Step Into Liquid (2003)

Thirty four years after director Bruce Brown made a permanent impact with his surfing documentary "The Endless Summer", his son Dana Brown made his own surfing documentary, "Step Into Liquid". In a few aspects, this newer movie is an improvement on the older documentary. The cinematography and the camerwork is stuff that Bruce Brown could only dream of having at his disposal all those years ago; it is extremely professional (and spectacular). Also, we learn a heck of a lot more about the sport of surfing, as well as how it's changed dramatically since Bruce Brown's movie. But I think the original documentary has some strengths that are not quite realized in the newer movie. The original documentary I think was a lot more magical, having a quiet and easygoing charm that made you follow it along and made you realize how special surfing was. I'm not saying one of these documentaries is better (or worse) than the other - instead they each have their own unique perspective and style. Both documentaries are well done, and are definitely worth watching.

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.

I saw this film in the theater when it was released and absolutely loved it. I don't surf but have always wanted to. I watched the film again on my computer and that only doubled my desire again, to want to surf.Director Dana Brown-whose father Bruce directed the legendary surfing film "Endless Summer"-captures the "stoke" (passion) felt by surfers in places as varied as Vietnam and Wisconsin. The movie is not complicated. Brown visits various places where a variety of not-necessarily-typical-surfer-types (along with legendary big wave surfer Laird Hamilton) pursue their passion. We hear from long-time buddies surfing in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, we see surfers in the Gulf of Mexico surfing behind the swell left by supertankers, and we follow Dana to Vietnam where his crew tracks the surfers at one of two surfing clubs in that country. It is hard to communicate how surfing makes one feel and it is a challenge for Brown. Nonetheless, he tries and I felt I appreciated how much the surfers enjoyed what they were doing, regardless of the size or the waves' origins. The surfing footage is fantastic and the joy felt by surfers is impossible to dislike. The pure joy felt by surfers is a welcome respite from the troubles of the world and Brown captures it expertly.

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.