Fallback

Tell it on the Mountain - Tales From The Pacific Crest Trail

Tell it on the Mountain - Tales From The Pacific Crest Trail poster

Tell it on the Mountain - Tales From The Pacific Crest Trail

2013119IMDb8.6/10

Where to Watch Tell it on the Mountain - Tales From The Pacific Crest Trail

Tell it on the Mountain - Tales From The Pacific Crest Trail is a richly woven narrative about hikers who choose to traverse one of the grandest, yet most challenging trails in the world. It's a raw, inspirational, epic documentary-style journey of resilience, self-discovery, and personal triumph that is narrated in the backdrop of some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the United States.

First released in 2013, the movie is driven by the compelling narrations and experiences of a handful of hikers. Among them, the renowned figures of Scott Williamson and George Woodward feature prominently.

Scott Williamson is a figure of significant reverence in the world of endurance hiking. An eleven-time hiker of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), Scott's grit, determination, and almost superhuman resilience come to life through intimate interviews and stunning visuals in the movie. He is not an outsider observing the wonders of the Pacific Crest Trail, but a veteran who treats the trail like a lifelong companion.

On the other end of the spectrum is George Woodward, a charming older hiker who, despite his age, tackles the PCT with relentless passion and energy. His perseverance and affable personality shine throughout the movie, underlining the message that age should not limit one's pursuit of adventure and exploration.

Tell it on the Mountain illuminates the process of long-distance hiking beyond the physical, digging deeply into the emotional and psychological aspects of the journey. From individual motivations, preparation, and the process of detachment from everyday life to mired trails, jaw-dropping vistas, bears, bugs, and blisters, the film offers an inside look at these hikers’ extraordinary encounters and experiences.

Focusing on not just one, but a series of hiking seasons, the unique narrative structure of the movie captures the essence of the trail. By incorporating a diversity of perspectives, directors Lisa Diener and Shaun Carrigan manage to portray a comprehensive view of the Pacific Crest Trail experience.

Whether it’s the enthusiasm of first-time hikers or the grit and determination of experienced trail veterans, the movie depicts a range of emotions and experiences that encapsulate the essence of the PCT. By skillfully alternating between personal interviews, evocative narratives, breathtaking visuals, and raw footages, the filmmakers craft a deeply human story born from the struggle against the wilderness.

At the heart of the film is the Pacific Crest Trail itself. Stretching over 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada, across California, Oregon, and Washington, the PCT is one of the longest and most arduous trails in the world. The trail's rugged beauty, unforgiving terrain, diverse ecosystems – from harsh deserts, high alpine crags, verdant forests to scenic meadows, and the constantly changing weather conditions form the epic background of the movie.

Through the intimate lens of filmmaker, trails life is laid bare, showcasing the unique community culture that has arisen among those who tackle the trail. The camaraderie, shared experiences, friendships forged, transient trail names, the trail 'angels', and the evolving 'trail magic' phenomenon provides a moving testament to the community spirit amidst the remoteness of the terrain.

The movie is visually striking and simultaneously raw, feeling much like a love letter to the Pacific Crest Trail. It could inspire even the most indoor-inclined individuals to consider embarking on their own hiking adventure. The stunning cinematography doesn’t just capture the trail's grandeur but intimately connects the audience to the hikers’ experience and emotions.

Within Tell it on the Mountain, the challenge of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail becomes a metaphor for the struggles and rewards of life. From newcomer to veteran, each hiker’s personal reason to take on such an epic journey translates into a profound universal message of courage, persistence, transformation, and discovery.

For anyone seeking a deep, poignant glimpse into long-distance hiking culture or simply the motivation to overcome life’s adversities, Tell it on the Mountain - Tales From The Pacific Crest Trail is a must-watch. Its compelling depiction of human endurance, emotional exploration, and rugged natural beauty guarantees a captivating expedition from the comfort of your living room.

2013119
IMDb8.6/10
Director
Lisa Diener
Stars
Scott Williamson, George Woodward
Genres
Adventure, Documentary