Watch The Dawn Wall

The Dawn Wall is a 2017 documentary film that tells the story of Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson, two mountain climbers who set out to conquer the impossible: to climb the Dawn Wall, a 3,000-foot sheer granite face of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, California. The film is directed by Josh Lowell and Peter Mortimer. The documentary begins with the backstory of Tommy Caldwell, who was taken hostage by militants in Kyrgyzstan in 2000 while on an expedition to climb a nearby mountain. He managed to escape after six days of captivity and vowed to never let fear hold him back again. The Dawn Wall was his ultimate challenge, a seemingly impossible task that had never been accomplished before.

Caldwell teamed up with Kevin Jorgeson, a younger climber with a different style and approach than his partner. Together, they spent years training and planning for the climb, perfecting their technique and equipment. Their mission caught the attention of the world, with media outlets and fellow climbers following their progress closely.

The Dawn Wall is not just a story about mountain climbing, but also a tale of personal triumph and resilience. Both Caldwell and Jorgeson faced setbacks and obstacles along the way, from injuries to mental blocks, but they refused to give up. Each man had his own motivation for completing the climb, whether it was to prove himself after his kidnapping, to push the boundaries of what was possible, or simply for the sheer love of the sport.

The film is expertly shot and edited, with stunning footage of the rugged Yosemite terrain and the climbers themselves in action. The cinematography captures the majesty and danger of the Dawn Wall, which looms over the climbers like a giant monster waiting to be conquered. The filmmakers also use animation to illustrate the technical aspects of the climb, making it accessible to non-climbers.

One of the most powerful moments in the film comes when Jorgeson faces an almost insurmountable challenge on a difficult section of the wall. He falls over and over again, leaving his hands and fingers battered and bleeding. But he refuses to give up, and eventually, through sheer force of will, he manages to make the climb. It's a moment of pure triumph that will inspire anyone who's ever faced seemingly impossible odds.

Throughout the film, we get to know Caldwell and Jorgeson as people, not just athletes or adrenaline junkies. We learn about their families, their hobbies, and their dreams. We see them struggle and doubt themselves, as well as celebrate their victories.

The Dawn Wall is a powerful documentary that goes beyond the thrill of extreme sport to explore the human spirit. It's a film that will inspire you to take risks, chase your dreams, and never give up.

The Dawn Wall is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.1 and a MetaScore of 81.