Mountains, Myth and Restoration

 

180° South (2010)– A documentary about one man’s journey to
South America to fulfill the climb of his dreams. Along the way he
meets some personal heroes, and people working to save beautiful and
endangered parts of our world.

Directed by Chris Malloy Starring: Yvon Chouinard,
Doug Tompkins, Keith Molloy

Why I Liked It – Stunning visuals surround a
unique love story.

Here’s a movie that’s not like every other
movie in the category. “180° South“ is a movie about mountain
climbing, while not being a climbing movie. While telling the story
of several unique people who lived amazing lives, it’s not a
biopic. It’s a love story, but it’s without romantic leads.

“180 South” is the story of a journey. A
journey that begins in the past inspires a young man who lives out
the adventure. Slowed down by questions about how to pay for the
trip, and how to get there (Patagonia is in the far southern portion
of South America), he perseveres. The sailboat he needs for part of
the journey is de-masted in a storm. He and the crew have to jury rig
a new mast on the fly. One challenge follows another as he makes slow
progress on his way to the goal.

Jeff Johnson loves adventures. He’s traveled the
world in search of them. When he was a boy, he heard about two men,
Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins. Tompkins is the only man verified
to reach the summit of Cerro Corcovado in Patagonia at the time of
the movie. Beyond their exploits, these two men founded two top
outdoor clothing companies, Patagonia and North Face. Johnson is
fascinated by the men and by the mountain. The movie follows him from
California to Chile. In 1968, the older men had driven the whole way,
an adventure in and of itself. This time Johnson drives part of the
way, then gets on a sailboat. That becomes an adventure off the coast
of Easter Island when it loses its mast in a storm. He finds another
boat and finally finds his way to the doorstep of his heroes.

After becoming wealthy through their companies,
both Tompkins and Chouinard left the business world behind to
dedicate their lives to environmental causes, especially in Chile.
Thier efforts have saved some amazing things (along with, it must be
mentioned, Tompkins’ wife Kris. Former CEO of Patagonia, a
dedicated conservationist and United Nations Patron of Preservation).
Their work to restore and preserve unique parts of our world is a
fascinating story on its own.

The movie is in no hurry to tell its story. Like
climbing, it takes its time and works its way through the options.
This is a story about the love of climbing, and the love of the wild
world that still exists. I went into it without many expectations and
found an inspiring story set in a stunning part of our world.

Rating: *** Worth A Look