The Summit of the Gods 2021

In 1924, British mountaineers George Mallory and Andrew Irvine set off on a daring attempt to conquer the formidable Mount Everest, only to vanish without a trace. Fast forward seventy years later, a young Japanese reporter, Makoto Fukamachi, finds himself entwined in the enigma surrounding their disappearance when he encounters a cryptic climber named Habu Joji. Fukamachi’s suspicions ignite as he perceives a camera in Habu’s possession, one that could potentially unveil whether Mallory and Irvine truly achieved the first ascent of the world’s highest peak.

Driven by an unyielding desire to unearth the truth, Fukamachi delves deeper into Habu’s past, exploring his history as a climber and engaging in interviews with past acquaintances. It becomes apparent that Habu has a proclivity for solo expeditions, a tendency that intensified after a tragic incident claimed the life of a young mentee. This tragic event leaves an indelible mark on Habu’s psyche and shapes his climbing philosophy. As Fukamachi immerses himself more into the mystery, he becomes increasingly obsessed with finding Habu, motivating him to embark on a rigorous fitness regime to prepare for mountaineering.

This fervor ultimately propels Fukamachi to Nepal in search of Habu. After an arduous journey, he finally tracks him down at a humble hut nestled near Mount Everest. Initially resistant to Fukamachi’s presence, Habu eventually acquiesces, allowing the reporter to document his ambitious solo attempt at scaling the southwestern face of Everest during the grueling winter season. The duo establishes that during Habu’s ascent, communication is strictly limited—no speaking or assistance is allowed.

As the climb commences, Fukamachi follows closely behind Habu, but an unexpected tempest strikes, dramatically impacting their expedition. Overcome by exhaustion and pain, Fukamachi falters, prompting Habu to make the selfless decision to backtrack and rescue him, bravely sacrificing his solo ascent in the process. As Fukamachi recovers, he returns to the base alone, while Habu persists on his journey. Against all odds, Habu manages to reach the summit, marking a significant milestone in his climbing endeavors.

Days pass with no sign of Habu, leading Fukamachi to make the difficult decision to return to Japan. He departs the base with Mallory’s camera and a poignant letter from Habu, delivered via a friendly sherpa. The letter reveals Habu’s final thoughts: if Fukamachi is reading it, Habu perished while continuing his summit pursuit, yet he faced it all without regret.

In a profound denouement, Fukamachi develops the film from the camera. Through this experience, he uncovers the visceral connection that mountaineers have with their craft, an understanding that transcends danger and risk. Inspired by Habu’s journey, Fukamachi resolves to return to Everest himself, determined to conquer the peak just as Habu did, embracing the spirit of adventure and the indomitable will of climbers who dare to reach for the summit against all odds.