The Fatal Game | Mt. Everest Climbers Documentary | Full Movie | Richard Dennison 

Don’t like climbing my stairs to bed yet addicted to mountaineering videos , 😂

He had already tried and failed a number of times. His friend identified there was a fundamental flaw in his climbing style. I think instead of telling him he needed to “just do it,” his friend should have tried to help him come to terms with the idea that this was beyond his reach and he needed more attainable goals. There are other mountains, other worthy pursiuts. There’s nothing wrong with knowing yourself enough to understand your limits.

Mike had some deep personal issues that he had to go even though he failed six times. Sometimes you have to know your limits and Mark should not have accepted Mike. Rob Hall made a terrible decision with Doug, breaking Rob's mantra that if you don't get there by two you get back. So both Rob and Doug died. Some of the guides make very poor decisions. It takes strength to say no. IMHO. As Ed Viesturs says, summiting is optional; getting down is not.

“It’s not that life is so short, it’s just that you’re dead for so long. Why not make the most of it?” I liked that quote at the end. But hey, at least his story was a real one. He actually gave insight into his dark phase. Feeling sorry for himself & wanting to pass blame just to cope. Ultimately coming out of that space and rose above it for once. I really appreciate the real stories like this one.

Mike tried multiple times and he was more obsessed with getting to the summit than he was actually staying alive! He didn't know his limits. I'm glad he died doing what he loved, or what he was obsessed with, but no one should sacrifice their very life just to get to the top of Everest. I'm glad that Mark didn't die with him because those people at the base camp were absolutely correct about Mike. Mike was a lost cause because his obsession was overwhelming for him.

Going back to the Himalayas after losing all your toes tells you everything you need to know about mountaineers. Insanity.

I've pretty well watched every high-altitude mountaineering documentary under the sun, and, 'The Fatal Game' is one of the better ones to watch. It does an excellent job of giving those who have never been close to experiencing these dangerous mountains, the perils that present themselves constantly in these forbidden and harrowing giants!

I totally understand their desire to climb. What I do not understand is why they ignore the risks. Especially those with families.

Mike was an example of a climber that had no business being on Everest in the first place. For the record, climbing Everest (or any other mountain) and getting yourself killed in the process is not an achievement, it is stupidity. Considering the number of people getting themselves killed on that mountain, the requirements for being allowed to climb are obviously not adequate. Most deaths are due to inexperience and bad judgement.

Yes, Mark did make some bad decisions, especially as a professional guide. Leaving so late that morning was a horrible call bc now you’re trying to play “catch-up” all day and it just compounds any other problems you might have. But, ultimately, this is on Mike. Climbers hire professional guides for a reason…and one main reason is for them to protect you from yourself. But Mike wasn’t allowing that to happen. Hearing Mark say that Mike would have just continued on without him is absolute bananas to me. That’s what got Rob Hall killed: Doug refusing to turn around. The commentary from Base Camp is the best part of this video bc those guys aren’t sugarcoating anything. They know exactly what’s going to happen.

He must have the most understanding wife in the world. I’d have been out the door long ago. It’s difficult to cope with another person’s obsession.

Mark is a very charismatic person. But his brain wasn't 100% from the freezing temperatures, so he couldn't see that Mark was pretty much a goner while up there. Plus he is an em-path, taking responsibility for others feelings. So that guy on the phone encouraging him to come back down was right on target, and I applaud him. Mountain guides need to be more like doctors, able to make rational decisions in desperate situations, and not go by emotions.

Mark gave Mike way more support than he should have … he said that he shouldn’t have walked away from a ‘friend’ , but Mike didn’t treat HIM like a friend… Mike treated him like a disposable nothing whose only purpose was to help him get to the top Mike was utterly and completely obsessed, and obsession at that level is a mental illness Mark would have been completely right to refuse to go anywhere with him but down The trouble is.. as we see from the first story, the media and the public are all too quick to absolutely ruin someone’s reputation Mark was obviously a very very decent chap who would have felt his own struggle at leaving Mike, even though Mike was obviously not concerned about anyone else but himself and his own wishes and desires …

Brilliant - the best Everest movie I’ve ever watched. All those who vilified the climbers who walked past David Sharp should watch this.

Excellent documentary. Really educated me on the exact impact that climbing such altitudes in the freezing cold has on the body. Didn't know the fundamentals of why people were dying before. The fact that it could happen to anyone (like that german climber) showed the risk that people were taking. Sometimes they didnt die because of a mistake, but because their body couldn't handle the lack of oxygen.

Terrifying to watch the agony, ptsd and recovery Mark made. Best footage I ever watched on Everest and the realities of it. So glad Mark’s team rescued him or it would have been two deaths. Still can’t comprehend Mike’s obsession with summitting Everest.

So Mark Whetu and Edie Young are divorced? What a surprise...no one talks about the damage he caused to her with his 2 years of selfish obsession before he returns to the Himalayas what a narcissist.

If you ignore your guide's advice to go back down then that's up to you. They do not owe you their lives.

I'm 15 minutes in, and I'm shouting at these guys to not go for the summit. Sadly, they didn't listen to me.

This documentary is just extraordinary. It truly broke my heart. The folks at Base Camp did the right thing trying to save as many lives as possible.

Man seeks a port in life, but he also deeply desires a storm.

This is. by far, the most emotional video I've ever seen. The reality of mountaineering death is seen under the microscope of having survived the experience, but at a tremendous cost. The amount and quality of filming is quite surprising, and even almost shocking to see. The "price" of this mountaineering adventure is beyond measure...the physical loss of body parts and a life, the mental anguish of decisions that had to be made and the consequences of having made those decisions begs the question...is this kind of challenge worth whatever is being exacted? I am merely an observer and my opinion holds no experience...but the honest realities of gambling with your life are stark and clearly in evidence in this video...which should be watched by everyone!!

Will never understand why climbing a mountain is MORE important than your whole family, all your friends, your whole life and your existence!

Omg I feel for him. I don't know what the experience is like on a mountain but I had all my toes amputed from frostbite too and it has been very hard since. My feet did and do look exactly like his, then and after. I had the amputations 30 days after the incident and began to walk again within the week. I can still do everything except wear heels, but not for long- its far too painful to be on the feet too long skating etc. I was so determined to push thru and not be slowed down but I am paying for it now, i think. I have worked steady (on my feet) for 18 years now but I think I was allowed to walk too soon cuz I have suffered everyday, all day, and I can barely walk now at 41. I'm exhausted and in so much pain... and I'm so demoralized today. Nobody understands what it's like. I can't find anyone to speak to. Not even a doctor who has ever met a frostbite amputee... Bless you, sir 🙏 You did your very best, sir. It was incredible what you did. May your friend rest in peace🕊 May you have peace too.

Man being blinded up so high must have been terrifying considering there was technical climbing to do.

Because of the terrain and altitude inn the death zone, a climber needs to be able to keep moving down on their own. If they can’t, that’s it. And the others have to leave them, unless they are feeling really well which is rare.

(1) Why would you go up there, with someone who you'd say of, " we're going to haul him up there?" (2) Why would you start out at 3:30, when you KNOW it's too late?

The simple truth is no one could save Mike from himself. On the mountain slopes, he was a danger to others, both physically and mentally. Mark for all his guiding experience, somehow couldn't see that. He should have known better. One thing one's got to be aware in a group situation, is that there's always one character out to ruin the party, usually the guy/gal with the most charisma. Taken in by Mike's charisma, Mark let him call the shots. Tragedy ensued.

Base camp advising descent is completely professional judgement call. The 'Mikes' of this world, and there a huge number of them, cannot be allowed to share their own death with others.

What a great informative video. I have a facination with Everest and almost know every part of it. But i find it hard to climb a ladder!! Mark, you are an amazing person, you took a big chance going to the summit with Mike, you had to because he wasn't going to turn back. You helped him achieve his goal i.e. reach the summit. No matter the outcome, well done Mark.

The mountain is not the killer its just a mountain but its the fault of the people that choose to climb it

I think Mark was already very selfless in joining Mike to the top in late afternoon, instead of turning around. Mike was foolish for carrying on, which would very probably be a death sentence for him (considering he was already moving very slow, causing all the delays in the first place). Mike is the reason Mark lost his toes. I understand the emotional struggles of Mark, but I feel he is too harsh on himself. It is not his fault. People like Mike are a danger to themselves and others because their egos have grown to big and they have an unhealthy total obsession with reaching the summit, not caring about the circumstances. When you climb Everest, you need to vow to your family, yourself and your climbing partners, that you will always turn around before the summit in case you cross turnaround time. It is a hard line and non-negotiable. I wouldn't climb with someone who wouldn't vow on this.

Possibly the most tone deaf and selfish account of one man's obsession yet. Nothing to live for except another climb. Must make your loved ones feel special.

The REAL courage would be to say to Mike, "no, we're not taking your money." Yet no guide has ever exhibited that level of courage. Rob didn't have it to say to Doug Hansen, and Mark didn't say it to Mike. Instead he said, "you have to push harder." These mountaineering docus leave all discussions about such REAL moral courage out.

No matter how many of these mountaineering tragedy stories i see, they are all interesting and are all amazing because of how much people give up and risk for nothing. In this video, we get to see 2 guys they to the summit for a few minutes and then one loses his life and the other part of his feet! Why???

Mark , I’m so glad you survived , recovered and climbed Cho Oyu. This video is incredible……You did incredible job with Mike, I wouldn’t judge Mike for being stubborn and what seems unreasonable, we humans are so complex. I’ve climbed Mt Everest 4 times, twice submitted twice went down , once from South Summit second time from just below 3rd step. I summited 5 of the 8000 and tried unsuccessfully 4. For me climbing is the beauty of being in the mountains and summit is just the bonus I'm obsessed with climbing but not with submitting . Great job BC for saving Mark.

The risk of death is willingly faced by every climber who scales 8,000-meter peaks. Those left behind who loved them are the ones who pick up the tab, with lifelong mourning and/or survivor guilt. It's wholly unfair.

Kudos to Mike Perry for telling you the truth Mark, " I can't imagine going back to Edi and telling her you aren't coming back." I'm sorry for your loss! Continue to enjoy life's precious moments💜

Mike chose his path dude, it wasn't your fault. Luckily your friends convinced you to get off that mountain so now you can live your own path.

Incredible film. Very emotional and anyone thinking of Climbing Everest should watch this as a Tutorial. Man is great, but no match for Mother Nature. May all those who perished on Everest, Rest In Peace.

Two men had accepted they were probably going to have to carry Mije to the summit. One had to leave following an aneurysm and the other carried on. If it's not your own effort that gets you to the top, where is the accomplishment? Often it's the Sherpa that gets these people to the top . They get virtually no recognition except criticism when things go wrong. Makes no sense to me at all. Mike stated only he could decide whether to continue, however he was risking the life of another person- which is totally unfair. He couldn't have made an attempt on his own. It's such a selfish attitude.

Buddhists have two collections: Wisdom and Compassion. Compassion is trying to save a person's life. Wisdom is not causing the death of Two people.

Good god, the compassion and bravery of this man. Though he was literally doing the telling, the relief I felt when he agreed to proceed to Camp 6 was palpable. The reply of the radioman that he couldn’t imagine telling his wife he didn’t make it was so, so powerful and congratulations to the man who chose his wife, friends, family, and life. Stories like this show exactly how and why people can be left to their fates; he was a hero the moment he chose to stay, summit, and bivvy with Mike. RIP to him and congratulations to him as well - he achieved his dream, do or die as he said. Thanks for sharing this powerful story.

To call a mountain a "ruthless killer" is just idiotic. It's a pile of rocks; it doesn't have intention or malice. Ruthless are the people who decide to climb it despite the risks. Power to them, but don't blame the mountain if it goes pear shaped.

This story was soooo intense… I found myself holding my breath…. Then when he had to save himself and it killing him and to leave Mike… I couldn’t stop crying… what an amazing man … he cared more for the safety of another human being than himself…. I wish there were more people in this world like Mark… our f’d up world would be such a better place… I’m absolutely gutted for Mark and all he went thru and all he lost… and gutted for Mike who lost his life … god bless both of these men❤

Flying past Everest was breathtaking enough for me!

He loses a client on Everest and then he takes a group of people with no Himalayan experience to climb Cho Oyu. Sorry, I have no respect for this guy. This is not responsible mountaineering.

The commentary from the guys watching them from base camp is just incredible....14:17, 16:10, 17:00, 18:51, 27:10, 28:37, 29:09

We hire professionals to prevent us from making bad decisions we would make without their expertise. Mark advised Mike to turn back before reaching the summit, but ego, poor judgement, etc. on Mikes part doomed him, and almost got his friend Mark killed too. Its natural for Mark to second guess his decision to leave Mike, but I don't question it.

Very honest film. Many mistakes made . Thankfully one person survived and eventually got better.

It's a wonderful form of madness, wanting to be high on a frozen rock. This camera man should get an award for his outstanding bravery.

Man I respect this guy so much the camera guy.. he was a very faithful an trustworthy guy he didn’t wanna leave that other guy he was a brave man to wanna stay with him.. hat is off to him

He made a lot of fundamental mistakes. He was either too stubborn or too ignorant. Left too late, wanted to press on too late in the afternoon.. wanted to shelter in place on the death zone where you just can’t.. He should’ve known better and if he did, ignored what he knew. To survive up there, you have to respect the mountain and your own limits. Sometimes you have to go back down when you’re so close and it’s incredibly hard but the alternative is summiting and then dying.. or not summiting at all.

What an amazing watch! As much as I hate to say it, I'm so glad Mark came back. I appreciate Mike's passion and determination, sharing the same dream. It's not worth the loss of life. Potentially Jason too. Doesn't mean it should be a nightmare for even more of those left behind.

It is such a harrowing story - and yet also a heartwarming and brave account of the human will to survive

As a guide he made so many wrong choices and errors. It was his responsibility to make the right ones. He forgot about the radio? How does a guide do that? So many excuses and shirking of responsibility, my son is a guide and I know how he makes decisions based on what’s the right thing to do. Not the popular one or the one the client wants,

Excellent documentary. Hearing the people at Basecamp trying to save the guide's life.. it's a hotline where you know someone is going to live or die in part depending on what you say next.

I've climbed all 8000+ peaks in under two hours without leaving my couch. Alas, life has no further challenges.

A Tibetan Buddhist priest stated that climbing Everest, etc. was based on personal greed. Not necessarily economic but spiritual and egotistical greed.

really inspirational at a time i am at the lowest in my life, thank you

He told his friend he would come back to him, yes. What takes hold of people up there? The physical strain of technical climbing requiring super human strength and stamina, the lack of oxygen, the biting cold, the wind, the constant danger, emotions on a roller coaster. Nothing normal about any of it. Mike was blind before he lost his sight. He ignored the safety of his friend Mark. From where I sit, in my cozy home, it makes no sense.

Its tragic, but not surprising that humans will step over a rational line. The consequences in these mountains is catastrophic. It really is a trap of one's own making

Not one person who comes back maimed says “it was worth it.” But yet people just can’t stop going. And for what?! A picture where nobody sees your face ? Lol so silly

Amazing film , Thankyou for putting it up !

I will never understand if you choose to have a family how risking your life to climb is anything but selfish and unfair. Super high risk behavior is best for people who dont have families that must suffer forever if you perish.

Mark has survivor’s remorse. There was nothing he could do. For Mike. He would have died himself.

Fantastic story. Unbelievable video coverage. I’m speechless.

I am in my home warm with a coffee cup watching this video 😅. Climbing the mountain is beyond my comprehension and imagination.

I know it's easy for us to judge when we're not addled with hypoxia but he leaves late, at 3.30am, admits that Mike was moving really slowly and then is surprised just before the second step when the returning Dave Staeheli, who'd turned around when he reached his cut-off time of noon, informed him that it was after 2pm. Mark thought it was 'maybe 11.30 midday kind of' at that moment. Surely as an experienced guide / cinematographer time is of the utter essence, and he'd be keeping a sharp eye on it with the idea of heading back with his friend and client once their turnaround time was reached? Mark's a good guy, obviously, and he showed great courage and character but his decision making as a guide seems to have been severely impaired by Mike's all consuming summit lust after six failed attempts. This knowledge no doubt contributed to Mark's guilt and depression back in Queenstown, but credits to him for overcoming it and getting back into guiding on Cho Oyu.

Everybody is responsible for their selves on this hill, people should not be blamed for not being able to bring down someone from the death zone.

Some people are just not made for altitude. You can be a health freak ultramarathon runner and your functions just start to fall apart above a certain altitude.

This is just insane! Me watching in my bed all warm and comfy😊

Anyone who ever judges an Everest climber for leaving another.. is just so out of line. I live in Canada and I think of our cold winters on a regular day.. and how exhausting and painful it is. I can’t imagine if you also had no oxygen and were on such difficult terrain.

Welcome back Mark, you did everything you could amd Mike would want you to live.

I cannot understand that Russell Brice let his guide going to the top soo late.

So weird. This guy does something meaningless and stupid and his friend dies because he does it, too. So, the guy regains his confidence and mental health by planning to do the stupid thing again.

In life, the number one factor in everything we do is luck.

Dang he looks like a broken man bless him he done his absolute best ❤❤

Thanks forThank you for sharing your experience, to present your ascent with credibility, better than many who hide the truth in their videos because of them. Some climbers face accidents. I very much respect you and your credibility. You are a hero, and also your friend was a hero. The sunset view was the last thing he wanted to see from the summit of Everest, and he got it.

Mark was the professional guide and had the responsibility not to go up at such a late time in the afternoon. All else followed from this .

Ozzies should generally be kept off this mountain. They have a very bad name when it comes to overestimating their capabilities and mountain judgment.

I have to disagree with the opening statement - "No one goes into the mountains to die". In fact, I am quite certain that many a climber has deliberately chosen his/her eternal resting place long before they left home to tackle a mountain .. In particular, Everest - and to some degree, K2. I say this because SOME of those who have become permanent fixtures on these mountains (and other 8,000ers) have made some very obvious "mistakes" - such as going on up to the Summit late in the afternoon when they KNOW the wind is picking up, or they KNOW that the temperatures are dropping rapidly - or they have no radio, or they take no oxygen (or not enough for the return journey) - and yet they so often insist on going up there alone. I like to climb in solitude too, but in the DZ? And to be quite honest, I can think of far worse places to rest for all eternity than in the Death Zone, surrounded by snow and ice - and relative peace. Especially as it's a place that has meaning to someone that has personally been challenged by that mountain - physically and mentally and to the very core of their being. The experience has become a part of them ... and I can certainly see how some people would want to become a part of it too. There are quite a few places in the world that also attract people to end their lives in those specific places - such as England's cliffs of Dover, and the forest of Aokigahara at the base of Japan's Mt Fuji - these are just two places where people travel from all over the world specifically to end their own lives there ... and I don't disbelieve that Everest is another such place .. It's just a lot harder to get to and it costs a lot more, but to a disillusioned and depressed climber that would be it's very attraction. If you stay in the DZ for long enough, of course you are going to die there, because human life is unsustainable at such altitudes But K2 is almost a 'dead certainty, forgive the pun. And it's a cheap funeral, really. Just my opinion.

I think truly coming to terms with it would have meant coming to terms with abandoning someone & what that person's thoughts must have been. As it was, he came to terms with the story he told himself about how happy that guy was to be left up there to die.

"You can't stay in here if you're going to cry, Susan."

Nice work! Thanks for the insight.

Excelente documental. Gracias por compartir.

I’m fascinated by these videos but I don’t understand any of it. These people take it all so seriously as if there’s some big meaning behind what they’re doing and they don’t realise that none of them need to be there and it’s not benefiting anyone.

Almost the same thing happened to me on my second time to the summit of Poon Hill. 30 years later I am still not ready to go back.

Wow, what an awesome story and superbly filmed movie! 😎

Wow, what an emotional documentary.

Summiting seems to be the entire point of climbing, but if you don't descend, nothing else really matters as far as you're concerned because you are gone.

Brutal but beautiful, the mountain gods are not to be played with.

No one will ever know what these men went through in this situation Mike knew the risks as did Mark This is what these people do, this is what they live for ( sadly die for) but they still risk it. A Great truthful documentary, heartbreaking for all involved There should be a signed document before they start it to say I did it because I wanted to If I die there that’s what I Except Help if you can But don’t put your own life at risk if you can’t Remember me ❤

Seen a few videos now and this one is the best of them all. You had to leave Mike up there, it is what all climbers are tested with at times. But to climb k2 or Everest, your responsibility is to get home safetly everyone for their own selves, its not selfish it is the last ounce of life you have left and everyone who chooses to go there has to accept responsibility for themselves because no one can survive it for extended periods. You both dying is not responsible according to the climbers code. Mike wasn't going to live anyway. He was likely dead 30 minutes after you left him because he was already too far gone to make a 100% recovery. You did the right thing even though it was sad and difficult. If you don't want to be faced with big boy decisions, don't climb. NZ people are so soft hearted.

Imagine pushing a man to get him to the summit , leaving way too late , making all the decisions and then having to abandon that man? Hard thing to deal with.

I don’t get how people disrespect their bodies by having their toes and or feet and hands cut off from frost bite. Your body tells you, hey you’ve got something seriously wrong here you need to adjust and fix this. But your mind ignores it and pushes the body on to the damaging point or total devastation. This sorta of reminds me of the walk of the lemmings. They keep marching themselves right to death.

I know I can’t relate to this but is this mountain climbing thing kind of an addiction? Is it wise to tempt fate like this? When is enough enough? You climb Everest and than go, I want more. Than you climb K2. Than that’s not enough and you want to climb every 8,000 meter mountain in the world. Good god man, are you just going to keep climbing until you fall and die? What was that number of those that summit and those that die? 1 out of 6 on Everest? What about your family? Are they just dog meat? What if you have a wife and kids? Seems pretty selfish. I don’t know. I just don’t get it.

Can u imagine... mike, blind, cold, low oxygen, exhausted, roped in and waiting for his guide to return only to realize....he's not.

Such a moving story 😢🙏🏻

I think you could consider this as a case of assisted suicide.