Due to the fictional romantic subplot and the need to explain the historical background, it takes around half its runtime for North Face to get to where they want to go. For some viewers, that might be too long. But for others, the lengthy set-up eventually rewards them with an exhilarating adventure, as the two real life mountaineers face what was then considered the wall of death. While the Nazis have encouraged the climb (and co-opted the mountain film genre) for nationalistic reasons, the mountain strips these away for the brotherhood between them, their bravery, and the love for the game. North Face reclaims the genre in such a thrilling way.
"The premise here threatens puerile perversion, female exploitation, and an uncomfortable age gap... – but in fact Hughes gives Lisa the confidence, agency and power that the boys lack, and makes her more fairy godmother than sex object."
— Anton Bitel
North Face tells the story of two German climbers Toni Kurz and Andreas Hinterstoisser and their attempt to scale the deadly North Face of the Eiger.
North Face tells the story of two German climbers Toni Kurz and Andreas Hinterstoisser and their attempt to scale the deadly North Face of the Eiger.
