The Other Side of the Mountain (1975)

Why so much hype?

Too much of everything

It's no definitive masterpiece but it's damn close.

It is interesting even when nothing much happens, which is for most of its 3-hour running time. Read full review

The true story of skier Jill Kinmont, processed through a Saint Machine. Well-scrubbed young woman, an Olympic hopeful, is paralyzed in a terrible skiing accident and has to learn to adjust to life as a quadriplegic. In hindsight, writer David Seltzer was certainly an odd choice to adapt this story (his next project was "The Omen"). Larry Peerce was another strange pick for director; having had success earlier with the benign "Goodbye, Columbus", Peerce followed that up with "The Sporting Club", which featured orgies and biker gangs. Here, he guides lovely newcomer Marilyn Hassett (later Mrs. Peerce) through one excruciatingly tender moment after another, but neither the director nor the actress can break through the film's plastic coating. It's so overtly sincere that it isn't sincere anymore; it's swill. ** from ****

This movie is a touching human interest story and gives the average viewer a better appreciation of the overwhelming challenges faced by those who must deal daily with disabilities, particularly adjustment to quadriplegia. It also brings sharply to mind that this young girl, Jill Kinmont's fate could so easily in a split second be our own, resulting from a sports injury, car accident, or whatever. Jill's story reminds me of another lovely & famous quadriplegic, Joni Eareckson Tada, who suffered a diving accident as a teenager but went on to become an accomplished artist, and has a remarkable faith which is an inspiration to many.This film is based on the real life story of Jill Kinmont, an eighteen year old skiing champion & Olympic hopeful, who suffered a severe fall down a mountain, which not only ended her skiing career but paralyzed her from the shoulders down. Jill's struggles are poignantly chronicled as she learns to cope with life as a quadriplegic and regain a hopeful spirit, assisted by her devoted family. Eventually she even finds a love interest in the form of Dick (called 'Mad Dog') Buek.Marilyn Hassett is convincing and very sympathetic in her portrayal of the vibrant & determined young Jill, and Beau Bridges wonderful as the warm & adventuresome Dick.A strong recommendation for this film. It paints a vivid portrait of the realities faced by those who must depend on others for personal care and simply daily tasks, also their struggle for some measure of independence and the same respect granted able bodied individuals. Hopefully, this movie might tend to impart to those of us not disabled a little more gratitude for abilities we take for granted every day. Also, this story has a very appealing heroine and a touching romance.

Oscar Wilde wrote: "In this world there are only two tragedies. One is not getting what you wants, and the other is getting it."To rephrase his thought, Jill suggests there are likewise only two joys... One is having God answer all your prayers, the other is not receiving the answer to all your prayers...The four words: Your injury is permanent' slam into Jill Kinmont's consciousness like a bullet... She was a ski champion, full of life, action and beauty... Now, almost totally paralyzed after a bad fall... Being Quadraplegic, means that every aspect in her life is different from that point on... Her total care is left up to other people: She cannot bathe herself, feed herself, or dress herself... Jill automatically suffers the effects of having no arms and no legs, and becomes incontenant as well...Marilyn Hassett makes Kinmont a fighter whose determination initially explodes and inspires some to have unreasonable expectations of her limited recovery... She tries to reach a state of empowerment, the right to feel proud of herself, and what she is, and what she does, and to have that pride recognized as acceptable by her love ones... The tender romance between her and Beau Bridges provides some fine moments...The film, a tearjerker based on a real case, is altogether too much of a good thing...

Even though about three quarters of the way through, this movie begins to run out of steam it still is an exceptional film. The ski equipment and clothing were dead on for the time period and adds much to the picture. Even though it was partly about skiing a person watching this doesn't have to be a skier or have ever skied to enjoy it. Superior to the sequel. A must see as far as human interest movies go.