It is not very often in today’s day and age, with all that is going on around us–with our lives that seem to only go faster, that we have a moment to just stop and think about a bigger picture.  Most of us that live in the United States, although at war with terrorism, have not had to face the cruel realities that many nations face day in and day out.  Iraq, Lebanon, Pakistan, Iran, Israel, the unfortunate nations in Africa-the families in these countries face war on a daily basis.  Yes, our troops are at war, but it is not on our land.  We wake up in the morning pretty sure that our environment is not going to be hit by missiles, that we won’t have to dodge bullets to get to school or work, or that our freedom will be jeopardized.

Everest: A Climb for Peace takes a look at some of these issues through the eyes of fellow climbers that are at odds politically, but through social interaction have the chance to come away with a bigger, better, and more profound knowledge about the world they live in.  The message is not about the climbers, it is not about political issues and condemnation, It’s not even about Everest.  It is about something much bigger that encompasses everything we have seen, heard, or felt about some of the cruelest places in the world.  It is about surviving.  It is about thriving.  It is about Peace..

Lance Trumbull, who has directed this amazing film, was able to capture something that I don’t think I have ever seen in a documentary of this type before.  Pure Emotion from the opening scene in Jerusalem to the closing credits. The ideas are there, the timing is relevant, and the message is clear and well represented.  Everest: A Climb for Peace is a monster.

Nine climbers representing seven countries.  Five separate religions.  Each of them wants to climb the highest peak in the world.  Only if they can set their differences aside and come together as a team will this goal even be remotely possible.

The film begins in Jerusalem and majestically wiggles and weaves it’s way through Abu Dubai, Israel, Jordan, the United States, and Palestine.  It introduces the climbers in their own environments with backdrops of splendid beauty and raw war.  The Dead Sea, The Sea of Galilea, Wadi Rum in Jordon, then off to Kathmandu in Nepal for the beginning of a long journey into the soul of humanity–Mt. Everest.

Many of us are familiar with Mt. Everest.  We read the stories.  We follow along with the expeditions.  Brad Clement, who filmed this great documentary, takes us one step closer to actually being on the mountain.  I have seen the IMAX film “Everest”, but no film of the world’s highest peak has taken my breathe away quite like Everest: A Climb For Peace.  We are taken up the trek into Basecamp, then slowly we step our way to the higher camps-the camera work is amazing, walking right along with the climbers as they edge their way towards a climatic summit push.

I can’t give the whole film away, but I will add a bit that isn’t well known about this film.  While filming on location in 2006, the team received notice that a climber had perished in the deathzone.  This climber had been a member of a previous Jamie McGuinness led expedition.  Jamie McGuinness was in the midst of his own summit push with the Everest Peace Project team, the expedition that led to this DVD.  Over the ensuing hours and days ahead, the world would come to know David Sharp and the controversy that ensued.  You get the climbers reaction upon hearing the news of a fallen climber as they, themselves, are heading into the deathzone.  Only a short time later, the Everest Peace Project team would be attempting a dramatic high altitude rescue just a few meters shy of the summit.

With Orlando Bloom narrating and the powerfully composed musical backdrop produced by James T. Sale, there isn’t a chance to relax.  I am not sure if there is even a such a  thing as an “Edge of your Seat” documentary, but if there was, this would definitely be the film that others would be judged against.

I first talked to Lance Trumbull a couple of weeks ago.  I liked the idea behind the documentary and made a post before I had ever seen it.  Lance seen my post and we began to talk a bit.  He asked me if I might be interested in seeing the film and possibly reviewing it on the site.  To myself, it wasn’t about getting a movie or making a post.  I was genuinely curious to the idea behind this film.  They say that ideas can change the world–but that only happens if people act and react.  Lance acted.  His message is strong and very well thought out.  He has garnered attention from the Dalai Lama.  Orlando Bloom, one of the top Hollywood actors today, jumped on the project.  The film has been lavished with rave reviews at many of the top National and International Film Festivals in the World–including a Gold REMI Award just yesterday at the 41st Annual Worldfest Houston International Film Festival.  (Congrats, Lance.  Well Deserved!)

If you are an Everest enthusiast and want to watch one film that can capture the majestic mountain in all it’s splendor, if you are into ideas that could help change the world, if you feel the need to understand why someone would risk life and limb for the chance at one summit, WATCH THIS MOVIE!  It will not only blow you away, but leave you gasping for air.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWSst4bsxqc&eurl]

I should have had this review up last week.  I watched the film.  Everything that it throws at you–eats at you.  The first time, I honestly had no words.  The second time, I have a better understanding-but the full scope is still sinking in.  Honestly, I can not offer up enough words for the film, the ideas, the breathe-taking beauty, the tragedy, and the triumph.  It all rolls together, swishes around in the head a bit, and begs to be seen, heard, and witnessed again and again.

Actually, so amazed am I at this project, I have added the movie trailer to my sidebar.  Lance has not asked me to do this.  The Everest Peace Project has not made an influence or an offer in my direction, I just feel that this is truly an amazing project worth supporting on my own merits.  Many of you who stop by and read this blog on a daily basis, know that I love stepping behind a project that I truly believe in–this is one of those projects.  I highly encourage each and every one of you to stop by the Everest: A Climb for Peace site and pick up this amazing documentary.  While you are there, look around at what Lance is trying to do and maybe help him along in some of his other projects as well.

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