Watch The Dark Glow of the Mountains

The Dark Glow of the Mountains is a documentary film from 1985 directed by Werner Herzog. The film follows two legendary alpinists, Reinhold Messner and Hans Kammerlander, as they attempt to break a record by climbing three of the world's highest peaks in one season. The two climbers journey through the Himalayas, scaling the treacherous heights of Mount Everest, K2, and Nanga Parbat. The conditions they face are harsh and unforgiving, with high winds, freezing temperatures, and treacherous terrain posing constant threats to their safety. Along the way, they share their thoughts and experiences, painting a picture of the immense physical and mental challenges involved in climbing the world's tallest mountains.

Interwoven with the story of the climbers' journey is footage of the landscape and the people that inhabit it. Herzog captures stunning shots of the Himalayan mountains, showcasing their immense beauty and awe-inspiring majesty. We see vast stretches of pristine snow, rugged rock faces, and breathtaking vistas of the landscape below.

The people the climbers encounter on their journey also feature prominently in the film. They interact with Sherpas, Tibetan monks, and local farmers, gaining insight into the culture and history of the region. These encounters provide a deeper understanding of the human dimension of the Himalaya, showcasing the ways in which people have adapted to the harsh conditions and unique challenges of life in the high mountains.

Throughout the film, Herzog's signature style is on full display. He employs a mix of narration, interviews, and candid footage to create a visceral and immersive experience for the viewer. His approach is unapologetically artful and poetic, capturing the emotional weight of the climbers' journey and the transcendent beauty of the landscape they traverse.

One of the most striking aspects of The Dark Glow of the Mountains is the sense of danger and unpredictability that hangs over the entire journey. The climbers face numerous setbacks and hazards along the way, including unseasonable weather, equipment failures, and even avalanches. Herzog does not shy away from showing the sometimes brutal realities of mountain climbing, including scenes of the climbers tending to their frostbitten fingers and toes or surveying the aftermath of a disastrous climb.

Despite the inherent risks, however, the climbers continue to push forward, driven by their passion and determination to set a new record. Their tenacity and courage in the face of these challenges is inspiring, and speaks to the indomitable human spirit and our innate desire to explore and conquer new frontiers.

Ultimately, The Dark Glow of the Mountains is a powerful testament to the beauty and majesty of the natural world, as well as a stirring tribute to the resilience and courage of the human spirit. It is a film that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt drawn to the mountains, and a touching portrait of the human experience in one of the most extreme and unforgiving places on Earth.

The Dark Glow of the Mountains is a 1985 documentary with a runtime of 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.