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The Summit of the Gods (2021)

★★★ — The Summit of the Gods (2021)

Released in 2021 and produced by French studio Folivari (the outfit behind the Ernest and Celestine films) alongside Luxembourg's Melusine Productions, The Summit of the Gods is an animated feature adapted from Jiro Taniguchi's manga of the same name, which itself drew on Baku Yumemakura's novel. Director Patrick Imbert, working here on his first solo feature, brought the project to life with a hand-drawn style quite distinct from the cheerful family fare Folivari had previously been associated with. The film sits within a modest wave of prestige European animation aimed squarely at adult audiences, arriving at a time when films like Wolfwalkers and Flee were pushing the format into more serious dramatic territory. It received a César nomination for Best Animated Film.

A-Z World Movie Tour Luxembourg Visually stunning. The animation is breathtaking. Gritty, expressive, and full of atmosphere. The art style feels like a living painting, especially during the mountain sequences. Paired with a haunting, emotional score, this film is a technical marvel and a feast for the eyes. The story is SLOW. Like climbing Everest itself. It’s deeply focused on mountaineering lore and existential questions about obsession, legacy, and truth, which is all fine… if you’re already a fan of the subject. If not, it can feel like a long haul with no summit in sight. It’s fascinating how the film leans into ambiguity. Was Mallory successful? Did Irvine make it? We’ll never know. But that lack of resolution might leave some viewers cold. I really hate unfulfilled endings. Gorgeous, thoughtful, and atmospheric, just not always gripping.

Rating: ★★★ | Year: 2021 | Watched: 2025-07-13

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Where to watch (UK)

Stream: Netflix · Netflix Standard with Ads
Physical: Amazon UK

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