Here to Climb

For me, this had all the elements that made it an enjoyable watch.

Likable characters, good cinematography, and effective editing.

If you are looking for the world's best technical skills, this is not that movie. But for a casual rock climbing enthusiast like me, I enjoyed it because it allowed me to relate to the sport more deeply.

I didn't mind all the personal drama and stories about the inner life of Sasha.

I wish there had been some more details about things like, what was the cause of her requiring extensive hip surgeries. I would have also like to have known more about the place in Mexico where the final dramatic climb took place.

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie! It was an honest telling of how hard it is to be a top female athlete; how you don't always succeed, but you never give up. Sasha is an engaging speaker, and the cinematography and production were excellent. Being able to have such a personal view into the life of Sasha, and to follow her on her journeys to climb peaks that she has chosen with such passion, was fascinating! Although I am not a climber, it was such a personal look into the life of a successful, hard working professional athlete. I learned a lot about the complexities of planning a climb, and would highly recommend this movie!

I loved his movie. Sasha followed her unique path to the top of her very unlikely choice of careers. A six year old urban girl who fell in love with rock climbing at her brother's birthday party, and despite all the naysayers has proven time and again that she will reach her goal.

Neither extreme on-line bullying nor double hip surgery; the loss of her father, nor the incredible odds of climbing some of the hardest climbs in the world stopped this powerhouse of a role model.

By thirty years old Sasha has an overall world championship; numerous first ascents and even more first female ascents under her belt.

She used her climbing earnings to pay for her Columbia University education and has also published her first novel - a biography called "Take the Lead".

Here to Climb is an inspiring and visually stunning documentary that takes viewers on an intimate journey through the world of climbing, led by one of the sport's most accomplished athletes, Sasha DiGiulian. The film beautifully captures both the physical and mental challenges that define climbing, while showcasing Sasha's dedication and passion.

What stands out the most is how the film goes beyond just the climbs themselves-it dives into the emotional and personal journey of Sasha as she pushes the limits of her abilities and navigates the obstacles of being a woman in a male-dominated sport. The narrative is heartfelt, offering a deep connection to Sasha's inner struggles and triumphs, which makes her victories all the more powerful.

The cinematography is absolutely breathtaking, with the team capturing some of the most dramatic climbing locations around the world. Each frame is expertly composed to showcase not only the grandeur of nature but also the precision and skill required to tackle these extreme challenges. The pacing of the documentary is spot-on, never dragging but allowing enough time to reflect on the profound themes of perseverance, resilience, and self-discovery.

Sasha DiGiulian's presence on screen is magnetic. Her authenticity and vulnerability shine through, making her not just a role model for aspiring climbers, but for anyone who strives to overcome adversity in their own life. The film highlights her as a trailblazer, not only in climbing but in empowering others, especially women, to pursue their passions without fear.

Ultimately, Here to Climb is more than just a sports documentary; it's a celebration of the human spirit and a reminder that with grit, determination, and a willingness to climb past our fears, there are no limits to what we can achieve. It's a must-watch for climbing enthusiasts, athletes, and anyone looking for a powerful, motivational story.

It's ain't The Alpinist, that's for sure; which pains me to say, because he was also a challenging subject to watch. There is definitely an air of sexism throughout this film, both from her journey and the way they tell her story, but unfortunately, she's just not a likable athlete. I wanted so much more for a female climber, but both the pacing and the content cemented her as a surface level personality. She seems to be trying to prove herself throughout, but she never once pauses to actually connect with the audience, her team, or her environment. I love adventure documentaries, (I've truly seen them all) for the energy of the experience, but she doesn't seem to actual enjoy the sport? And there isn't much actual footage of her climbing. By the end, the only thing this movie displays is the work her team puts in before she ever arrives at the scene. Very disappointing.