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90% Critic Match
Vertical Frontier
9.0 / 10• 2002• 1h 30m•NR• English
DocumentaryAdventure
Storyline
From John Muir in the 1860s to today's super-athletes, Vertical Frontier tells the rich and captivating saga of these free-spirited climbers whose contributions to the techniques, equipment, and ethics of mountaineering enabled them to be the first to conquer Yosemite's legendary big walls. Illustrated with spectacular footage, both old and new, shot on these granite walls, the story is told by the climbers whose artistry and relentless determination helped launch a sport now enjoyed by millions around the world, including David Brower, Warren Harding, Royal Robbins, Yvon Chouinard, Tom Frost, Jim Bridwell, Lynn Hill, Hans Florine, Dean Potter, and many others. Their epic feats range from the first ascent of El Capitan, which took 45 days over a year and a half, to today's speed climbers who complete the same route in under three hours.
Cast & Crew
Yvon Chouinard
Self
Lead
Royal Robbins
Self
Elizabeth Burkner Robbins
Self
Warren Harding
Self
Ron Kauk
Self
Tom Frost
Self
Lynn Hill
Self
John Bachar
Self
What People Are Saying
5.0
“A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. Kristi Denton Cohen's vision lands with breathtaking precision.”
5.0
“Every frame feels alive. Vertical Frontier is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.”
