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Reviews
The Catch (2023)
Just read the book instead
I recently read the book of this story which is absolutely excellent, but this tv dramatisation uses a completely different setting and changes elements of the story. I've no idea why they have strayed from the original as I can't see any way how they thought this would be an improvement,
It only serves to make the characters less believable and less likeable.
The boyfriend is also nothing like the suave character in the book, which again just doesn't make sense, to be honest it's all just very odd.
Do yourself a favour and just read the book instead, it's far more captivating and enjoyable.
Finding Michael (2023)
Compelling viewing, but please make up your own mind.
Wow what a fascinating watch this was around a personal journey of loss.
I knew very little about the subject matter before watching this but I found it addictive, and at times, incredibly hard to watch.
The documentary is beautiful shot, utterly cinematic and aims to help the viewer understand the mindset of those who choose to take on this brutal challenge with potentially the ultimate risk for their own personal reasons. It also explores the amazing bravery and danger facing Sherpas who do this treacherous journey time and time again, as a way of earning a living.
The key theme throughout is of course the incredible sense of loss coupled with the unknown. A family lost a son and brother, but have no real answers as to why or how, nor a body to grieve.
Yes the family are in a privileged position, and this allowed them to embark on this journey. If this had happened to any of us and we had the funds, I feel sure most of us would have done the same.
I'm really disappointed with the negative reviews (which largely seem to focus on the fact that the family are financially well off and mostly able to control their emotions after a 23 year old tragedy therefore the view seems to be that they are not entitled to grieve) and I'm so glad that I did not let them put me off. Even the 'twist' at the end in my opinion was taken the wrong way. The team could have brought down any one of the bodies that were found on Everest, but choose to bring down the body of a sherpa, seeking the families permission first.
Yes it harrowing watching the family receive the body and I agree the children should not have been filmed but also presume it was pushed by the production company, not a personal decision made out of privileged arrogance by Spencer.
After watching it, I felt very humbled to be allowed to witness something so personal and found it a very compelling watch.