Watch Pikes Peak International Hill Climb - Race to the Clouds

As a documentary film, "Pikes Peak International Hill Climb - Race to the Clouds" tells the story of one of the oldest and most iconic motorsports events in the world. Each year, drivers and riders compete in a vertical race up an unbearable 156 turns over 12.42 miles to reach the summit of Pikes Peak, one of Colorado's most famous landmarks. The movie, produced by Matchstick Productions and directed by Todd Harris, follows the journey of several drivers and explores why this mountain race is so extraordinary.

The film opens with a stunning drone shot of the mountain and then jumps straight into the lives of driver Rhys Millen, motorcycle racer Carlin Dunne, and female driver Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima. Each of them has a distinct story, and their presence in the film creates a touching, sentimental quality to the otherwise adrenaline-filled ride. As they speak, it becomes clear how much this race means to them and how difficult the training process is. Rhys Millen, for instance, says that he has been training since he was a kid watching his father compete on Pikes Peak. Carlin Dunne describes his respect for the race and how he feels it's his chance to prove himself. As for Tajima, a six-time winner, he talks about his struggles with age and how he is determined to continue racing. Throughout the movie, the filmmakers weave the narrative between these different characters, creating a compelling look at the event's history and the intense preparation each racer goes through.

The documentary benefits from spectacular footage captured by drone and helicopter, as well as footage shot from cameras mounted on the cars and bikes. The sweeping shots of the mountain and the stunning views of Colorado's landscape make for some breathtaking moments, while the point-of-view shots from the driver's perspective adds a visceral sense of immersion. The sound design plays a vital role in the movie, too, capturing the roar of the engines and the screech of the tires. The live audio recordings of the driver's comments as they race up the mountain add an exhilarating rush. It's easy to feel the tension and excitement as they make their way up the mountain, with some sections boasting sheer drops on either side.

The movie explores the history of the event as well, covering its evolution and several memorable races. It is interesting to learn about the course's different sections and how shifting weather conditions can turn it into a dangerous obstacle. As the racers tackle the tricky route, the movie delves into the science behind car and bike design and explains why each suit the racer's individual needs. It's fascinating to see the different types of cars and bikes in action, and how the drivers and their teams have to adapt their strategy to suit the type of vehicles they are racing.

The film's focus on the drivers themselves adds to the experience, creating a much more personal perspective on the race. In one particularly moving section, the mother of Carlin Dunne talks about the fears she had as her son raced, followed by a short tribute to her son. In another scene, another driver talks about how much he misses his wife and children during the intensive training period. It's also exciting to hear the drivers talk about their experiences as they race, with some of them elated by victory and others crushed by defeat. It's not just about winning; the experience of racing up Pikes Peak is one of the most impressive challenges in motorsport, and the movie captures the struggle and heartbreak that come with it.

As the competitors near the top, the tone of the movie shifts to focus more on the finish line. They talk about the sense of accomplishment they'll feel if they make it, and what it means to reach the summit. The final moments are nerve-wracking, and the film reaches incredible tension as the racers make the final turn. The sequences that follow are some of the most exhilarating and emotional in the movie. Despite knowing the outcome of the race, the editing and music create an intense sense of excitement and deliver an impressive visual experience.

In conclusion, "Pikes Peak International Hill Climb - Race to the Clouds" is an adrenaline-fueled documentary that provides a personal, emotional look at one of the world's most challenging sporting events. With stunning aerial, mounted, and POV camera work and articulate interviews with the drivers, the movie captures the tension, heart and raw excitement that comes with racing up Pikes Peak. Whether you're a motorsport fan or not, this movie will get your heart racing and keep you engaged until the final moments. The film captures the essence of the race, breathing new life into the event and giving viewers a breathtaking view of what it takes to conquer the world’s most notorious racetrack.

Pikes Peak International Hill Climb - Race to the Clouds is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes.