Nordwand (North Face)

This German film rocks! This film is both visually and mentally stunning. The photography is first rate and helps the audience feel right on the mountain. The director referred to it as "worm's view" of the action. Very apt. The story is compelling from both a human and historical point of view.

Benno Fürmann is brilliant as the lead of this hell-bent team of climbers. Florian Lukas is his ever-enthusiastic climbing partner. These two play German heros who were part of the pre-WWII competition to climb "the last problem of the Alps", the north face of the Eiger in Switzerland.

Johanna Wokalek plays a Berlin photo-journalist who was a childhood friend of the duo who returns to report on their efforts. Ulrich Tukur plays her smarmy boss.

The film in many contrasts at the same time. The audience is taken from the cold of the mountain to the warmth of the lodge. From the absolutism of the Third Reich to the moderation of their Swiss and Austrian neighbors. The film is a delicious ride up and down the peaks of emotion.

Watch this with someone who has some experience climbing rocks of any size.