Nordwand, or the North Face, tracks two German climbers and their race to be the first team to summit the treacherous face of the Eiger Mountain in Switzerland. The film maintains strict adherence to historical events, and carefully documents the interaction between the rise of Nazi power and the media. The characters are brilliantly acted - each filling a niche within the film, and none grossly overshadowing the rest. Nuances of a love triangle are introduced, but never taken to the extent that would be over the top or detracting. The spoken German (and accompanying subtitles) doesn't detract at all, but only solidifies the authenticity of the film, in addition to quickening the pace of the high-tension scenes. The film was composed of amazing cinematography, and although it was jarring at first to recognize the relentless handheld camerawork, it easily blended into the on-the-mountain cinematography that dominates the film. Neither the cinematographer nor the director have a long lists of credits, but they certainly struck the nail on the head (or piton, as it were) with this film, and succeeded in making a sublime film exhibiting excitement, devotion, and the overwhelming desire to achieve something bigger than yourself. I couldn't ask for anything better in any film I'd want to make or watch.
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9/5/2010
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