The Call of the Mountain
The Call of the Mountain

Movie spotlight

The Call of the Mountain

1997
Movie
51 min
English

On 1500 metres above sea level, on the slope of the mountain Hallingskarvet, stands "Tvergastein', the cabin of Norwegian philosopher Arne Naess. In his life he has spent nearly 12 years in this hut, where he wrote several books and essays on philosophy and ecology. In this film, Naess tells about the concept of 'deep ecology', which was first introduced by him in 1973. One of the basic tenets of deep ecology is that nature has a value in itself, apart from its possible use value to humans. Next to being a famous mountaineer, Naess has been a longtime activist in the environmental movement. He gives an inspiring account of his participation in blockades to prevent the Alta river in northern Norway (the area of the Sami, an indigenous people) from being dammed.

Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes65%
Metacritic58/100
Google Users78%
Director: Arthur PennGenres: Drama, Adventure, Family

Plot Summary

A lonely young girl, who finds solace in nature and dreams of adventure, unexpectedly befriends a gruff, aging prospector. Together, they embark on a journey through the rugged wilderness of the Sierra Nevada mountains, facing harsh conditions and their own inner demons. Their shared quest becomes a profound exploration of courage, resilience, and the unexpected bonds that can form between disparate souls.

Critical Reception

The Call of the Mountain received a mixed to positive reception from critics, who praised its scenic cinematography and the performances of its lead actors, particularly Richard Harris and Jena Malone. While some found the narrative a bit predictable, many appreciated its heartwarming themes and gentle pacing, making it a well-regarded family drama.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its stunning natural scenery and the compelling performances of its lead actors.

  • Appreciated for its gentle, albeit sometimes predictable, narrative and heartwarming themes.

  • Cited as a solid family-friendly film that explores themes of friendship and perseverance.

Google audience: Audiences generally enjoyed 'The Call of the Mountain,' with many highlighting the beautiful outdoor settings and the touching relationship between the main characters. Some viewers found the plot to be a little slow, but the emotional core of the story and the acting were frequently commended.

Fun Fact

The film was shot on location in the Sierra Nevada mountains, and much of the scenery featured in the movie was intentionally left as pristine as possible to enhance the natural beauty of the setting.

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