In reply to UKC News:
I saw this film about 3 weeks ago with my girlfriend, in the original German. She wasn't previously aware of the story of the Messners on Nanga Parbat, and I tried to explain on the way to the cinema, but she was still left baffled by what actually went on in the film. I don't think the problem was that it was too technical on the climbing side, I just don't think it was any more than average, as a film. In fact, she came out of the cinema saying how she actually felt more sympathy for Herrligkoffer, than Messner, and asking why Messner had been so arrogant on the mountain. All this despite it being Messner's own side of the story. Perhaps that just means that he can't see where he's gone wrong, and sees his behaviour and attitude as completely justified.
Regardless of the accuracy of the story, (and we'll never have a proper answer as to the rights and wrongs of it) Messner doesn't come across well, and indeed the film as a whole will not go down as one of the greats of mountain films. I agree wholeheartedly with the review linked, and would suggest it's worth a read before you go and see the film!
Tim