Degrees North

Degrees North is an adrenaline-pumping, thrilling adventure movie directed by Guido Perrini and released in 2015. This captivating extreme sports documentary features Samuel Anthamatten, Ralph Backstrom, and Xavier De Le Rue playing themselves as professional extreme sportsmen embarking on an unforgettable journey.

One of the main highlights of the movie is its location - the heart-pounding, icy wilderness of Svalbard and Alaska. The film examines and visualizes the fearless undertaking of the three leads as they venture into these treacherous terrains. Here, they not only push their physical and mental limits but also redefine the boundaries of what is possible in skiing and snowboarding.

Samuel Anthamatten, a Swiss mountaineer and freeskier, delivers a stellar performance, displaying his athleticism and remarkable mountaineering skills. His knowledge and experience of the mountainsides bring a unique feel to the travelogue, perfectly capturing the raw beauty of their towering white expanses. Samuel's astonishing stunts and his love for the mountains captivate viewers and add an extra layer to this film.

The American professional snowboarder Ralph Backstrom offers up several breathtaking scenes with his masterful negotiation of the challenging slopes. He not only captures the viewer's attention with his daring feats but also with his passion for the sport. Far from being reckless thrill-seekers, these professionals show a deep respect for the power and unpredictability of nature while reflecting on what it takes to dare venture into it.

The third protagonist, Xavier De Le Rue, a world-renowned professional snowboarder from France, impresses with bold rides, sweeping viewers along with him on his daredevil descents. His segments are spiced up with nail-biting moments showcasing his exceptional talent in negotiating steep, icy terrains.

Degrees North is more than just a sports documentary, it is an awe-inspiring exploration of human endurance, risk, and groundbreaking achievement. The gripping storyline holds the audience in its grip right from start till end, oscillating between remarkable feats of freeriding and deep, insightful reflection on what drives these athletes to push their limits. Indoctrinating a philosophy that resonates beyond the slopes, it uncovers the immense potential that lies within all of us to face the extremes that life presents.

The visual narration of Degrees North is exquisite in its presentation of some of the most remote and unexplored landscapes of the world. The cinematography, directed by Guido Perrini, captures the sheer scale and beauty of nature, juxtaposing it unpredictably against the vulnerability and boldness of the athletes. It blends panoramic shots of the frosty landscape with intense close-ups of the high-speed action. The film's cinematography takes viewers on a roller-coaster ride of aesthetic scenes, thrilling chases and serene moments of contemplation.

Degrees North also offers a unique feature that sets it apart from other films in its genre. The sportsmen, rather than relying on helicopters, use paramotors (a sort of powered paraglider) to scale the hitherto inaccessible heights. This not only shaves off the dependency on additional assistance but also denotes their self-reliance, innovativeness and respect for the environment.

The musical score of the film, compiled by Collapse Under The Empire, éVoid and several others, complements the action perfectly. The soundtrack captures the essence of their journey, amplifying the tension, awe, exhilaration, and relief felt throughout the movie.

Overall, Degrees North is a cinematic treasure for fans of extreme sports, breathtaking landscapes, and thrilling adventures. Its gripping portrayal of endurance, bravery, and sheer human resilience makes it much more than a documentary, but a visual feast and an inspirational narrative about pushing one's boundaries and confronting the extremes. Watching these athletes fight against odds, in a battle against their own fears and the wild nature, could leave you with a newfound respect for them, and a different perspective on what it takes to pursue one's dreams under the most daunting of circumstances.