The Fourth Phase

The Fourth Phase is a visceral and thrilling documentary film that premiered in 2016, presenting an intimate and immersive journey into the world of professional snowboarding featuring athletes like Mikkel Bang, Shin Biyajima, and Ben Ferguson. Directed by Jon Klaczkiewicz, this documentary represents a bold leap in the snowboarding genre. Light on plot but heavy on breathtaking action and cinematography, The Fourth Phase serves as a visual spectacle and an awe-inspiring journey into some of the world's most breathtaking and extreme environments.

The film primarily centers around the ambitious adventures of the snowboarding legend Travis Rice, whose previous films, such as The Art of Flight, had already set up high expectations for the audience. However, joining him in the fray of the adrenaline-thrilling snowboarding is an elite group of boarders including Mikkel Bang, Shin Biyajima, and Ben Ferguson.

Mikkel Bang, hailing from Norway, is known for his impressive freestyle riding and eye-catching big air tricks. Shin Biyajima is a seasoned snowboarder from Japan, whose smooth and controlled boarding style has made him a fan favorite. On the other hand, Oregon-native Ben Ferguson with his big mountain freestyle skills, is an exciting addition to the mix.

The Fourth Phase is far more than a snowboaring film; it is an exploration of our relationship with the natural world, particularly Mother Nature’s most captivating phenomena - 'The Water Cycle.'The riders tracked the hydrological cycle around the North Pacific, from Japan to Alaska, exploring where snow falls and eventually melts, returning to the sea. This ambitious journey and the wonders encountered form the backbone of the film’s captivating narrative.

Lending a unique perspective to this holistic journey, the creative team of The Fourth Phase has integrated a narrative structure into the film that is both informative and enigmatic. It aligns Rice and his fellow snowboarders with the forces of nature, navigating through the extreme conditions demonstrating the undeniable connection between humans and the natural world. The incredible harmony of professional athleticism and nature's potency is captured beautifully, immersing the audience into a world where humans aren’t just witnessing nature, but actively engaging with it.

While the narrative structure grounds the film, it is essentially the staggering visuals that take your breath away. The cinematography, capturing the grandeur of the mountains, the purity of the snow, and the sheer exhilaration of the riders, is nothing short of exceptional. The stylish, slow-motion captures of gigantic jumps and hair-raising stunts compels the audience to hold their breath. The movie smartly pairs these stunning visuals with a dynamic soundtrack that oscillates between thunderous rock tracks and gentle harmony to match the mood of the visuals.

Moreover, The Fourth Phase delivers an environmental message without making it seem forced or overtly political. The athletes are consciously aware of their impact on the environment they cherish and the film subtly communicates the importance of sustainability and respect for nature.

Behind the scenes, the hardships faced by the crew members, production team, and the riders themselves, is depicted with an honest lens, thus offering a raw and unfiltered insight into the world of professional snowboarding. Whether it’s unforeseen weather conditions, logistical difficulties, or risk of life-threatening injuries, the reality of what goes into creating such an epic snowboard film assists in humanizing these larger-than-life individuals.

The crew’s unwavering commitment to showcasing some path-breaking snowboarding amid nature's uncontainable forces is inspiring. However, The Fourth Phase isn't just for fans of snowboarding or extreme sports. The film's universal themes of exploration, embracing challenges, and respecting the grand narrative of our ecosystem, weaves a compelling tale that resonates with a wide range of audiences.

Overall, The Fourth Phase is a magnificent ride that makes you marvel at the power of nature, the excitement of snowboarding, and the indomitable human spirit that dares to ride the untrammeled paths. The film proves to be a harmonious mix of adrenaline-rushing action, authentic storytelling, and breathtaking cinematography, providing an experience that is both visceral and thought-provoking.