How much technical climbing detail and realism is in this movie? I am more interested in documentary-style technical climbing detail and information (like what route was taken and why, what hazards were anticipated and prepared for, what gear was taken, what was the plan and what went as planned and what did not, etc) - and less in character development and that sort of information - will I be disappointed or not? For example, "Touching The Void" did have a lot of technical climbing detail and realism, which is one reason it has a strong appeal to some people. I would like to see someone, such as the other reviewers here, comment on this important point.

While practising a rapid ascent of a local vertical face, lawyer Brooks and physicist friend Jameson meets a part of climbers who appear to be planning for something bigger. Tragedy brings them together with the leader of the group – legendary climber Phillip Claiborne. Brooks talks his way onto the team – a team that is heading to the top of K2, one of the deadliest ascents in the world.Having read some of the reviews for this film before watching it, they seemed to be mostly from those who embraced it as a "real" climbing movie and those that dismissed it for being unrealistic. I'm not suggesting my point of view has more validity (it doesn't) but I tried to watch it as someone who struggles to climb a ladder up a stack far less a mountain, so probably wouldn't be bothered if it was or wasn't an accurate portrayal of doing it for real. Well, I say that but I must admit that even with my limited knowledge of the subject, I'm not sure if some of the heroics seen here could really be done. Despite this the film is technically very impressive with really well directed action and some great shots. It looks the business if only the material had been there to back it up.Instead the material feels a lot less genuine and it jars with the convincing surroundings. Here everyone gets a speech and the story is always a bit too melodramatic and chickens out of the impacting stuff too often. The cast work the best they can with it but they don't convince as to their surroundings when they have to speak, not that some of the narrative devices or convenient twists help them either. Biehn plays it cocksure and arrogant but forgets to leave a crack of a real person in there; so he is loud but when his true self comes it is unconvincing and not connected to anything we have seen in him at all. Craven is good though because his softer character does sit with being the unappreciated friend. Bercovici, Charbonneau and Barry are part of a solid enough supporting cast who do what the material requires.Not a great film then but one that is technically impressive and easy to watch. The simple characters and overly melodramatic script and unconvincing dialogue really limit it but it is still serviceable for what it is.

I liked this movie enough to having watched it three times as of now. With few exceptions, it's a realistic adventure movie - this according to a friend who has done 5000+ meter climbs - with beautiful scenery, very interestingly developing plot, personal intrigues, good humor etc. Also, the acting is generally excellent, where the two main characters are the cream of the crop.The only thing I don't like is the kind of "Crap, we ran out of money, how do we put a quick end to this?" ending. Also, the quality of the picture is a bit "amateurish", the "home VCR" kind of quality at times with that dreaded bad contrast which makes for a "grey-biassed" picture. Not a good thing for an adventure/trek movie with beautiful scenery.All in all, it's indeed enjoyable to watch, though. Moderately recommended. Rating: 7/10

I have seen this movie a million times, and just recently bought it on dvd for 4 bucks. There are a few mountain movie out there (Eiger Sanction, Vertical Limit, Into Thin Air, and Alive kinda) Compare K2 to all these and I would watch K2 to just about any of them. Only so much eating the dead a guy can take (Alive). If you wanna see a movie about mountain climbing, rent K2 its got a solid cast and a great storyline. Its a 90's movie so don't expect super special effects and a love story! Michael Biehn is a solid actor and very underrated, his major film appearances are (Aliens, Tombstone, Terminator and his Tv show Adventure Inc) Go rent this movie and let me know what you think, its a perfect pizza film night!