Riding Giants (2004)

Documentary detailing the origins and history of surf culture.

Director:

Stacy Peralta

Writers:

Stacy Peralta, Sam George

Stars:

Jeff Clark, Darrick Doerner, Laird John Hamilton

1 win.

Cast

Credited cast:
Jeff Clark	...	Himself
Darrick Doerner	...	Himself
Laird John Hamilton	...	Himself
David H. Kalama Jr.	...	Himself
Dave Kalama	...	Himself
Brian L. Keaulana	...	Himself
Buzzy Kerbox	...	Himself
Titus Kinimaka	...	Himself
Gerry Lopez	...	Himself
Peter Mel	...	Himself
Mickey Munoz	...	Himself
Greg Noll	...	Himself
Gabrielle Reece	...	Herself
Evan Slater	...	Himself
Kelly Slater	...	Himself

Storyline

A semiserious, often rollicking, multigenerational insider's look at the origins of surfing, the colorful and subversive birth of surf culture, and the mythology and lure of the big wave. This passionate and fluid film is without question the first authentic history of surfing from its humble Hawaiian beginnings to the big business it became to the still-rebellious universe it inhabits today. Riding Giants is a study in individuality and freedom, the pursuit and techniques of pure kinetic pleasure, and the risk taking and attitudes that characterize its leading figures. For some viewers, this is perhaps more than they ever wanted to know. But Peralta's detailed knowledge of the surfing lifestyle, its icons and locations, its boom and exploitation by the media, and the fascination it has held for young men for more than five decades is unparalleled and fuels this expedition for the expert and initiate alike. Closely chronicling the sometimes-life-and-death drama that big-wave riding ...

---

Plot Keywords:

surfing | wave | friendship | beach | windsurfing | 

---

Taglines:

It doesn't get any bigger than this.

---

Genres:

Documentary | History | Sport

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for brief strong language

Details

Official Sites:

Official site [de] Sony Classics

Country:

USA France

Language:

English

Release Date:

21 July 2004 (France)

Also Known As:

A hullámok lovagjai

Filming Locations:

Half Moon Bay, California, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$134,400 (USA) (9 July 2004)

Gross:

$2,276,368 (USA) (3 December 2004)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Agi Orsi Productions, Forever Films, Quicksilver Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

105 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Crazy Credits

Various additional, cut scenes are shown during the credits.

---

Connections

Features Gidget (1959)

---

Soundtracks

"Ka Pua U'l"
Performed by Kahauana Lake Trio
Written by Bina Mossman
Courtesy of Hula Records

User Reviews

A must see movie

I was able to attend Riding Giants @ Sundance Film Festival (it was this year's opening film) and can only say it is a must see movie - there is a magic in this extraordinary surfing documentary that fires up your heart & soul; dreams & spirit. Give thanks to the genius of Stacey Peralta (Dogtown & Z-boys) and his uncanny ability to brilliantly capture the life & death drama that is part of big wave riding. I especially enjoyed the shots at Half Moon Bay and the notoriouus surf area, Mavericks, discovered by local big wave surfing legend Jeff Clark. Of course there is so much more, but I loved the movie and the audience seemed to approve as well, giving it a 3 minute standing ovation.