The Devil's Climb

I love watching documentaries like this. In the last years, i have watched THE ALPINIST/MERU/THE DAWN WALL etc, even a tv series named Edge of the Unknown (with Jimmy Chin). Of course, everything started with the glorious Free solo.

I admire very much Alex Honnold and the other people who engaged in this kind of activities. I love watching them breaking the "limits". THE DEVIL'S CLIMB is another good documentary, however, it is not as good as the aforementioned ones. It's less intense. I was still on the edge of my seat but not as much as with the other documentaries. I can't explain why, maybe it's more "polished"? Maybe ending was a bit abrupt. I can't tell.

In any case, every fan of those documentaries is gonna enjoy it, this is still beautiful to watch and these two guys are very likeable.

But i would like to say something else here : Please, stop doing it. Alex and Tommy and so many other people tested their limits, risked their lives, did the unthinkable. It was amazing but it has to stop. No need to tempt your fate anymore, you have nothing to prove anymore to anyone and to yourselves.

The Devil's Thumb is a tower of icy black rock in Alaska. It is one of the biggest alpine face in North America which has never been climbed. Some have even died trying. Tommy Caldwell and Alex Honnold decide to try.

This is a National Geographic documentary. The visuals are amazing. I expected nothing less. It is going along and going along with the standard life and death of climbing. Then, Tommy tells the story of his climb in Kyrgyzstan at the age of 21. His group gets captured by rebels and he ends up killing a captor on the way to their escape. Now, that's a movie. It is literally less than a minute and that's the imagery that I will remember. And it's only through his words.

Just finished watching this movie and WOW!

Loved every single second of it! I watched "Free Solo" way before I started climbing just because I love adventure movies. Now I climb and am into mountaineering too and watching these movies is an even bigger inspiration now than it was before. One hour and 30 minutes of movie went by in a heartbeat! Estes Park is about 30 minutes from where I live and watching them start this amazing journey there was a fun little fact for me. I have been a cyclist for over 30 years now and this journey of cycling and climbing just feels to me like the dream of all dreams!

The journey was amazing, the climb was amazing and Alex and Tommy together are just amazing.

I wholeheartedly recommend this movie whether you are a climber or not. I will definitely watch many more times.

EPIC!

A National Geographic documentary that chronicles the journey of famed climbers Tommy Caldwell and Alex Honnold as they attempt to scale Alaska's perilous Devil's Thumb. One of the most dangerous mountains in North America, this 9,000-foot summit is notorious for its harsh conditions and difficult ascents. The documentary, which was directed by Renan Ozturk, a well-known filmmaker and fellow climber, chronicles the two men's amazing trip as they test their boundaries and confront the dangers of the Alaskan wilderness. The film highlights Alex and Tommy's strong relationship and resolve to create a world speed record by navigating the five spires of Devil's Thumb, despite the emotional and physical obstacles they face.

Viewers receive a close-up view at the climbers' tactics, the stunning landscape, and the challenging situations that put their fortitude and talent to the test. The movie explores the motivations and life stories of these remarkable athletes along the road. The documentary does a good job of capturing the unadulterated beauty of the Alaskan scenery as well as the sheer willpower and perseverance needed to scale one of the world's most formidable peaks. It is an adventure that provides a glimpse into the world of high-stakes climbing and the unbreakable character of its participants, with breathtaking cinematography and a somewhat "sanitised" story.

It might be summed up as a tale of friendship between Caldwell and Honnold that required the final confirmation-the Devil's Thumb!

I truly enjoyed this documentary. Having seen several interviews and other films featuring both Tommy Caldwell and Alex Honnold, I recognize some recurring descriptions of them. But that makes sense - these portrayals reflect that present time, and both Alex and Tommy have continued to evolve as people since then.

What makes *The Devil's Climb* stand out is how it reveals their personal growth and changes in a way I haven't seen in earlier films about them. This not only adds an extra layer of depth, but also gives the documentary a more personal touch, making the experience even stronger. I almost feel the title could have reflected this journey as well.

The landscapes and the route toward The Devil's Thumb are simply spectacular. The way the film is shot, with its camera angles and perspectives, not to mention the majestic mountain, gave me sweaty palms and a sense of vertigo - the same intense feeling I had while watching Free Solo.

I can wholeheartedly recommend this documentary, even to those unfamiliar with Tommy Caldwell and Alex Honnold.

Enjoy!