The Grand Illusion (V16) First Ascent

[@totheair247]

I honestly like how quiet it was when he finished it and just Nathaniel taking it in. So good

[@CJski]

these guys are getting TOO mellow

[@lukemoorefield9596]

Agreed, it was a cool moment

[@EricBurbeck]

So much better than “fucking let’s gooooo!!!”

[@MrSilencetreatment]

I missed the allez!!!! stay tight!!! come on!!!! drill it dude!!!! yells until your ears bleed

[@hooger1313]

And so intimate too...

[@Perrseus]

This is probably one of the best videos on mellow... These are some crazy strong boys god damn

[@weebig]

Ya man agreed, The video, the strength of drew and nathanial. I like how theyre different dudes but still have the same passion. literally the best mellow yet

[@TheCorrectionist1984]

Cuz it's the closest to a sport route.

[@EmilAbrahamsson]

Damn, thanks for this

[@thewateringwiz7118]

I hope we'll see you on Mellow too one day !

[@erraticbro]

Motivation for the big island 💪🏼

[@Goofygreyhoundgoober]

Oh man I’d never thought about that but I’m fuckin hyped to see the uncut ascent on mellow of that.

[@erraticbro]

@@Goofygreyhoundgoober I'm pretty sure Guiliano sends it in one of the old font vids, go check it out!!

[@erraticbro]

@Walter Lotte Ya that's what I meant by my first comment haha xD

[@harry_c]

I love how Nathaniel's realization that he will send the boulder unfolds naturally on the screen without unnecessary exposition or commentary. The story is so powerfully told by just the video footage alone. Bravo

[@ericlee4893]

THE best climbing video I've seen this year. Cinematic intro, history behind the problem, the motivation behind the climb, the process, and finally the SEND. Hats off to Ben and Brennan! Nathaniel is an absolute monster and you know Drew is gonna send it SOON.

[@Dardjiskien]

Eric Lee and also less show off compared to other videos

[@brennanrobinson6640]

Thanks man! Super fun shooting this thing with Ben.

[@Grayz_TV]

@@Dardjiskien This! All about the climbing

[@dannyholley]

"It just wouldn't have been possible without Drew, and without you, and everybody else coming to session with me..." Super humble after one of the most unreal ascents of all time. An incredible climber and an absolute class act of a person.

[@marcuschong307]

This is incredible

[@sweatfootm]

So Nathaniel skipped V15? Crazy.

[@timignatov7394]

Who needs v15 when you can have v16... next, first ever v18

[@constanceelaine3909]

He was saving up

[@Garbaz]

the attempt comparison is great!

[@aspzx]

Absolutely incredible. How did the camera guy consistently get those smooth tracking shots out of the cave? Mind blowing.

[@brennanrobinson6640]

Ben & I used the DJI Robin S gimbal and the Ronin Handheld gimbal

[@gallanonim6535]

@@brennanrobinson6640 Excellent work, major props. The shots at the end are so crisp it's mindblowing with the 'material' shot. I've been watching Nathaniel crush in comps for so many years and always wished him to do some hardcore stuff outdoors. It made me feel warm in my heart seeing him legitimizing his outdoor climbing, especially on a line like this. Picture Perfect. Bravo!

[@tobiasgruber1273]

@@brennanrobinson6640 Which camera were you using? Phantastic footage. Looking forward seeing more of your work.

[@brennanrobinson6640]

Vanilla Climbing I am using the Sony A7R IV with 24-70 2.8 GM, and the DJI Robin S gimbal. Ben is using the Panasonic GH5 with the Ronin Handheld gimbal.

[@blakeadams2921]

That tracking camera shot at the beginning is about as cinematic as it gets, great climbing and videography guys.

[@bgreal5]

That’s gotta be one of the all time best climbing videos, the feeling I got watching that was something else

[@abecarloto1185]

I watched this at least 4 times a year

[@stubbles]

The middle section with Nathaniel warming up, interspersed with Drew starting to struggle to make progress, then Nathaniel taking over is so well edited, chapeau!

[@portzblitz]

Coyg!

[@willhatt5367]

Best climbing movie/vid I’ve seen for years: Stunning line, incredible climbing, brilliant editing and wonderful sound design. Good work gentlemen.

[@BreakingBeta]

What a mega problem! I can't believe how calm Nathaniel was when he topped, I'd have screamed instantly. Great video, really well done!

[@Metalgear222]

instinctive respect for all animals sleeping

[@Daniele.Rossini]

@@Metalgear222 yeah he screamed right after doe but who really cares? hahaha

[@noahjeffery5670]

@ALANSHEARERISGOD bro I've seen a lot of europeans not saying ratio isn't higher but like there's a lot of Europeans who do it lol

[@Bran47040]

one of the goat climbing films

[@timotheeastier249]

The editing is amazing and the ending emotionally strong. That flow was something else. Congrats for the FA!

[@TristanCleveland]

Climbing videos are getting better and better. The production on this is amazing. Also, yes, 11:23 shows some amazing muscle memory.

[@anosnd]

So good to see Nathaniel on Mellow and to see him absolutely smashing it! Such a cool dude, always has good energy it seems.

[@JD-uq5sh]

So fitting that the last word as it fades out - "dude..."

[@unattendedcandle]

What a Chilling intro…

[@frictitiousclimbing4991]

Hard to judge how competitive these guys were, but it reminded me a lot of Chris Sharma vs Adam Ondra on La Dura Dura! SO GOOD! Can't over state how much fun it is to work projects with similar level climbers.

[@weekendbikingwarrior360]

The last continous film sequence at the end... just WOW!!! What a film!

[@joaquincasco89]

damn that sequence starting at 6:08 is cinematic af

[@whelmking6497]

How is every Mellow video somehow even better than the last best ever video? Just amazing in every way, climbers and production. And could Nat Coleman be any more humble? Such a great role model.

[@FallLineJP]

Insane climbing and beautiful cinematography! One of the all-time best climbing films on youtube. 👏👏

[@bizmonkey007]

Jesus. I’ve seen some insane boulder problems but this is on another level. This is superhuman.

[@drtimoneill]

Really well put together Ben and kudos Nathaniel for the send. Great to to see a classy, intelligent and stylish approach for once and less 'dude' and yelling.

[@hellsangel2005]

Been watching Drew since he was 14/15. He is a F-ing Beast of a climber. He will one day put up something super special!

[@herreraerik95]

Damn this is the gold standard for climbing videos. Ultra high definition, great storytelling, and pacing. Just wow...

[@nickhenscheid369]

Wow! I've been watching climbing videos for 10 years and this is one the of best shorts I've ever seen. Amazing job.

[@Gandalf_The_Jacked]

Wow. This has everything. An incredible line, a great backstory, masterful editing and video quality. Really wanna give a shout-out to how great this was from a cinematic perspective. Angles, color grading, exposure, composition , and audio mastering were all on point.

[@cameronb763]

This video summarized the way climbing makes you fall in love with the sport over and over as you make yo way past projects like no other! Film was a piece of art! Wonderful job all of you!

[@haydengrosz9242]

I’ve watched this probably 10 times now and I still just can’t get enough of it. Best video I‘ve seen on Mellow

[@joelkinder3197]

Amazing.... Best vid yet from Mellow and one of my new favs from Ben. Ya'll are BEASTS Drew and Nathaniel!!! I WANNA TRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@benneilsonmedia]

Yo! thanks Joe!

[@davel9492]

Mellow with that FIRE edit as always. Amazing.

[@winedineclimb]

One of the bouldering videos ever! It's so nice when the motivation shouts are really just on point and not some constant jabbering.

[@dave990]

I think we can all agree that this is no doubt the greatest bouldering video of all time. The camera man was flawless, whilst Drew and Nathaniel flow through this insane line so gracefully. The icing on the cake for me was Nathaniel's chilled reaction when getting the ascent.

[@ThomasLindinger]

that's exactly how a bouldering short movie must be! a little story, emotions...makes my fingers SWEATY :D great work Ben Neilson and props for the sent Nathaniel 💪

[@charliezachariades]

Not sure what's more amazing, the climbing or the cinematography

[@GiantRock]

Such a killer video. All-time line and great story telling. Congrats to Nathaniel and the filmmakers.

[@calnick0]

Best mellow video yet? Love that there was suspense because I wasn’t sure who was gonna send it first.

[@argo2265]

What an incredibly well done video and climb. That shot of the night climb almost had my eyes welling - something between the serenity of the moment and the passion for the climb really caught me. Beautiful.

[@rongranado6135]

I always find it interesting how we humans react to success. Some of us are overcome with elation, from all the work and obstacles we faced, culminating in exuberance through a celebration that has to be let out. For others, its a quiet relief, measured by reflection and an internal celebration that comes from disbelief that they actually achieved that with which they worked so hard to obtain and overcome. Both equal in humility, but different in their expression. I guess you can say i am one of those people who like to see humans succeed. If you watched this video, my guess is you think and feel the same way . Amazing video, great send

[@MF-CLIMB]

Why would anyone seriously dislike this video? Absolutely brilliant cinematography 👌🏻

[@joshuacameron2594]

Holy Jesus that was incredible. What a good send, that was a treat to watch. The edit was fantastic too. Good job to everyone!

[@AdventureswithAixe596]

Some videos just make you go out and climb. The humbleness and friendship glowing through are adorable.

[@skltr21]

thank you to the dude filming for not yelling "come on! come on! come on! breathe..... deep breaths. easy..... so strong. come on!"

[@spencertodd1526]

The song is called Motherboards by Ridlaa. The video uses the instrumental

[@stevemiller1937]

One of the best climbing videos I've ever seen and I watch tons. Amazing!

[@GorillaGoggles]

Amazing video - sound editing, camera work and angles, music, story - this has it all and is one of my new favorite climbing videos. Incredible work and kudos to the entire team involved.

[@HarryZumwalt]

This is absolutely ludicrous! Well done!

[@bigdogsonly1577]

everything about this video is so fucking well done. The super buttery smooth shots pulling out of the cave, the pacing, process, snippets, sound design. Everything. So impressed and stoked for this.

[@MrBlackseth296]

The middle of the night, and the fact that it was just the sound of Nathan and nature was incredible. I am a sucker for a good primal top out scream, and Nathan held the suspense perfect for that.

[@FraGeeela]

this video is pure magic from the start to the end, great job, keep it up

[@aidanloeser4890]

Can't wait to see more of Drew on this. Both his and Nathaniel Coleman's climbing just looked impeccable and superhuman. Congratulations on the send and on telling its story through an exceptional video.

[@thique_nicc]

One of the best climbing films Ive seen in so long

[@AubLambe]

Humbled and honoured to see this kind of content. Thank you Nathaniel and Drew for your try hard, and to Mellow for keeping the stoke alive.

[@christovalkov3931]

Fantastic effort, in front and definitely behind the camera. It is unbelievable that Nathaniel can leapfrog a full outdoor grade at the top end of hard climbing. That's beyond prodigy

[@Noahtherway]

Attempt Comparison needs to be a thing, especially with as much footage as there is! That was sick!

[@HotSauceSlots]

Amazing work guys !! So great to see the support u2 gave to help each other reach the top without caring who got first send. Well done & Congrats Nathaniel !!

[@moehassani]

What a great vide!! Thank you for sharing this experience with everyone. Love Nathaniel!

[@korkypnoy]

The "dude" at the end... Wouldn't be a mellow video without it

[@spencerinspain]

Best Mellow video yet - perfection! Amazing storyline, filming and send.

[@aksunai-99]

V16 can serve as a rating for both the video and the climb. Well done.

[@frankheiser2775]

one of the best productions from Mellow! Absolutely loved it

[@andrewpritchett]

I've been unable to climb the past couple weeks with finals and then a broken toe, and I haven't been psyched enough to even watch climbing videos. This just put my stoke through the roof! Fucking excellent climbing, filming and editing. Hands down the best I've seen since the last Reel Rock.

[@HilleCine]

Mellow "up-skilled". Next level Mellow. The Mellow project is coming together. The vision has arrived. Nice work.

[@olivierlessard6783]

Definitely amongst the best Mellow videos yet made.

[@speedsweets67]

Wonderfull, in climbing, experience from sound and image. Love to see what comes up in the future!

[@heretic.climbing]

"Just like that....felt really good" Perfect.

[@thelightwarriorsway7734]

This is incredible!! I'm blown away by this video. Great job guys!!

[@nickbalfe4995]

Im in tears that line is ridiculously beautiful.

[@jakesevins5179]

The camerawork and editing are on the same world-class level as the climbing. Amazing

[@justinjakimiak1998]

Drew's hair progression is like Steve's in stranger things season 1

[@vashusan1984]

One of your best features to date! Nathaniel is a beast!

[@shaunboyle5479]

Take a bow you guys. Oscar level climbing and filming.

[@biltongandboba]

Big up in production quality!

[@jessewphoto]

Amazing job film crew and climbers, that was inspiring. Drew and Nathaniel are two of the nicest guys and so crazy talented... Honestly though, Nathaniel is the best kendama player I know.

[@CourtneyWarren]

Absolutely incredible all around! From the climbing to the way it was captured and edited, just beautiful

[@aaronnewton2473]

Nothing to say about the video that hasn't already been said. Bravo gents. Keep the sick videos coming.

[@bootlegbobby]

Ya like what everyone else said: one of the best climbing videos I ever saw!!!

[@constantinosschinas4503]

fantastic climbing and no sh*t straight to the point video. one of the best i have seen.

[@anguskirk8904]

What a dude! That gave me shivers... Awesome to watch!

[@evanmaclean943]

This climb looks so fun! I'd love to project that climb.

[@PanzrKunst]

Amazing ascent, and just as amazing video production - a pure pleasure to watch!

[@Stevecon6]

Coleman consistently has the best/funniest reactions to sending the most insane lines.

[@notericmoore9479]

This is some of the best climbing content there is!

[@seervisual]

Such a freaking cool journey! Epic send yieeew!

[@chriswatts4672]

So psyched to see this line get done! Congrats Nate! I’m sure Drew will get it done when he’s back in town!

[@michalifabian9646]

Such sick cinematography!! And and awesome line!

[@ShakespeareanBroncobuster]

I just took a road trip to Utah and climbed at Little Cottonwood. That’s awesome!

[@sevs802]

Amazing video! Nathaniel so humble dude. Crusher.

[@luxlux559]

Such a beautiful climbing video that you created! A sick boulder, great shots, awesome sound and perfect tension.

[@zinon00]

Awesome video and a beautiful problem. The sequence looks super fun. Good job on the send, first accents can push you to new levels and also totally break your spirit. I really like how you showed that. Keep up the good work.

[@torreyintahoe]

You can't name a friction boulder problem after a classic route.

[@Bl00dyto]

Un minidocumental! Espectacular!

[@EmileModesitt]

Man MAJOR step up in storytelling and visuals in this video. Love it!!

[@chazott]

Agreed - best mellow video yet. Big difference I noticed is in the breathing between Drew and Nathaniel. Nathaniel breathes deeply between every move which keeps him going to the end, where Drew ends up holding his breath through the hardest moves which causes him to eventually lose strength. It's totally a sport climb, barely a boulder. But it sounds like this is on the same level as the recent enduro V16s Ondra put up, which I think he said would be like 9b or 9b+ sport climbs.

[@seeingshapesfilms2706]

Incredible work, commitment and perseverance. Great edit too! I’m 10wks into injury and have been avoiding climbing vids but this was TOO GOOD to ignore 👌🏼