Kobe Bryant's Muse

Really hit different watching this after his passing, but overall great documentary.

Kobe Bryant's Muse is about what I expected. I must admit, I only developed an interest in the late legendary basketball player after his relatively recent untimely passing. He is indeed one of the greatest players to have ever played the game, and this movie does a good job of portraying some of the biggest obstacles he faced in his professional and personal life. I feel like I know more about his struggles on and off the court after watching this documentary.

The film's driving plot amidst the non-linear storytelling outlining Kobe's career and love for the game is his recovery from a torn Achilles tendon injury at the tail end of the 2012-2013 NBA regular season. The injury came to be the first of many that would ultimately lead to his retirement in 2016, the year after this film was released. This is an interesting although not entirely original approach. However, too much emphasis is placed on the injury, making the movie drag.

As stated by other reviewers, literally the only person interviewed is Kobe himself. This is a fresh approach to the sports documentary genre, although it would have been nice to have gotten other perspectives as well from people who watched Kobe grow. While he goes into great detail about his relationship with his wife Vanessa, his relationships with notable teammates (i.e. Shaq, Pau Gasol) and coaches (i.e. Phil Jackson) are left almost completely ignored.

From a cinematographic perspective, the movie offers an intimate portrait of the basketball legend. However, certain scenes of Kobe shooting baskets all alone that are supposed to be artistic and graceful come off as slightly boring. On the other hand, the editing, music, etc. Are all quite professional and in good taste.

Overall, while this film offers a glimpse into the factors that contributed to Kobe's passion for the game and incredible work ethic, I was hoping for more. In the context of his death, this movie could have explored much more. His achievements as an athlete and his overall legacy seen underplayed. But of course, none of the filmmakers at the time of this movie's production knew he would not be with us much longer. I would recommend this film to die-hard Kobe fans wanting to know more about the struggles he faced. I personally would not watch it again though.

"There is power in understanding the journey of others to help you create your own." As the documentary starts, those are the first words you see on the screen. Every word is delicately displayed but only for mere seconds. In fact, if you aren't really paying attention, you'll miss the message completely. It comes as quickly as it goes and in an instant, the screen fades to black. I believe that subtle detail in itself is deeply profound and prophetic in its own right; it deserves to be mentioned so that nobody misses it. There's enough we all have to mourn and miss right now. As for the documentary as a whole, I can only reflect and share my somewhat ambiguous but wholeheartedly genuine opinion as a lifelong fan of the game and KB. I feel like this documentary was extremely relevant, candid, authentic and more than "worth watching" when it initially aired. Watching it again, now, was difficult but also beautiful which elevated to a level that can't be sufficiently described in words unless, of course, those words are Kobe's. I'm glad I've been able to watch it twice and from two extraordinarily different mindsets. I'm glad because even though it's not my first time watching it, I'm fairly certain it'll be my last. I'd like to remember it as is and let it Rest along with Kobe and Gigi, In the sweetest Peace. So it goes. For those who haven't yet, I encourage you to watch this documentary and listen to Kobe tell his own story, in his own words as only KB can. I think we all know that nothing is truly guaranteed in life but I can guarantee this; it'll be more than worth watching whether it's your first, second, third, fourth or final time. For the love of the game, the story of a legend lost too soon, and the glory of his greatness that remains here with us; it truly is more than worth it. Trust me. 'Til we get there... In loving memory of Kobe Bryant and his beautiful Babygirl by his side still ballin' with him; we miss you, we love you, and we'll see you both in our Hoop Dreams. #RIP

I can't hold back my tears when I watch this.

Kobe. GOAT. Mamba. The glory. That's what the media likes to call him in order to generate popularity.

But the Kobe in front of the camera here is the most raw and Kobe-like Kobe. A superman who's a human with badges on his front and scars on his back. The lonely kid sitting in the corner. The dreamer who believes in his dreams. The passion. The drive... That's what most people associate with when they mention Kobe.

But what cracks me into tears is when he said "I failed miserably." That's what truly makes a man great, the ability to see through his own weakness and failures and recover from that. That's what we do.

The pain and sacrifices right in front of your eyes. I can't stop my tears. This is the real Kobe. This is the real superman.

The director did an amazing job. Action speaks louder than words. This is the beauty of a motion picture. No words. Just background music. A physical therapist is working on Kobe's foot. Drop down a box of marbles. Kobe has to pick them up with his injured foot. I can't stop my tears.

Raw. Very Kobe. Nothing to envy about. The emotion. The highlight. The pain. The struggle. Behind his 30K pts and 5 rings. Thank you Kobe.

With love, Your fans

Just seeing this for the first time. I've been a Kobe fan since 1996! The only basketball player I can honestly say, of whom, I am truly a fan! The ONE and ONLY! Thank you, Kobe, for doing "Muse", for the 20 years, for you! I have been a fan of SO many sports players in MLB and NFL, going back to Mickey Mantle, my first! Through Walter Payton, Tug McGraw, Tom Seaver, Tim Lincecum, Hunter Pence, Madison Bumgarner, Peyton Manning, Cam Newton!! That special, trademark smug look Kobe would project just demonstrated, year after year, how dedicated and impassioned he was about his game. How could anyone not admire that kind of surreal dedication! Also, makes me wonder what kind of person could give this film anything less than a 7! In my opinion, only a hater or idiot could do so. And definitely not a sports fan or any kind. If you really love sports, then you can also admire adversaries and opponent greats, like Tom Brady for instance. I just wish I could thank Kobe for doing this feature. Guess I could on Twitter. Oh yes! And thank you Kobe for that last game! Just watched the whole think a 2nd time, this week. And loved the farewell, "Mamba Out", and 'dropped' the mic!!

LOVE IT!! Only wish it were two hours! ONLY one Kobe! Will miss your presence on the court in that Lakers uniform--forever.