Ascent (2016): cast, story & where to watch
2016 · Film · ★ 5.4

Released in 2016, Ascent is a drama film directed by Fiona Tan, running about 80 minutes.
What it’s about. Through a grey blanket of clouds, we barely discern the contours of Mount Fuji, a volcano with many faces. 4,500 exceptional and diverse photographs from the past 150 years form the basis for Ascent. Made entirely with stills, it is a filmic experiment balancing between documentary and fiction, photography and film, where an English woman and her deceased Japanese partner, Hiroshi, lead the way. As Mount Fuji is climbed across geographical, temporal and cultural divides, the narrative unfolds, exploring unexpected paths.
Who’s in it. Ascent stars Hiroki Hasegawa as Hiroshi and Fiona Tan.
How it landed. With an audience score of 5.4/10, Ascent has proved divisive with audiences.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Ascent page.
If you liked it. Fans of Ascent tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Ascent (2016)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for Ascent change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is Ascent worth watching?
- Ascent holds an audience score of 5.4 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in Ascent?
- Ascent stars Hiroki Hasegawa and Fiona Tan.
- When was Ascent released?
- Ascent was released in 2016, with a runtime of about 80 minutes.