Zion

A great bitesize documentary following an incredible athlete. Straight to the point, factual without too much emotional manipulation, and a good subject. It's brevity would make it more appealing to an audience not interested in long-winded sports documentaries. Succinct and impressive.

The content and quality of cinematography in this brief film help to provide the viewer with the most accurate perspective of it's protagonist. The film by being brief chooses to focus on Zion's heroic-like figure. Though he was born with no tissue beneath his abdomen, and he likely has undergone numerous surgeries, and so many other things that could fill this documentary with content, the producer chose to focus on the successes and the reality of who this man is. Zion is not defined by his body, his situation, or what he can do, but it seems clear that he defines himself by what God sees in him. This story is not a religious one per se, but it has a clear message of strength that you just don't see the average human will. Zion is a champion, and he is fearfully and wonderfully made. Please don't allow the misguided ratings to dissuade you from being gifted by the 11 minutes of this film.

This is an amazing story, with amazing people, but the storytelling is too polished, too often accompanied by music, overly edited, over-filmed, and, frankly, preachy.

Zion's story is one of courage and inspiration. But the religious under- and overtones are unnecessary, such as the woman praying over him in a voiceover halfway through. Who is she? Are we all to agree with her premises?

And the coach's tearful description of Zion's accomplishment came too soon. That was a climactic speech he made at his desk, underscoring how Zion thought of Coach Donohue as a father figure.

I wrestled. It's a wonderful sport. It was insightful that Coach pointed out that it's two men trying to impose their will on each other.

But where was the conflict necessary for any story, even an 11-minute one? Surely the "conflict" was more than within Zion himself. How about showing us rather than telling us about those who wouldn't accept him? Those who "made comments to their teammates" about Zion?

This could have made a great story: just double the length and tell it better.

Having been making short docs for the past 5 years it is incredibly difficult to get a range of emotions across in 10 minutes. This film does a great job of shkwing Zion'story without it feeling rushed. It shows the struggle, the fight and determination that someone with a disability like Zion has to go through. Although a lot of the supporting shots are staged they have a great cinematic feel and don't feel unnecessary. Honest interviews make this a must see for anyone interested in inspirational stories about defying all the odds. Highly recommended.

I must admit that I was amazed to see that the video would take just under 12 minutes. I believe that this is one of the reasons why the story does not impact as much as it could.

Obviously, Zion is an example of overcoming and we realized that, but if it were possible to know more about his past, the current adoption and better understand how he got involved in the fight, the production would touch the viewer's heart much deeper.

However, the good thing about this short duration is that you can take advantage of any break at work or college to check out a story that will inspire you for the rest of the day.

A brief bibliographic documentary that could cause more impact if it were more extensive, but the determination and willpower of the protagonist whose name is the title of the production inspires despite the reduced time.

Documentary reviewed on April 10, 2020