Riding Giants (2004)

Documentary detailing the origins and history of surf culture.

Director:

Stacy Peralta

Writers:

Stacy Peralta, Sam George

Stars:

Laird John Hamilton, Darrick Doerner, Dave Kalama

1 win & 2 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Jeff Clark	...	Himself
Darrick Doerner	...	Himself
Sarah Gerhardt	...	Herself
Laird John Hamilton	...	Himself
Dru Harrison	...	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

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 ...

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Plot Keywords:

surfing | wave | two word title | surfing contest | beach | 

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Taglines:

It doesn't get any bigger than this.

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Genres:

Documentary | History | Sport

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for brief strong language

Details

Official Sites:

Official site [Germany] Sony Classics

Country:

USA France

Language:

English

Release Date:

13 August 2004 (USA)

Also Known As:

A hullámok lovagjai

Filming Locations:

Half Moon Bay, California, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$134,400, 11 July 2004, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$2,276,368, 5 December 2004

Company Credits

Production Co:

Agi Orsi Productions,Forever Films,Quicksilver Entertainment

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Crazy Credits

Various additional, cut scenes are shown during the credits.

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Connections

Referenced in Film Geek (2005)

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Soundtracks

Rudy's Rock
Performed by Bill Haley and the Comets
Written by Bill Haley and Rudy Pompil
Courtesy of Universal Records
Under License from Universal Music Enterprises

User Reviews

Brilliant

Riding Giants is an incredible documentary detailing the history and stories of three influential big-wave surfers, Gregg Noll, Jeff Clark, and Laird Hamilton. Stacy Peralta did an amazing job taking on the role of director and should be congratulated for doing such a brilliant job. The structure of the film is edited brilliantly and works perfectly with the narration, interviews, animation and surfing footage. The music soundtrack just adds to the overall satisfaction of watching this film, making Riding Giants brilliant viewing. Personal highlights include any of Greg Noll's comments, what with his straight-to-the-point frankness, Laird Hamilton's footage at Teahupoo, and the out-takes at the end of the movie. But really this entire film is one big, recommended highlight that comes highly recommended if you have the opportunity to see. It's a shame it isn't more well known, but it is a gem deserving of attention. 10/10