Cosmic Children

Cosmic Children, released in 1970, is an eccentric exploration of the surfing subculture of the 1960s and 1970s. Directed by John Severson, a poignant auteur in the surf film industry, the movie narrates the adventurous spirit of surfers and their passion for the mighty ocean. Centered around three iconic surfers of their time: Rolf Aurness, Corky Carroll, and Owl Chapman, it covers a span of different international surfing locales, portraying an intricate relationship between man and nature.

Rolf Aurness, the young world champion of 1970, plays a significant role in the film. The son of the esteemed actor, James Arness, he brings a natural flair to his parts, demonstrating an obvious vibrance and thrill in every scene. Aurness's laid-back persona complemented with an impressive surfing skillset fits perfectly with the film’s primary theme of being in sync with the rhythm of the oceans and mastering the rushing waves, which serve as a canvas for the surfer's art form.

Corky Carroll, a professional surfer of his time and a five-time U.S. Champion, is also a crucial part of the storyline. Known for his revolutionary contribution to the surfing world, Carroll adds an engaging characteristic charm to the film. His unique and innovative surfing style stands as a testament to his effortless grace and control, perfectly in tune with the seascape.

Owl Chapman, a renowned big-wave surfer from the North Shore of Oahu, greatly contributes to the film with his enigmatic presence and extraordinary surf maneuvers. Bold and unreserved, Chapman is seen tackling some colossal waves and maneuvering with apparent ease and determination, leaving the audience in utter awe.

While the film revolves around three main protagonists, it also features cameos by other legendary figures from the world of surfing, which only helps to enrich the film's narrative. Cosmic Children takes us on a journey to different locales, from Hawaii to California, to various international surfing hotspots such as Australia and Tahiti. It flaunts the magnificence of the ocean and the various surf spots in all their grandeur. The film depicts the raw beauty and ever-changing moods of the ocean with sweeping shots and breath-taking cinematography.

Cosmic Children is not only a surfing documentary but a cultural showcase of the era. It captures the pure essence of the bygone period of the 60s and 70s—a time when surfing was experiencing a significant cultural shift. The surfers are portrayed not merely as athletes but as artists expressing their creativity, style, and freedom.

The film also delves into the surfer's lifestyle – their music preferences, the trends of the time, their day-to-day life, interspersing it with awe-inspiring surf action. The robust soundtrack complements the visuals excellently, encapsulating the free-spirited nature of the surfers while maintaining the rhythm of the waves.

Cosmic Children also carries an underlying eco-conscious message intending to raise awareness about environmental preservation. The film invites kind consideration towards the environment, showcasing the immense respect and love the surfers harbor for the ocean, which gives them so much joy and inspiration.

In essence, Cosmic Children is a film that celebrates the wild spirit of surfers and their deep affinity for the ocean. These 'children' of the cosmos are not limited to the earth's boundaries but instead embrace the entirety of nature as their playground, expressing their love and passion through the exhilarating sport of surfing. A nostalgic trip down memory lane, this film remains an enduring document of an enduring subculture, reflecting an era that bred legends and transformed surfing into an art form, just as much as a sport. Its lively narrative, mixed with exhilarating surf scenes, continues to inspire and fascinate both surfers and non-surfers, timelessly capturing the pulse of the golden age of surfing.