Is Pura Vida (The Ridge) Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2012)

📖 The Core Premise

Pura Vida (The Ridge) stands as a 2012 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the Documentary, Drama landscape. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "On the south face of Annapurna, at 7,400 metres, Iñaki Ochoa de Olza is dying. His rope companion sounds the alarm. And, from the other side of the world, the biggest rescue attempt in the history of the Himalayas gets underway. For four days a dozen men including some of the best mountaineers in the world, from ten countries, set out to try to rescue their stricken comrade. Even beyond his peaks Iñaki is an exceptional man. As exceptional as the rescue attempt itself and the men who risked their lives to save him. Exceptional because their one driving rule is to live. To live in the only way possible: with pure intensity and honesty."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In Pura Vida (The Ridge), Iñaki Ochoa de Olza delivers a performance that anchors the emotional weight of the film. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Documentary. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Pura Vida (The Ridge) worth your time? If you appreciate Documentary, Drama films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. It stands out as one of the stronger entries of 2012, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Pura Vida (The Ridge) is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 85 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.