Fine Lines

Even though it centers around mountain athletes, I wouldn't say this is a sports film. It's way more about the human condition. It's a peek inside the minds of people who intentionally put themselves in extreme environments to test their minds, bodies, and mettle. Their insights can be related to just about every aspect of life of any average person. There is some serious sage wisdom from people who have experienced what most of humanity has actively avoided and minimized for millennia. For as yell-tastic as Ondra is while climbing, he offers calm and carefully measured thoughts. Lynn Hill and Tommy bring in questions of the trappings of our modern, tech-filled life into things we used to see as sacred. Messner sees everything in piercing reality that few can. All of them offer something that adds a perspective and insight that are unique - it's amazing to have them all in one film.

I can honestly say this film changed my life. That's a big statement, I know. But it is true and I am grateful to have experienced it.

I realize that a lot of people may not "get it." It's probably important to know that this is more of a thought-provoking, inward-looking film, rather than any kind of thriller. I heard someone say this film reads more like a book, and couldn't agree more. It moves you through a series of perspectives and gives you time to digest and take in the thoughts you have. It drives you into a place where you begin to really look at what matters. It gives you a contrast control dial for your own life, allowing you to push a lot of greys into black and white situations. And yet I still find room for nuance and even more questions.

I cannot recommend this film enough, to anyone who spends time thinking and soul searching, anyone who enjoys reading, and anyone seeking more from life than what is offered by the masses.

A fantastic film any climbing enthusiast will enjoy. It is not your typical climbing documentary where you follow a climber on their adventure overcoming some impossibly hard route. Instead, this is 20 of the most recognizable faces from all disciplines of the sport (Alex Honnold, Adam Ondra, Lynn Hill, etc) each having a very open conversation about some of the most difficult aspects of climbing. Topics range from their draws to climbing, the inherent risk in the sport, a very real look at death, the drawbacks of social media on professionals lives, and far more.

Many may be turned off by a climbing documentary without a specific mountain to be overcome, but it is a fantastic glimpse into how these amazing athletes view some incredibly difficult questions often not considered. I would highly recommend this movie to anyone interested in climbing in any way.

Experiencing life as it is meant. Living on the edge and not settling for complacency. Despite all challenges that may come across and take you off your feet, you have THE POWER OF CHOICE to do something beautiful with your life. Absolutely loved this.

I have watched over 30 films on climbing, and this by far is my favourite. Much care went into this immensely inspirational documentary which included athletes/legends that spanned generations. Unlike other films in this genre which take on the same format of following the protagonist and their "adventure"(Meru, Free solo, Dawn Wall and dozen others ) this film stands out because it delves into their psyche and is for those who enjoy being contemplative and thinking about the "why's" of life. It's not at all sport centric and deeply meditative. They hit on topics you don't usually hear them talk about. Brilliantly done, and have watched more than once.

A refreshing look into the intimate and thought provoking topics we don't often see extreme athletes get into- certainly not in such depth and honesty; a contemplative and philosophical look into the reasons behind why some people put their lives at risk when there is not much to gain from the act. Finally, we get to see incredible women alongside the men in this sport too, my favourite "climbing" film to date - though it's really so much more than climbing.