Simply A Masterpiece

A Masterpiece!

It's entirely possible that sending the audience out feeling lousy was intentional

Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.

An affectionately narrated documentary about big waves and the courageous surfers who take them on. We visit some of the world's top meccas for the sport, like Oahu's awe-inspiring "Pipeline," and less-well-frequented spots, such as the Great Lakes and a Texas tanking lane.We meet some surfing stars, like buff and model-handsome Laird Hamilton, as well as less-likely aficionados, including an American war vet who returns to Vietnam to introduce underprivileged kids there to the pleasures of wave-riding.As expected, we see stunning footage of the ocean's power to create daunting curls. And it does leave you wondering how surfers make it back to shore. Indeed, we meet a young man whose neck was broken while surfing and observe how he still tackles the waves -- by lying prone on his board -- with the help of a few of his friends.This is a feel-good film about adults who still frolic amid the glories of nature. They set an excellent example for us all.

This is a film about people who have found that "one thing" that Jack Palance talks about in "City Slickers." I've never cared much one way or the other about surfing, but I can appreciate the commitment, passion, artistry, daring and athletic achievement embodied in the denizens of the sport that this film presents, all of it captured in some stunning and bravura cinematography.The joyous fulfillment and camaraderie radiated by the exuberant folks in this film is infectious. How many people are really fortunate enough to have found a singular, driving passion that becomes central to their entire existence? Too few, I fear. It's something you can't help but envy and - especially when it involves such sublime and spectacular abilities - admire.Do give this one a try. Unless you're part of the culture this film portrays, you're sure to see (and maybe even feel) some things you never have before.

Parts of the film move slowly but the photography throughout is stunning and the human interest stories compelling. I especially enjoyed the segment of the Catholic and Protestant children surfing together in Norther Ireland and vignettes such as of Dave Webster who has been surfing every day for the past 24 years and of a fellow who became paralyzed in a surfing accident and yet continues to surf in his own way.All of this coupled with some of the best surfing photography I have ever seen anywhere makes it a great film.

Step into Liquid is a thrilling ride over some of the worlds most amazingly beautiful and frightening waves. The roar of the ocean grabs you from the beginning. This movie demonstrates how difficult the skill of surfing is, yet how wonderfully connected all surfers are to mother earth and to each other. I appreciated the positive vibe that the director casts upon his subject. Surfing has been stereotyped in such a negative, dullard way that is was good to smile along with the talented adventurers and feel connected in some way.