In the 39th year of the Meiji era, the Russo-Japanese War had just ended. For the sake of national defense, the Army Ministry carefully measured the mountains in Japan. Among all the mountains, Tsurugi-dake in Echichu is known as the unconquerable mountain of death. Countless surveyors and mountaineering enthusiasts have turned back here, and many have lost their lives. Considering the importance of measuring Tsurugi-dake, the Army Provincial Committee assigned Shibasaki Yoshitaro (played by Tadanobu Asano) an expert from the Surveying Department to take on this important task. Shibasaki carefully read a lot of information about Tsurugi-dake, and then visited the experienced guide Uji Chojiro (played by Teruyuki Kagawa), and together with his assistant Ikuta Nobu (played by Ryuhei Matsuda), they set out for this mountain that has never been touched by humans. At the same time, the non-governmental organization Japan Mountain Society also regards Jianyue as a goal to conquer, and a battle of honor begins... This film is adapted from Jiro Nitta's mountain novel, and won several awards including the 2010 Japan Academy Awards for Best Photography, Best Director, Best Original Score, Best Lighting, Best Sound and Best Supporting Actor; the 2010 Blue Ribbon Best Film and Best Newcomer Award; the 2010 Film Junpo Best Director Award; the 2010 Mainichi Film Best Photography and Best Sound.