In this white-knuckle drama, a friendship between two hotshot climbers with very different styles ? one a trailblazer, and the other known as "Safety Man" ? escalates into a test of wills, character and sacrifice that push... more »es both men beyond their limits.« less
The Best Christian Evangelistic/Action Film I've Seen
S. Keeney | 01/30/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'm giving this film 5 stars because it is in the limited offering "Christian" section; but I would give it 4 stars even stacked up against secular movies with a lot more money spent on production. This movie has everything; an unusual story, beautiful scenery, good acting, comedy, lots of action, heroism, sacrifice, character change and development, biblical values balanced by fairly realistic presentations of non-believers, a touch of racial and cultural tensions, and a clear presentation of the message of Jesus. The Christians show flaws and failings; the non-Christians aren't stereotypes. It's family-clean and doesn't compromise to tell its story, but it tries to stay in touch with the sinful side of life as well.
The rockclimbing story is handled with high production values. As a beginning/intermediate climber, I didn't see anything in the climbing that made me say, "Oh, come on!" Many scenes look authentic and provide thrills and frights. The interaction between the two main characters is believable.
This is just a really good Christian film, even if you know nothing about climbing. Buy it, enjoy it, use it for outreach. It might even inspire you to learn to climb :) ("He is my Rock and my high tower . . .)
Warning: be careful of showing this to young kids. It does have plenty of dangerous scenes, a fight, drinking, and a death. Great for teens, though."
Self Examination
James B. Smith | 05/06/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This movie caused me to reflect on who I am, where I am going and why. It caused me to examine my motives, morals and faith. The scenery, storie line, actors, and tear-jerking scenes were inspiring. A well done family movie that I am anxious to view again."
Great movie...
Michelle Polk | Mississippi, USA | 07/16/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"One man's battle to accept himself. His competitiveness brings him to a place that he needs others in this life. There won't be a dry eye in the house after viewing this dvd. It is a wonderful family movie."
Believable non preachy story line
MotherLodeBeth | Sierras of California | 03/28/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What I liked about the movie was the believable non preachy story lines. Like with the one young couple where the woman Cheryl Martin is a Christian but isn't walking the talk, who then finds she has made a poor choice and faces some hard choices. Meanwhile the man Derrick Williams is struggling with his bitterness from not having a Dad growing up, and his goal of showing the Dad he never knew that he is better than him.
Meanwhile the other climber Michael Harris, is a widower, who is also a Christian, although not an in your face type which I found very refreshing. He seeks God first and listens and in doing so avoids mistakes the other climber is making. But he never gives up on his friend whom he sees as a hurting man. He simply loves him where he is at, which is what Christ does with each of us. In the end he brings the Biblical admonition of laying down our life for a friend to life.
Mack 'Mackie' Leonard is the owner of a sporting goods store whose son the climbers have saved so he promises to fund their big climb and has promised to build a new store in an area where businesses are needed. A man who works for him tries to go behind his back to change things, and gets fired for being corrupt. I like the whole story line.
I also loved the cinematography since we are a backpacking, skiing, climbing family and never get tired of great mountain scenes. Sure, some elements of the movie may seem sappy to hardened movie goers. But for me I simply liked the story line and how in an era when so many 'Christian' movies like the Left Behind Series are so sophomoric, that this movie is mature and well thought out.
On a side note, I so appreciated seeing a black man in a serious climbing movie, because climbing and most snow sports are often shown as being activities that only whites do. Hope the movie gets more minorities interested in climbing."
Touching piece of cheese...
M. Schick | Calgary, Canada | 05/21/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"As far as Christian movies go, this is an excellent movie with a great plot. However, it did seem a tad bit cheesy in places...though, this is to be expected in most Christian movies. This aside, 'The Climb' is a wonderful movie that will touch even the hardest of hearts."