Superb demonstration of obstinacy, perseverance, self-denial and ... talent. Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson are awesome! Skill level: 10/10. Endurance: 10/10. After such a documentary, you feel almost derisory or tiny. And then, it's a boost!
68 Reviews
Chills down my spine
gnvandijken15 January 2020
The strength of human determination
daniele-iannarelli12 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
A fascinating portrait of the strength of character and dogged will displayed by these modern supermen of rock-climbing.
The amazing photography, with a multitude of varied angles, offered an almost subjective insight into what it must be like to be - in effect - pasted to the side of an almost-smooth, vertical rock-face with nothing but a sheer drop of hundreds of feet to the ground below.
This historical, record-breaking climb is testament to human endurance.
Excellent portrait.
The amazing photography, with a multitude of varied angles, offered an almost subjective insight into what it must be like to be - in effect - pasted to the side of an almost-smooth, vertical rock-face with nothing but a sheer drop of hundreds of feet to the ground below.
This historical, record-breaking climb is testament to human endurance.
Excellent portrait.
Supernova Power Men
transport-4481828 November 2018
Best documentary I've ever seen
jdwein22 September 2018
This is more than a climbing movie. It's a story of friendship and perseverance that will not only inspire you, it'll make you want to take on whatever grandiose challenge(s) you've been putting off. Filmed with elegance, a touch of humor, and utmost dedication, The Dawn Wall is an absolute must see!
Fantastic Documentary about the testing of the Boundaries of Human Endurance
JustCuriosity18 March 2018
Dawn Wall was enthusiastically-received in its North American Premiere at Austin's SXSW Film Festival where it received Audience Award in the Documentary Spotlight Competition. Dawn Wall is transfixing as we watch as two climbers, Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgensen, attempt the near impossible. They attempt to free style climb the vertical 3000-foot granite rock face of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. They test the boundaries of their skills and endurance and even the bounds of what is humanly possible. This isn't really just a sports film. When you learn the hurdles that Tommy Caldwell had to overcome you realize that it is an absolutely remarkable human story. The audience is literally hanging on the side of the mountain with Tommy and Kevin as they scale the mountain. The filmmakers actually scaled the mountain with them in order to film them. The film is beautiful edited and the drama is intense. Although the ending is somewhat predictable, the magic is all in the journey they are taking. Highly recommended.
Amazing!
jamwein21 September 2018
Top notch camera work. I left feeling inspired and awed by the sheer magnitude of what the 2 climbers accomplished. Living on a vertical wall for weeks is just amazing. Getting into the tents and seeing how they were cooking, sleeping and even going to the bathroom was something I've never seen. My 12 year old loved it, as did my 82 year Dad and my 77 year old Mom, neither of whom have ever climbed. A totally accessible movie for the non climber but great if you have a climbing background as well. Definitely a fun watch for a family!
A Movie for Everyone!
annramone25 September 2018
This is a documentary about the power of the human spirit to overcome and accomplish the impossible. The power of friendship and love in the face of adversity is beautifully crafted in this true story. The cinematography is absolutely gorgeous and a behind the scenes at the end is a whole other bonus movie at the end.
Can't even blink while watching
kasrababaei3 January 2019
I am an amateur rock climber and I watch every video on the Internet about rock climbing. However, I must say that this documentary has something different in it. My climbing gym played the movie on a big screen and I sat there until the last minute, unable to move my head, talk to others or even blink. Their achievement is beyond my grasp, their dedication is inspiring, and their friendship is beautiful.
An intense and captivating experience
achmoye30 November 2018
One of the most moving, immersive documentaries I've ever seen.
I think you can appreciate it even if you don't know a clue about climbing. This is a human experience, and every technical part is very well explained.
I will quickly say that the cinematography is more than decent and creates a contemplative vibe with the landscapes of Yosemite. Really stunning place, it already justifies the movie. But the story is even more amazing.
It's the story of Tommy Caldwell and his teammate, ascending the most difficult part of "El capitan", a famous huge cliff in Yosemite. There are some routes already created by climbers along the years, but Tommy did them all, fingers in the nose, if I may say. Actually, he had one finger missing from an accident. And yet he did all of these most difficult climbing routes in the world.
But this is just the beginning. Tommy, still missing a finger, made a route on his own. In the middle of the dry rock who looks like a completely flat wall with no holds anywhere.
The life of Tommy in incredible, his resilience and courage is beyond any difficulty, it actually became an obsession at some point but clearly not the worst one. He made something unique, when he could have been just an alcoholic. His passion/obsession made history.
You will witness one of the biggest moments in sports history. Obviously I recommend.
I will quickly say that the cinematography is more than decent and creates a contemplative vibe with the landscapes of Yosemite. Really stunning place, it already justifies the movie. But the story is even more amazing.
It's the story of Tommy Caldwell and his teammate, ascending the most difficult part of "El capitan", a famous huge cliff in Yosemite. There are some routes already created by climbers along the years, but Tommy did them all, fingers in the nose, if I may say. Actually, he had one finger missing from an accident. And yet he did all of these most difficult climbing routes in the world.
But this is just the beginning. Tommy, still missing a finger, made a route on his own. In the middle of the dry rock who looks like a completely flat wall with no holds anywhere.
The life of Tommy in incredible, his resilience and courage is beyond any difficulty, it actually became an obsession at some point but clearly not the worst one. He made something unique, when he could have been just an alcoholic. His passion/obsession made history.
You will witness one of the biggest moments in sports history. Obviously I recommend.
Determination like rock
mutingati27 March 2021
Trailer
jessica-combs14 July 2019
Another Great Documentary
anthonydapiii6 May 2020
I'm writing this after doing a review of "The Valley Uprising". In "The Valley Uprising", Tommy Caldwell showed how great he was.
But in this documentary, it showed how quickly Tommy Caldwell rose through the ranks, as he was definitely born for this sport.
And not only was climbing El Capitan unbelievable, but the reason as to why Tommy did and the stories leading up to it, was extremely intense too.
But in this documentary, it showed how quickly Tommy Caldwell rose through the ranks, as he was definitely born for this sport.
And not only was climbing El Capitan unbelievable, but the reason as to why Tommy did and the stories leading up to it, was extremely intense too.
Don't be put off by the subject
karenwalsh-2824123 April 2021
I'm not at all into climbing, or heights, but this documentary is about way more than what you may think the subject matter is.
Determination, friendship, resilience, and so many admirable qualities that make this documentary so watchable and so enjoyable.
Well worth a watch.
Determination, friendship, resilience, and so many admirable qualities that make this documentary so watchable and so enjoyable.
Well worth a watch.
Incredible performance and great documentary!
deloudelouvain22 December 2018
This is one of those documentaries you talk about after watching it. Not only is it well shot and done but it's also inspiring. With a little, or in this case alot, perseverence a man can accomplish alot. Tommy Caldwell and his climbing partner Kevin Jorgeson did a thing that looks impossible to all of us, free climbing the 3000ft Dawn Wall of El Capitan in Yosemite Park, California. A performance that only a couple people on earth could achieve. And that whilst Tommy Caldwell is missing a finger. It's just incredible! The documentary is very easy to watch, and also shows the majestic sceneries of Yosemite Park. A park I went once a long time ago and that any nature lover should visit as it's so beautiful and peaceful. Even if you're not into extreme sports or rock climbing The Dawn Wall is a must see.
Better than Free Solo
jenncday-1706520 January 2021
How this doc flew under the radar relative to Free Solo is beyond me.. a beautiful movie about climbing but so much more. Tommy and Kevin display such humanity in their plight to reach their goal that this documentary transforms into a movie about the human spirit, partnership, and triumph. Truly one of the best documentaries I have seen in a long time.
Inspiring bromance! Epic climb!
jonesjamie-605792 April 2019
I was pleasantly surprised by this documentary, everything about it is just brilliant!
There's a great back story, past footage of the climbers, emphasis on the dedication and process that goes into a big climb.
Tommy Caldwell seems like such a lovely guy and his relationship with his climbing partner is what makes this film so inspiring; true friendship.
This documentary is 10x better than Free Solo. I highly recommend.
This documentary is 10x better than Free Solo. I highly recommend.
Captivating
fayandray31 March 2019
As a documentary, I liked this one so much more than Free Solo. Obviously, the ultimate consequence if Alex Honnold wasn't successful was death, but this movie focused on work and perseverance. I rooted for Tommy and Kevin way more, and just wanted them to reach the goal.
Incredible story, average direction
louis-d-dubois23 September 2019
The characters and the story are something out of this world, but the documentary itself is not especially well directed. They try to juggle between three topics: athletic performance, psychology and relationships, all centered around this project which aims to achieve something seemingly impossible. It s still very much worth watching but it could have been much better articulated and communicated.
Way beyond climbing, it's about friendship and perseverance.
jpcyr2 March 2019
These days, with all the media and oscars, the eyes are on Free Solo. Yes I'm must admit it's a crazy feat of being to do so and the filmmaking is outstanding, but here the story is way more compelling as it's more than climbing and pushing yourself. It's about friendship and never give up on it. One the most amazing documentaries I've seen on climbing and overall.
Fascinating documentary
csm-781195 July 2020
Striking documentary about Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgerson's attempt to free climb a new route up El Capitan in Yosemite national park. Tells the tale well, both in terms of the monumental effort itself and of the backgrounds of the men making that effort. Awe inspiring stuff.
well worth watching
chrislawuk27 November 2018
Over coming physical disabilities, personal trauma, PTSD, pushing your self to supernatural physical feats. Its really and autobiography about the climber and I think thats what makes it great, the personal struggle. Its not a story of self pity or failure, but of achievement and success against the odds.
One lime
strike-199530 June 2019
A Study of Passion and Persistence
sdavid-4166017 March 2019
An entertaining, moving and inspiring "rockumentary" (if you will) about two men who have earned the title to be the best at something almost impossibly difficult. The next time you think your day is tough, watch these two find the courage and determination to conquer theirs.
Great film
sibruuk16 March 2019
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