The Dawn Wall

Dawn Wall was enthusiastically-received in its North American Premiere at Austin's SXSW Film Festival where it received Audience Award in the Documentary Spotlight Competition. Dawn Wall is transfixing as we watch as two climbers, Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgensen, attempt the near impossible. They attempt to free style climb the vertical 3000-foot granite rock face of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. They test the boundaries of their skills and endurance and even the bounds of what is humanly possible. This isn't really just a sports film. When you learn the hurdles that Tommy Caldwell had to overcome you realize that it is an absolutely remarkable human story. The audience is literally hanging on the side of the mountain with Tommy and Kevin as they scale the mountain. The filmmakers actually scaled the mountain with them in order to film them. The film is beautiful edited and the drama is intense. Although the ending is somewhat predictable, the magic is all in the journey they are taking. Highly recommended.

Top notch camera work. I left feeling inspired and awed by the sheer magnitude of what the 2 climbers accomplished. Living on a vertical wall for weeks is just amazing. Getting into the tents and seeing how they were cooking, sleeping and even going to the bathroom was something I've never seen. My 12 year old loved it, as did my 82 year Dad and my 77 year old Mom, neither of whom have ever climbed. A totally accessible movie for the non climber but great if you have a climbing background as well. Definitely a fun watch for a family!

This is more than a climbing movie. It's a story of friendship and perseverance that will not only inspire you, it'll make you want to take on whatever grandiose challenge(s) you've been putting off. Filmed with elegance, a touch of humor, and utmost dedication, The Dawn Wall is an absolute must see!

Superb demonstration of obstinacy, perseverance, self-denial and ... talent. Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson are awesome! Skill level: 10/10. Endurance: 10/10. After such a documentary, you feel almost derisory or tiny. And then, it's a boost!

I'm writing this after doing a review of "The Valley Uprising". In "The Valley Uprising", Tommy Caldwell showed how great he was.

But in this documentary, it showed how quickly Tommy Caldwell rose through the ranks, as he was definitely born for this sport.

And not only was climbing El Capitan unbelievable, but the reason as to why Tommy did and the stories leading up to it, was extremely intense too.