2015's Meru is absolutely the best movie - documentary or not - I've seen in a long time!
Yes, it's a doc. About climbing a high-altitude peak in the Himalayas - the "Shark's Fin" peak of Meru, 20,700 feet - so diabolically steep and technical it had never been conquered.
The climbing itself is well shown (2 of the 3 climbers had cameras). There is a plethora of stunning views, and even more visual goodies that I won't spoil! (Even great on a tv-sized screen!)
Perhaps the greatest stroke of genius was to have Jon Krakauer (author of Into Thin Air and expert climber) help narrate, give context, and generally put the situation into layman's terms. Because of him you don't need to be a climber to appreciate this endeavor.
And appreciate you will! This is truly a remarkable story. I could gush and gush, but I don't want to give away the best parts. It is so much more than a simple climbing adventure!
It's rated R for some good solid cursing and "scenes of suspense". (Who knew the MPAA was that illustrative?)
