Director / Jennifer Peedom (SHERPA)
Narrator/ Willem Dafoe

“You never feel so alive knowing at any minute… You could die”

For anyone who has stood at the top of a mountain’s edge, those words will resonate completely. This Australian produced documentary is an exploration of how our initial trepidation of mountains has evolved over time for these popular attractions to now be home of various activities. It was just three centuries ago when entertaining the idea of ever climbing a mountain was thought to be madness. Nonetheless, a physical and a spiritual calling was awakening inside of us.

From a visual standpoint, MOUNTAIN ends as it had started. In between though, this mildly educational film and overall mighty experience is guaranteed to significantly alter perceptions of the very subject it is documenting.

This meditating observation of the serene beauty and the raw wildness that mountains possess has been poetically scripted for the guiding narration work of actor Willem Dafoe to perform. Amalgamating its minimal narrative with the constant presence of music performed for the film by the Australian Chamber Orchestra, MOUNTAIN is a majestic cinematic experience unlike many others. The devastating scenery and mesmerising expedition chronicling the birth, development and dare of mountainous adventure has been exquisitely photographed for the big screen. In fact, the outstanding cinematography truly comes to the fore during a genuinely jaw-dropping segment that captures the successes and the failures of crazy stunts that are beyond your wildest imaginations, all performed and recorded by thrill-seeking adrenalin junkies. The aerial shots, angles and the camerawork during these stunning sequences especially are of equal magnificence to the production as a whole.

A breathtaking 70 minute worship of mountains. Highly recommended.

4 stars