- Date of Release: 22 September 2021
- Genre: Adventure, Animation, Drama
- Language: French
- Watch On: Netflix
The Summit of the Gods
RATING
Introduction
It has been a while since I watched and reviewed something in the animation genre. The last was a spin off of Ice Age which honestly just tanked for me. And since then I have been on the search for any good animation films across OTT platforms. So while going through my watchlist on Netflix, I came across this animation film which I recalled was widely appreciated. The film was the French movie The Summit Of The Gods which had premiered at the Cannes International Festival last year. I finally finished watching The Summit Of The Gods and here are my two cents on it.
Story & Screenplay
Based on a Japanese Manga series, The Summit Of The Gods is a story of a photojournalist and his obsession with finding out the truth about the first expedition on Mount Everest. The story is high on drama and intensity in a movie watching experience which is unique. The screenplay is taut standing at just 90 minutes. And briefly introducing the characters, the screenplay almost takes you on a trance. We have all been a little privy to the life of a mountaineer in the Netflix documentary 14 Peaks, but this is an intimate study inyo the psyche of the climber. Be it keeping a close eye on your rival or the nervousness before a climb to combatting extreme weather conditions or even personal loss, all of it is incredibly covered in this animation. The sequences which are showcased are enthralling and they keep you at the edge of your seat. It is highly engaging with never a dull moment. At times the drama also gets philosophical about how much achieving the feat of reaching the summit means to so many climbers. The psychological element is also smartly woven in the plot here. The final act is bittersweet yet in a way inspirational in what was a brilliantly penned screenplay.
Dialogues, Music & Direction
The dialogues are well written and they keep you attentive and engaged throughout. The BGM is brilliant and enhances your viewing experience. The animation is excellent and it almost makes you a bystander to the drama. Director Patrick Imbert has done a commendable job in keep things tight and adding soul to the drama. When things start to get ‘real’ in an animation film, you know the direction is top notch.
Voiceovers
The voiceovers are exceptional here. Eric Herson-Macarel as the voice of Habu adulte is first rate as is Lazare Herson-Macarel as the voice of Habu Jeune who is brilliant. Damien Boisseau as the voice of Fukamachi is fantastic and all the voices emote the right kind of emotions. All the other character voiceovers are good too.
Conclusion
The Summit Of The Gods is an intimate and enthralling account of a mountaineer that just spells magic. Available on Netflix and Highly Recommended.