Review of North Face (2008) by Keith G — 05 Jun 2010

When it comes to man versus nature movies "North Face" can definately be considered one of the better ones. This German film is based on a true story set in 1936 about two mountain climbers attempting to be the first to reach the top of Switzerland's Eiger Mountain.

The story chronicles the danger and tragedy they face particularly after meeting two other climbers trying to conquer the mountain. Some romance is thrown in when a German news agency sends a woman to Switzerland to cover the climber's attempt.

She has past ties to the climbers including a deeper affection for one that is never explored as well as it could have been. The film features some amazing cinematography and at times you feel as though you are clinging to the mountain wall with them.

There are some extremely nervous and tense sequences and the direction is brilliant. There isn't alot of character development and the romantic angle falls short of having any real emotional impact.

But the acting is solid and the movie is very well made. It is a German film and has subtitles but these never take away from the movie. The few minor gripes aside, "North Face" is an intense film that will pull you in and immerse you by both the beauty of the mountain and by it's danger.