The Endless Summer Revisited

The Endless Summer Revisited, released in 2000, is a documentary film directed by Bruce Brown. This is a sequel to the landmark film, "The Endless Summer," which was released in 1966. The film features the same surfers, Bruce Brown, Robert August, and Mike Hynson, who retrace their steps from the original film but also introduces Hobie Alter and their sons, Matt and Pat. This time, they surf at some of the most remote and exotic beaches in Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.

The documentary opens with Bruce Brown explaining how "The Endless Summer" changed his life and the surfing world. It then moves into a montage of the iconic footage from the original movie, which introduces new audiences to "The Endless Summer," as well as providing a nostalgic trip down memory lane for those who saw the first film.

As the film progresses, viewers are introduced to Hobie Alter, the inventor of the modern surfboard, as well as Robert August and Bruce Brown's sons, Matt and Pat. The film follows the group as they travel to remote and exotic beaches in Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, meeting with local surfers, and experiencing the unique cultures of these countries. The camera captures stunning visuals of the scenery and waves, making the audience feel as if they are right there with them.

Throughout the film, Bruce Brown provides humorous commentary, while the surfers provide insight into their experiences as they revisit old stomping grounds and discover new ones. In one scene, they surf the infamous Waimea Bay in Hawaii, where they reminisce about the first time they surfed there in the original film. In another scene, they surf the huge waves at South Africa's Jeffreys Bay, which they describe as one of the best surfing spots in the world.

As they travel from location to location, the group experiences some unexpected challenges. During their visit to Australia, they discover that the beaches are closed due to a shark attack, and in South Africa, they have to dodge underwater kelp to catch the perfect wave. These challenges add an element of excitement to the film and show that even experienced surfers must adapt to nature's whims.

One of the film's highlights is watching the relationship between the surfers and the locals. In Africa, they visit a remote village where they are greeted by the tribal chief, who then takes them on a wild boar hunt. In Australia, they witness the annual Aboriginal dance ceremony, and in New Zealand, they attend a Maori welcoming ceremony. These experiences add a cultural depth to the film that is missing from many documentaries.

Similar to the original film, "The Endless Summer Revisited" features an excellent soundtrack that captures the essence of the 1960s surf culture. Tracks include classic surf hits like "Wipe Out" and "Pipeline," as well as a score by Gary Hoey that blends traditional surf music with modern rock.

Overall, "The Endless Summer Revisited" is an entertaining and visually stunning documentary that pays homage to the original film while introducing new audiences to the world of surfing. The incredible scenery, the camaraderie between the surfers, the relationships with the locals, and the exciting surfing action all combine to make a film that is sure to satisfy both fans of the original film and new audiences alike.