First Ascent climbing film by Peter Mortimer

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Average rating:

out of 5

Product: "First Ascent" DVD
Producer: Sender Films
Purchase: Sender Films
Producer's description: "The latest and greatest release from Sender Films, First Ascent features today's top rock climbers as they lay siege to steep faces and soaring alpine walls in pursuit of climbing's pinnacle achievement, the First Ascent."

(Editor's note: Some reviewers below participated in a YourClimbing.com/Sender Films giveaway promotion, where they received a DVD in exchange for posting objective reviews. Companies wishing to participate in this program should contact publisher@yourmtb.com.)

reviews (3) | email | report

%count Reviews

Rating:

out of 5

Great Idea, Good Film [ top of page ]

Posted by: jayperry on 11/21/2006

First off, when I heard the premise of the film (first ascents), I thought alright that's going to be good. The climbing film landscape is littered with people climbing hard routes that they've got wired to a background of crappy techno music. I guess its impressive but kind of boring. Capturing first ascents though puts some drama into the proceedings. The pay off here was a really good movie, all of the climbing scenes are really good. Beautiful climbs in great settings, and the people are interesting also. Building the movie on the narrative of Didier trying to climb the Cobra crack was really great. Even though I knew from the mags that he didn't get the first ascent, I found myself really pulling for him. He's a interesting dude, and a good person to feature. Not only is he a badass but seems like a thoughtful guy. I could belabor the point but the movie is pretty good, all of the scenes are interesting, the music is all really good and fits the scenes well, and all of the extras on pretty cool to check out later. As for Timmy O'Neill, his scene is good, funny but just the right length....I was a little Timmied out after Return to Sender. All and all I definitely recommend this movie, and the best thing about it may be.....no bouldering!!!

Rating:

out of 5

So Good [ top of page ]

Posted by: yedrek on 11/10/2006

Peter Mortimer and Sender Films finally did it. A rock climbing video that keeps you on the edge as well as having a great story line. Most rock climbing films are cool to watch at first, but then you have to tuck them away on the shelf for a while so you don’t get bored of them. Not this one, First Ascent offers amazing climbing, great characters, a fluid story line and great dialogue. I’ve seen it probably six or seven times since I received it 5 days ago. My mother even enjoyed the film and she didn't know the first thing about climbing (well not before Timmy O’neil gave her a brief rundown and quick history of climbing, in his own way). Whether you’re into ice, mix climbing, bouldering, trad, aid, soloing, or never climbed before, you will love this movie. Great climbers, great content, great music, superb film.

Rating:

out of 5

funny ha-ha [ top of page ]

Posted by: annakin on 11/10/2006

Did you see the SLC Punk? This movie a lot like that, except with more climbing and less punk. They both have concise voice over, a crash course in context, episodic structure with a satisfying theme, great music, humble heroes, a moral, and you get the idea. First Ascent is series of segments about first ascent action around the world, mostly in trad climbing. There’s a good narrative for every story (and you know women need a little story line and some costumes) and the cast is diverse--plucky teens, old guys, and a few regular folks mixed in which makes the vibe very democratic. It may seem like there’s as much footage of not-climbing as there is of climbing, but hang in until the end because that adorable euro comes back to smile and squint into the camera even more as the story wraps up. If you want more straight climbing, the bonus features offer plenty. Also prominently featured is the glorious Timmy O’Neil.