Anybody up for climbing the sheer face of El Capitan, the 3,000-foot-high mountain in Yosemite National Park, in only two-and-a-half hours? That's the goal of Alexander and Thomas Huber—German siblings and fellow sports-extremists—profiled in Pepe Danquart's To the Limit, a vigorous and often gorgeous documentary about the brothers' speed-climbing efforts in Yosemite and the mountains of Patagonia. While chronicling the persistent Hubers' strenuous activities over time, the film also slowly reveals problems between the two, revolving around rivalry and old grievances. While nothing out of the ordinary, these unresolved personal issues become both magnified and absurd set against the epic dangers and beauty of the great outdoors, and it's that juxtaposition of outer magnificence and inner torment that makes this more than just another sports film. Watching the brothers, it's easy to forget that a film production crew surrounds the Hubers' frantic climbing efforts; yet, during restful moments, Alexander and Thomas can't wait to open up for the cameras—especially separately, as if they're in some above-timberline episode of MTV's The Real World. Despite their differences, however, the Hubers seem joined at the hip, their destinies as brothers and climbers intertwined. Recommended. [Note: DVD extras include a six-minute epilogue, text production notes and biographies, a photo gallery, and trailers. Bottom line: a small but solid extras package for an engaging documentary] (T. Keogh)
To the Limit
First Run, 95 min., in German w/English subtitles, not rated, DVD: $29.95 Volume 24, Issue 1
To the Limit
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