Watch Monumental: David Brower's Fight for Wild America

Monumental: David Brower's Fight for Wild America is a powerful and inspiring documentary that chronicles the life and work of one of America's most important environmentalists. The film tells the story of David Brower, a man whose tireless efforts to protect and preserve the natural world had a profound impact on the conservation movement in America.

Through a combination of archival footage, personal interviews, and stunning nature photography, Monumental paints a vivid portrait of Brower's life and legacy. The film begins with Brower's childhood in California, where he developed a deep love for the state's natural beauty. As a young man, he joined the Sierra Club, a conservation organization that would become the centerpiece of his career.

Over the course of several decades, Brower emerged as one of the most influential voices in the fight to protect America's wilderness areas. He was instrumental in the creation of numerous national parks and wilderness areas, including Canyonlands, North Cascades, Redwood, and Point Reyes. He also played a key role in stopping the construction of several major dams in the American West, including the proposed Echo Park Dam in Dinosaur National Monument.

Monumental delves into Brower's personal life as well, touching on the challenges he faced as a husband and father while dedicating himself to his work. The film also explores his complicated relationship with the Sierra Club, which he led as executive director for many years before being ousted in a contentious power struggle. Despite these challenges, Brower remained dedicated to his mission of protecting the natural world, and continued to work tirelessly until his death in 2000.

One of the strengths of Monumental is its use of archival footage and personal interviews, which give viewers an intimate look at Brower's life and work. The film includes interviews with many of Brower's colleagues and friends, including former Sierra Club president Michael Brune and environmental journalist Paul Erlich. These interviews, combined with stunning footage of America's wilderness areas, make for a truly compelling viewing experience.

Overall, Monumental is a moving tribute to David Brower and his life's work. The film is a testament to the power of one person's passion and dedication to make a difference, and it serves as a reminder of the need to protect the natural world for future generations. Whether you're a longtime environmentalist or simply someone who cares about the state of the planet, this film is a must-see.

Monumental: David Brower's Fight for Wild America is a 2004 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9 and a MetaScore of 66.