall?
[gasps]
[gentle folk music playing]
[Habu] You have a hold on your right. Higher!
There you go!
Keep going, that's it.
You have improved.
-Thank you, Mr. Habu. -No, really.
You managed the crossing well. It wasn't easy.
It's because I have a good teacher.
I think I could climb anywhere with you.
The Alps, even the Himalayas!
Imagine, we could climb Everest together!
Yeah, we have to get past this overhang first.
Can't linger if we want to get back before dark.
You're a bit young for a bivouac.
[carabiner clicks]
[hammering]
[grunting]
[gasps]
[panting]
Well done. You're done the hardest part.
I managed to get all but two.
-Sorry. -No worries, we have enough left.
There's another small slope, then it gets easier.
Want a break?
No, I'll be fine. We'll rest afterwards.
Okay, back to it.
Here.
Give me some slack!
[screams]
[groans]
[dramatic music playing]
Buntaro!
Buntaro, can you hear me?
Buntaro, answer me!
I'm here!
[Habu] Are you hurt?
My leg! [groans]
Can you reach the rock face?
Sorry, Habu. I'm sorry!
[exhales heavily] Can you reach the rock face?
No.
-It's too far away! -[sighs]
[groans softly]
Okay. Can you climb back up with a Prusik knot?
[grunting]
[straining]
[groans dejectedly]
[sobs softly]
[sighs]
[creaking]
[gasps]
[dramatic music plays]
[grunting]
[straining]
[gasps]
Right.
It's okay. We're both secured.
Buntaro! Can you hear me?
Yes!
I'm sorry.
[coughs]
It's my fault.
I'll try and pull you up.
[grunting]
[gasps]
Buntaro, the rope is fraying against the rock.
If I keep going, it'll break.
[exhales heavily]
[squawking]
[coughs]
I'm sorry! I wasn't good enough!
[winces]
Stop talking nonsense! You're doing really well!
We'll find a solution. You'll see.
When this is over, we'll go to the Alps.
Both of us.
Yes, we'll go.
We'll go, yes.
I promise.
[ethereal music playing]
[Buntaro grunts weakly]
Forgive me, Buntaro.
Forgive me.
Buntaro!
No!
[Ryoko] No!
[sobs] Buntaro!
[van door closing]
[wheels rattling]
[Ryoko sobbing]
Come with us, madam.
[car doors closing]
[melancholic music playing]
There was no name, just money. But I knew right away that it was him.
[Fukamachi] He felt guilty.
For what? My brother's death?
At the time, I wanted him to.
It was easier, but I realized that no one was to blame.
Buntaro insisted on going with him.
You can't stop someone from doing what they want.
Even if it's senseless. Even if it's dangerous.
He was fascinated with Habu.
He wanted to do everything he did. He was like him, for that matter.
He always had to be climbing, going higher, and for what?
Anyway, the letters kept coming for a few years.
First from Japan, then from Nepal. But nothing for three years.
From Nepal? Do you have an address, anything that could help me find him?
Never an address, never a note, never a signature.
I'm sorry, I can't help you.
Well…
Actually, you never said.
Why are you looking for Habu? For an article?
He might be able to give us important information about…
About?
You know the first ascent of Everest was in '53?
No.
Well, uh, anyway,
there's another mountaineer who may have…
[chuckles] Forget about it.
-Okay. -[chuckles]
I hope you find what you're looking for. Goodbye.
[softly] I hope so, too.
[Ryoko] Oh, yeah.
There was a note with the last letter. It was the only one.
And he said that he wouldn't be able to continue from where he was going,
and that he was sorry. There.
[footsteps receding]
[groovy prog rock music playing]
[Fukamachi] Back then,
one of the biggest challenges in mountaineering
was to scale the three great north faces of the Alps, in winter, alone.
The Eiger,
the Matterhorn,
and the Grandes Jorasses.
The famous winter trilogy.
Habu had left for Europe to take on the challenge.
But he wasn't the only one.
Hase Tsuneo was also there.
[grunts]
[growls softly]
[grunts]
This time, Habu had a head start on his rival.
After conquering two summits,
he was on the Walker Spur, victory within reach.
-[grunts] -[rattles]
[exclaims]
[groans and yells]
[grunting]
[exhales heavily]
[straining]
-[scraping] -[groans]
[breathing heavily]
[suspenseful music playing]
[grunts]
[grunting]
[exclaims and groans]
[breathing heavily]
[grunting]
[shivering]
[bird whistles]
[gasps]
-[bird whistles] -[gasps]
Hey! Is there anyone there?
Hey!
Come and get me! Come and get me!
-Habu? -[gasps]
Mr. Habu?
Take me with you, Mr. Habu.
No, you aren't really there.
Please take me with you.
-I'm sorry. -[Buntaro] Please.
I'm sorry!
-[gasps] -Are we going to the Alps?
No! No! Go away!
Come on, Habu!
Hey! Habu!
[Habu groans]
[distant rumbling]
[rumbling intensifies]
[gentle classical music playing]
[Fukamachi] When mountain rescue arrived,
Habu had spent three days and five hours on the rock face.
The cold would've killed anyone else long before, but not him.
Hase's team spotted him while out scouting.
JAPANESE MOUNTAINEER RESCUED ON WALKER SPUR
He owed his life to his rival. Ironic, right?
[monitors beeping]
Habu lost this leg of the race
but it was a miracle that he was still alive.
[classical music continues]
[speaking indistinctly]
[thunder rumbles]
[sighs]
[static crackles]
Now to the world of mountaineering.
Tragedy struck yesterday on Everest.
The Japanese mountaineering star, Hase Tsuneo,
died in a terrible avalanche
while attempting to scale the infamous southwest face alone.
After hours of searching,
rescue teams finally located the mountaineer's lifeless body,
at an altitude of more than 6,000 meters in the west valley,
whose nickname, "Valley of Silence," tragically resonates today.
[melancholic music playing]
[static crackles]
[Fukamachi] It didn't change anything for him.
It was as if the competition hadn't ended. That's why he left,
to also complete the southwest face.
-Seriously? No one can do that in winter. -He can.
Maybe, but meanwhile, he hasn't.
And you're no closer to finding the camera.
He's not the type to give up.
He's too old now. And no one would sponsor him.
I called the Kathmandu tourist office. They issue the climbing permits.
-Habu applied three years ago. -For the southwest face?
I don't know, but the application was denied.
They forbid him from doing something dangerous.
-[scoffs] What are you playing at? -What?
No one's seen you in a month.
You're shut away with your papers, your records, making calls left and right.
You know everything about him, but you'll never find him.
-He must be somewhere, right? -You have no leads.
Do me a favor, forget Habu and this camera business.
Stick to what you know, taking great photos.
That's what people want.
[intriguing electronic music plays]
[panting]
[telephone ringing]
[phone continues ringing]
Hello?
Yes, it's me.
Sure. I can be there tomorrow.
[Fukamachi] Want the rest of my Everest story?
-Did I captivate you? -[laughs] You told it so well.
[chuckles]
No, I… I found Habu's last letter. The one with the note.
Turns out I did keep it. And, um…
-Do you have an address? -No, but I noticed something.
Look.
The other letters came from Kathmandu, but this one came from somewhere else.
I thought it might be of interest to you.
"Namche Bazaar."
Do you know it?
It's the last village before Everest.
He may still be there, three years later.
[driving percussive music playing]
[plane engine whirring]
[calm folk music playing]
[Fukamachi] To reach Everest, there's only one road and a week's walk
across the Khumbu valley. Sherpa country.
Habu had vanished and no one knew what had happened to him.
But if he was still in the area, I would find him.
[river babbling]
[thunder rumbles]
[imperceptible]
Mm-hmm.
-[wind blows] -[rattling]
Anyone there?
Hello, is anyone there?
[Habu] What are you up to?
Hello, I'm a journalist. I work for a Japanese magazine.
I'm Fukamachi.
Go away, Fukamachi.
No, I won't be here long. I just want to ask a few questions.
-I'm preparing-- -Nothing to say.
I saw you in Kathmandu with that guy.
The camera's a Vest Pocket. Did you find it on Everest?
-Because that means it's-- -What? Leave me alone.
I know what you plan to do this winter. Everest, the southwest face.
I just want to cover the ascent.
Let me follow you. I'll hang back.
You won't even see me. I'll just take photos, that's it.
If you go alone and you succeed, no one will ever know.
Is that what you want? You need proof of the ascent.
You need me.
I don't need anyone. Now, clear off.
Let me climb with you. I'll do whatever you say!
You're too late. I stopped long ago. That's all over now.
-No, wait. Don't do that. -I said it's over. Got it? Go.
-But-- -Get lost!
[door slams]
Okay, okay.
[Fukamachi] I know you still climb.
You can't stop me from coming. I'll be there. You hear me?
I'll be waiting for you at base camp this winter.
[melancholic classical music playing]
[Fukamachi] For a long time, mountaineering was a race to the top.
Once the summit is reached, you might think the competition's over.
But it doesn't work like that.
A mountaineer always finds new challenges.
If not higher, they'll seek the most difficult route,
they'll climb faster, solo, without oxygen.
Basically, it never ends.
Everest was conquered in '53 from the Nepalese side,
without oxygen in '78,
two years later, solo via the Norton Couloir.
[breathing heavily]
In the winter of '85, Hase tackled the dangerous southwest face.
He would never make it back.
[cawing]
So the southwest face in winter remains unconquered.
Habu was going to tackle it alone, without oxygen.
An exploit I wouldn't miss for the world.
[cow bells ringing dully]
[tent poles clatter]
[exclaims]
Hmm.
[chuckles softly]
[Habu] What's the forecast?
We must wait. With the wind coming up the valley,
the clouds are gathering on the peaks. It'll snow again soon.
We can't leave for three days. Maybe four.
Plus another day for it to settle. We'll wait.
How long do you think the ascent will take? A week?
-Three nights and four days. -Is that possible?
That's the only way it's possible.
Hmm.
Do you know the rules of a solo climb? No communication, no interventions.
You take your photos, that's it. If I'm having trouble, you stay put.
And if you're in trouble, don't count on me. Got it?
Yes.
Okay, good night.
[ethereal music playing]
[guide] Don't be too quick to judge him.
He'll have been here for eight years soon.
He's been preparing for eight years. It's all he lives for.
This ascent is everything to him.
He won't let anyone stand in his way.
I don't intend to…
I know, I know.
It's good you're here.
He'll never admit it,
but he'll need your photos if he does succeed.
But 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. Come back down.
You know, due to lack of oxygen,
from 7,500 meters, you'll start having headaches
and find it hard to keep going.
That's normal.
Above 8,000, you're in the death zone.
The body wasn't made to survive at that altitude.
You have to move quickly or you won't come back.
Understand?
I understand.
[thunder rumbles]
[gentle piano music playing]
[prayer bells ringing]
[rumbling]
[cracking]
[camera shutter clicks]
Are you ready?
Mmm.
What about you?
I think so.
What you're doing is risky.
There'd be no point if it wasn't.
Why are you doing it? Hase is dead, the competition's over.
Why do you insist on following me?
For a few photos in a magazine? For the price of an article? Why?
Mmm.
There's more to it.
Once you get a taste for it, nothing else matters.
That's how it is.
Is this where you found it?
Was the camera on Everest? Is it really the--
[sighs] You're pissing me off with your questions. It's no one's camera.
Prepare your bag. We leave tomorrow.
[ethereal music playing]
[camera shutter clicking]
-[exhales] -[rumbling]
[snow falling in distance]
[distant rumbling and creaking]
[rumbling]
[ice creaking]
[grunts]
[exhales]
[dramatic music playing]
[breathing heavily]
[Fukamachi grunts]
[inspiring electronic music plays]
[panting]
[grunts]
[suspenseful electronic music playing]
[ice creaking]
[rumbling]
[inhales sharply]
[rumbling intensifies]
[panting]
[softly] Come on.
Habu.
[clears throat]
[Fukamachi] Oh, no.
[sighs]
[zipper unzips]
[softly] Come on.
[zipper opens]
[urinating]
[majestic ethereal music plays]
[guide on radio] Habu, how are you? Sleep well?
I'm fine. It was a peaceful night.
Lucky. There were strong gales here.
Are you on schedule?
I leave at 6:00 a.m. as planned.
If the weather holds,
I should pass Warship Rock easily and be at the Grey Tower by nightfall.
Okay. Let me know if anything changes. Good luck!
[radio beeps]
[groans]
[grunts]
[dramatic ethereal music playing]
-[radio beeps] -[guide] Habu, do you read me?
[Habu] I read you. What is it?
[guide] The weather's turning.
A storm's building at the southern pass with gusts of 200 km.
-It's headed for you. Don't hang around. -[Habu] Copy that.
Shit!
[straining]
[groans softly]
[suspenseful music playing]
[grunting]
[groans]
[exclaims weakly]
[sighs]
[groans]
[exclaims]
[thunder rumbling]
[music intensifies]
[breathing rapidly]
[grunts]
[thunder cracks]
[groans]
[exclaims]
[grunts]
Come on!
Come on, move!
[yells]
[thunder cracks]
[gasps]
[breathing rapidly]
Fukamachi? Fukamachi!
Hey! Fuckamachi! Wake up!
How are you feeling? Do you think you can climb?
-Leave me. -Don't argue. Take off your rucksack.
-No! -Give me your ax. It'll get in the way.
Take off your ice crampons. Leave things to me!
[Fukamachi] Stop, you won't make it! We'll both get stuck here!
[Habu] Hold on tight. It'll be okay.
[sweeping orchestral music plays]
[grunts]
[groans]
[panting]
[Habu grunts]
[coughs]
[Habu] Drink.
Sorry, it's my fault.
Drink, you need to rehydrate.
[coughing]
[stones clattering]
Why did you come to save me?
We said no interventions.
You're not saved. You still have to get down.
If it doesn't ease off, it'll be hard.
[coughs]
So it's over?
We lost too much time. The window is too short.
The only way is to take the Yellow Band.
No. It's too exposed at this time of year.
And 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. -Huh?
The camera.
[melancholic classical music playing]
I attempted the southwest face several times, but always failed.
Last winter, conditions were bad. After the Grey Tower, I lost my bearings.
The summit was so close, but it was impossible to find a route.
I was exhausted. I was searching for somewhere to take shelter.
He was there.
[Fukamachi] And you think that…
[Habu] That he reached the summit? You'll be disappointed.
He was last seen at around 8,700 meters.
I found him a little higher up. Can't say whether he was ascending or descending.
[Fukamachi] We could find out from the film.
[Habu] What does it matter?
[snaps clicking]
[coughing]
[continues coughing]
[exhales]
Thank you.
Shall we head off?
Be careful.
The storm may return, gusts might strengthen after the couloir.
And I won't be there.
Wait, you're not going to…
You need to reach the valley by noon. Don't linger too much.
[gentle music playing]
[grunting]
[Habu grunts]
[grunts]
[groans]
[straining]
[growls]
[sweeping music plays]
[straining]
[breathing heavily]
[groans weakly]
[footsteps approaching]
Are you okay?
I'm okay. Has Habu come back?
Not yet.
Did he make it?
I don't know. The last radio contact we had was yesterday morning.
He was going to tackle the summit. He sounded well.
Nothing since then.
[ethereal music playing]
[thunder rumbling]
Something's not right.
He might be stranded by the bad weather. We have to wait.
One more day.
Just one.
There's no point. It's over.
Come on.
He asked me to give you this.
[gasps softly]
[sweeping classical music playing]
[Habu] If you're reading this, it means I didn't make it back.
Keep the camera.
It may tell you what you want to know about Mallory
so you can see your work through to the end.
But if you're wondering why he did it,
why I'm doing this,
you won't find the answer there.
As you're here, you must have an idea.
Whatever brought you here is the same thing that drives me to climb.
I don't know what it is.
But I stopped asking myself
when I realized I couldn't live without it.
Some people search for meaning in their lives. Not me.
Climbing is the only thing that makes me feel alive.
So I did it right to the end.
No regrets.
[ethereal vocal music playing]
[melancholic music playing]
[can opens]
Ah.
[Fakumachi] Habu was right.
I had the answer to the Mallory mystery, and yet it wasn't enough.
Why ever climb higher?
Be the first?
Why risk death? Why do something so futile?
[majestic classical music plays]
I know why now.
There doesn't need to be a reason.
For some, the mountains aren't a goal, but a path.
And the summit, a step.
Once there, all that's left is to keep going.
[ethereal vocal music playing]
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