No Mean Feat: The Mark Inglis Story (The Mountain Climbing Series) 2003
Distributed by Chip Taylor Communications, 2 East View Drive, Derry, NH 03038-4812; 800-876-CHIP (2447)
Produced by Chas Toogood
Directed by Chas Toogood
VHS, color, 52 min.
Jr. High - Adult
Disability Studies, Biography
Date Entered: 06/24/2004
Reviewed by Jennifer Brown, University of Alaska SoutheastThis is a documentary of the impressive life of New Zealand mountaineer Mark Inglis. In 1982, Inglis attempted a summit of New Zealand’s highest peak – Aoraki Mt. Cook. For two weeks, storms kept Inglis and his climbing partner stuck on the mountain while rescuers attempted to reach them. As a result, Inglis lost both of his legs below the knee to frostbite.
This account provides documentary footage of the 13 days of rescue attempts and the final rescue, Inglis’ hospital stay, his recovery process, and his many achievements since. Inglis’ spirit and his engagement with life led him to a career as a research scientist in leukemia research. He then follows a career as a wine maker, he becomes an elite athlete, and finally, he attempts to once again summit the peak that cost him his legs.
Technically, a black screen used for transitions between segments is awkward and much of the mountain footage is shaky (which is understandable and forgivable however noticeable it is). This does not, however, detract from the intrigue of Inglis’ story. Generally the storytelling flows and we are inspired. The best parts of this film are the mountain climbing scenes as the camera follows Inglis up Mt. Cook in his return.
Recommended for public libraries holding collections in human interest stories and mountaineering, No Mean Feat is also suitable for university libraries that support athletics, sports medicine, and outdoor studies or mountaineering programs.