The Summit of the Gods

The Summit of the Gods (2021) is a French-Luxembourgish animated adventure drama directed by Patrick Imbert, produced by Folivari and Mélusine Productions, and adapted from Jirō Taniguchi’s manga inspired by Baku Yumemakura’s novel. Set in the 1980s, the film follows Japanese photojournalist Makoto Fukamachi, who discovers a camera that might have belonged to legendary climber George Mallory. Obsessed with uncovering Mallory’s fate, Fukamachi tracks down the elusive mountaineer Joji Habu, only to become deeply entangled in Habu’s solitary quest to conquer Everest’s unforgiving southwestern face. The film’s animation features realistic yet expressive visuals, blending detailed mountain vistas with nuanced character movement to convey the physical and psychological toll of mountaineering. The art direction mirrors the manga’s reverence for nature and ambition, while Amine Bouhafa’s score enhances the atmosphere, from icy calm to adrenaline-fueled peril. With a modest budget of approximately €9.85 million (~US $11 million), The Summit of the Gods earned around US $1.76 million from international box office, despite limited release, while gaining a wider audience through Netflix streaming. It premiered in the Cannes 2021 Cinéma de la Plage section, then received theatrical release in France and global distribution. Critically celebrated, the film holds a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, praised for its stunning visuals, emotional depth, and authenticity to the adventurous spirit of its source material. Critics from Variety and TheWrap highlighted its breathtaking portrayal of Everest and the human obsession with pushing limits, while it drew praise as one of the most astonishing animated achievements in recent years. The film won Best Animated Feature at the 47th César Awards and the Lumière Award for Best Animated Film, and was nominated for Best Animated Feature – Independent at the Annie Awards. Its accolades reflect both artistic merit and storytelling power. The Summit of the Gods redefines mountain-climbing drama through the medium of animation, capturing the soul of human obsession and endurance. It stands as a landmark in adult animation—using meticulous craftsmanship and cultured narrative to elevate a niche story into a universal, heartfelt journey.