Peter Horton, Christopher McDonald, Nathaniel Parker

Based on Jon Krakauer's bestselling book, Into Thin Air re-creates an ill-fated 1996 expedition to Everest that claimed at least five lives, including those of two world-class climbers. Only 90...( read more  read more... ) minutes in length, the film jumps right into the action at Everest base camp and compresses the two-month trek into just a few days of exhilarating adventure. Periodic voice-overs by Krakauer (Christopher McDonald) provide essential background information and guide us through the invisible, intensifying effects of altitude and stress. Krakauer joined the trip to write an article on the commercialization of Everest, but as conditions on the mountain deteriorate he is forced to focus all his energy on survival.

Unfortunately the film fails to really develop any of its characters before thrusting them onto the harrowing face of Everest. As a result, it's difficult to understand the relationships that play out as the group struggles to the summit and back. While the trio of leading actors is solid, only Nat Parker (who plays guide Rob Hall) has enough screen time to develop an interesting, complex character. Peter Horton's portrayal of unconventional guide Scott Fischer is almost hyperbolic and McDonald's Krakauer is stiff and difficult to read.

While the film succeeds in creating a palpable sense of agony and suspense, those in search of a more thoughtful, detailed account of the expedition will be better served by reading the book. --Claire Campbell

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44% liked it

1,420 ratings

Unrated, 90 min.

Directed by: Robert Markowitz

Release Date: November 9, 1997

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DVD Release Date: May 22, 2001

Stats: 55 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (55)


  • November 23, 2009
    Tells a true story of how dangerous Everest really is.

    This film had some good Information that can teach you about what Everest is like but this film isn't Interesting enough for me to keep rewatching this if I'm not watching it to learn for something.
    If I was doing about E...( read more)verest in school this is a good film to watch to learn about it.
    The story in this was delivered well but it could of had that much more detail to Interest me more.
    I still thought this was a good film and the acting was delivered well and the story was also delivered well if you was going to watch this for a learning experience but I wouldn't watch this for any other reason I wouldn't watch it for entertainment or anything.
    Overall I thought this film was delivered well but there could of been a bit more detail in the story because I don't think it told the story fully and they could of made the film a bit more Interesting.But I still thought this film was delivered well and its worth about one watch.
  • February 10, 2009
    Based on a true story about Everest mountain and how the journey is. This movie show you how to survive in pursuing our goals. I'd like to hiking, and when you climbing or hiking, it really shows who the real you are, and what kind of person are you, whether you want to share som...( read more)ething that you still have or not. This movie is control your emotion. And miracle helps them who left alive. This is a great movie to see. And also good novel to read.
  • November 18, 2007
    it was base in true story, breath taking
  • February 20, 2007
    Am waiting for you right here in L.I.B
  • January 25, 2007
    good, book is better
  • January 24, 2007
    Never mind a few more times
  • September 15, 2006
    If shooter Magavin had balls he'd star in this movie... LOL it's hilarious
  • May 8, 2006
    The book is still better though...

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