Directed by Harada Masato (
The Suicide Song, Spellbound),
Climber's High revolves around the real-life tragedy of Japan Airlines Flight 123. The flight departed for Osaka from Haneda on August 12, 1985, but never reached its destination, crashing into the ridge of Mt. Takamagahara around 100 km from Tokyo. Of the 524 people onboard, only four passengers survived, making it the second deadliest aviation accident in history. Based on journalist Yokoyama Hideo's novel which was adapted to television in 2005, and now to the silver screen,
Climber's High approaches the accident from the perspective of the news media in the ensuing chaos and competition to cover the story, and the pressure and emotional conflicts experienced by those who report.
Acclaimed actor Tsutsumi Shinichi (Always - Sunset on Third Street) plays reporter Kazumasa Yuki who is getting ready to climb Mt. Tanigawa with his colleague when he hears word that a Japan Airlines flight has crashed into Mt. Takamagahara. Pressured to be the first to report the story, Yuki rushes to the site to cover the crash. In a time, when every second is crucial for both rescuers and reporters, Kazumasa must contend with the fierce media rivalry and job pressure, while coping with his friend's death, family problems, and the overwhelming tragedy that surrounds him. Climber's High also co-stars Sakai Masato (The Wall Man), veteran Yamazaki Tsutomu (Kurosgai), Ono Machiko (The Mourning Forest), Taguchi Tomorow (Until the Lights Come Back), and Endo Kenichi (Jigyaku no Uta).
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