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NORTH FACE Send This Review to a Friend
As someone whose highest climb has been a stepladder, I find this tale of scaling an icy mountain riveting and, except for a very contrived ending, a convincing adventure tale that makes one feel as if one is struggling up the mountain along with the daredevils attempting the feat. “North Face,” amazingly directed by Philipp Stölzl, is based on a true story, which adds special interest. In addition, there is the political background of the climbing being urged in 1936 by the Nazis to emphasize German superiority.
The goal is to scale the Eiger North Face, the towering wall of stone and ice in Switzerland. The film follows the attempt by Toni Kurz (Benno Fürmann) and Andi Hinterstoisser (Florian Lukas), and also by two Austrians, Willy Angerer (Simon Schwarz) and Edi Rainer (Gerge Friedrich). The ensuing ordeal of stoic, physically grueling and life-threatening effort is depicted with absolute authenticity. On that score, “North Face” is one of the most compelling tales of personal grit that you are likely to see.
Less convincing is some of the corollary story involving journalist Luise (Johanna Wokalek) and her affection for climber Toni. There is also her Nazi-sympathizer magazine boss, who, along with Luise, heads for the scene to record what is meant to be a triumphant achievement that they will be able to chronicle. A passage inside the mountain leads to doors that open at various points. When things go wrong, Luise risks her life to get out of one of the doors and onto an icy ledge to help guide her imperiled Toni. That part of the film seems pure baloney and detracts from a film that doesn’t need the injection of contrived drama. The action is breathtaking enough on its own. A Music Box Films release.
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