If you fancy a night in watching a DVD, then take a look at the selection available at Island Libraries. At just £1 per night, they’re a great bargain. Ed
From its outward appearance of stone and mortar – that can withstand the elements of harshness, the interior of infinite warmth and unadulterated charm on the Earth-Plane of true discovery that is Ventnor Library, bares forth a DVD of such immense bravery that to simply call it a film would be a severe understatement.
Originally released in 2008 in Germany and now available on DVD ‘North Face’ is an extremely admirable piece of work, that would cause anyone who is cynical about the state of cinema and movies to rethink their case.
Give German films a go
Although after studying cinema and films of Germany whilst living in Berlin, it would be easy to suggest that they usually end with sadness or extreme sorrow, German cinema is always worth a view in any format, if only for this reason.
Director Philipp Stoelzl has achieved the qualities of realism and acting, at telling a story based on the mountain climbers who attempted the ascent of The Eiger, in the 1930’s but also managed to bring in some truely precarious shots, scenes and stuntwork, incredible risks and explainable details to the historic event.
Germany and the people who live and breath there do suffer from one common trait the world over and that is that they are the most misunderstood race on the planet. Much like any European language, certain words or expressions simply do not translate into English and visa-versa.
However, this is where ‘North Face’ achieves part of its quality for the advent of simple dialogue and although there is monumental weight to its scope, the purpose of the project is well structured and staggering.
It is a change for German cinema also, that although does not radically appear as anything different at first, it will be a surprise for any viewer of the Germanics. Danka Philipp.
