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65% Critic Match
Monumental: David Brower's Fight for Wild America
“The story of how a 1930s rock climber became the greatest conservationist of the 20th Century”
6.5 / 10• 2004• 1h 28m•NR• English
Documentary
Storyline
From the moment David Brower first laid eyes on the beauty of the Yosemite Valley, he wanted to the fight to preserve the American wilderness for future generations. The story of a true American legend, Monumental documents the life of this outdoorsman, filmmaker and environmental crusader, whose fiery dedication and activism not only saved the Grand Canyon (among other accomplishments) but also transformed the Sierra Club into a powerful national political force, giving birth to the modern environmental movement. Seen through Brower's own eyes - he was an accomplished filmmaker, and his stunning footage is included here-- a 1956 raft trip down Glen Canyon, before its damming, evokes the awful sadness of losing public land we've failed to protect. And in period footage of Brower's early rock-climbs (done in sneakers, with hemp ropes) and of his training in the 10th Mountain Division (who defeated the Nazis in the high Alps).
Cast & Crew
David Brower
Self
LeadWhat People Are Saying
4.0
“A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. Kelly Duane de la Vega's vision lands with breathtaking precision.”
3.0
“Every frame feels alive. Monumental: David Brower's Fight for Wild America is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.”
