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Climbing King Lines--The MovieChris Sharma's Journey Through Unbelievable Rock Climbing Filmed
The movie King Lines inspires even non-climbers by way of Chris Sharma's unconditional love for the rock.
Climbers’ DelightGood luck trying to get through the next day after watching King Lines without laying hands on some stone. Throughout the movie, produced and directed by Josh Lowell and Peter Mortimer, Chris Sharma’s skill and undeniable dedication are riveting. Chris Sharma's Impossible ClimbsThe project that made Sharma famous, the “impossible” 70-foot arch perched over the Mediterranean off the coast of Mallorca, is represented in full. For the first time, viewers can see the arch up close. Can almost feel the muscle-shaking moves and the wind whistling through ears when fingers fail. Dozens of plummets to the waves below cause cringes, and several times, viewers can’t help but watch with bated breath as Sharma seems about to make it, only to fall again. And again. And again. A hidden play-land in South America provides yet another view into the world of Chris Sharma. The climbers express their perspective on the controversy surrounding the approach into a sacred area for South American tribes. They worry about leaving as little trace as possible. Though a beautiful area, they are right to doubt the appropriateness of being there. Friendly competition between Sharma and Dani Andrada, another strong climber from Spain, comes off as an enviable friendship. Sharma seems to make his way through the world without fear or care. His journey seems enchanted. Above and BeyondThough at first, King Lines could be just another climbing flick featuring unimaginable projects and grunting athletes, there’s a startling undertone of personal struggle and human condition. Josh Lowell and Peter Mortimer pulled off quite a feat. In addition to some amazing shots, they captured the human element of climbing. Chris Sharma’s unbridled personality shines through, and we see him laughing and crying, smiling and screaming, joking and serious. From his first touch on plastic climbing holds in an indoor gym to his fame-bringing Mallorca project, the film gives a peek into Sharma’s growth as a climber and as a person. What It’s All AboutSharma’s life is about finding the best lines. He’s utterly dedicated to the rock, and utterly unapologetic in his approach. At one touching moment, he voices his trepidation about having only four more years until his 30th birthday. His goal, then, is to make the most of his remaining youth, digging deeper and looking harder for the best route in the world: the king line. Likely, a specific king line will never be found—instead, the quest itself is the king line. That seems to be the point of the movie. The joy is in the journey. What’s NextIt would be nearly impossible for any climber to watch King Lines and not be inspired. This author woke up early the very next morning, wedged in the shoes, slapped on some chalk, and tried his hardest to replicate the powerful grace of Chris Sharma’s climbing style. Needless to say, imagination was somewhat more potent than reality. However, there is no doubt that King Lines is one of the most personally influential climbing films available.
The copyright of the article Climbing King Lines--The Movie in Rock Climbing is owned by Paul Blumer. Permission to republish Climbing King Lines--The Movie in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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