White Rhino

White Rhino is a gripping and visually enthralling 2019 documentary that fuses adventure, surf culture, and raw human curiosity into a cinematic marvel. Directed by the accomplished Brett Rapkin, the film is set against the captivating backdrop of big wave surfing and explores the lives of three renowned surfers - Bruce Irons, Nathan Fletcher, and Mark Healey.

The title White Rhino is not a mere fancy name; it references a rare and extremely large wave which, when surfers encounter it, presents extremely dangerous yet electrifying ride opportunities. Influenced by the chase of this wave, the surfers share their riveting and unforgettable experiences as they challenge nature at its rawest and most unpredictable.

This movie features the respected surfer Bruce Irons, whose calm demeanor belies an indomitable spirit that shines in the face of the ocean's biggest swells. Irons’s technique and style is a cornerstone of the film, revealing the physical demands and split-second decision-making that big wave surfing requires. His background and path to professional surfing is intimately shared, giving a sense of the human challenges that such a lifestyle presents.

Nathan Fletcher, an accomplished surfer, known for his unbridled fearlessness and innovative approach to big wave surfing, is another protagonist in the film. Known for pushing the boundaries of what's physically possible on a surfboard, Fletcher's part in the documentary showcases the mental preparation and extreme risk associated with tackling ocean waves of staggering magnitude. His adrenaline-fueled narrative forms an engaging aspect of the film.

Lastly, the film follows Mark Healey, a renowned big wave surfer and free-diver, recognized for his harmonious approach to the ocean. Healey's profound understanding and respect for the power of the ocean is beautifully depicted in the film, illuminating his unique philosophy which moves beyond the thrill of the ride to a deeper relationship with the sea.

As the movie unfolds, it provides the audience a rare peek into the surfers' pursuit and interaction with the elusive 'white rhino' – massive Pacific storms that produce waves that can reach up to 100 feet. These relatively infrequent events represent pinnacle moments in the lives of these individuals, who are always prepared to drop everything in their pursuit of these water giants.

White Rhino is awash with jaw-dropping cinematography, which plays a key role in transporting audiences into the ethos of the surfer's world - the breathtaking beaches, the thunderous waves, and the sheer power and beauty of the ocean. The film offers spectacular visual sequences of these athletes riding monstrous waves created by some of the biggest swells in Pacific history, highlighting the drama, excitement, and stark reality of the sport.

The documentary manages to be about more than just surfing itself. It delves into the persona of the surfer, exploring their social and philosophical outlooks, while simultaneously recording their jubilant highs and rocky lows against the vast canvas of the ever-changing, merciless, yet picturesque sea. It depicts the surfers’ respect, awe, and sometimes painful encounter with nature and educates viewers of the awe-inspiring yet fearsome display of oceanic power and the human desire to test one's mettle against it.

From a psychological perspective, White Rhino stretches beyond the boundaries of surf genre films, focusing on the extraordinary strength, both physical and mental, needed to face down these oceanic leviathans. The determination, tenacity, and courage of these athletes are showcased as they throw themselves into the throes of danger, revealing the existential philosophy ingrained in their passion.

To sum it up, White Rhino is a masterfully shot, beautifully narrated film which explores the dangerous and adrenaline-pumping world of big wave surfing while delving into the human stories and psyches behind the sport. The movie skilfully draws together action-filled surf sequences, introspective interviews, and stunning videography into a cohesive, enticing cinematic exploration of a truly awe-inspiring subculture. For anyone who has ever found themselves fascinated by the power of the ocean, the allure of adventure, or the strength of the human spirit, the film White Rhino is a must-watch.