Kobe Bryant's Muse

I don't watch a ton of documentaries but I try to catch them when they concern things or people I'm interested in. So when I heard about the Showtime documentary involving Kobe Bryant, I knew I wanted to check it out. I have been a fan of him for a long time and specifically remember dropping 70-80 points with him in NBA 2k so I've been looking to find out more about his personal life and his road to being one of the greatest players in NBA history.

Most documentaries take the approach of finding many people close to the central figure in the story, and getting several interviews to comment on that particular person. Instead with 'Muse', we only get Bryant's story from his perspective. At first, I thought this would take away from the credibility of the piece, but it turns out it added to the emotional gravitas of the film. I will say when the film got less serious and focused on basketball, I would have liked former players, columnists, or coaches to shed some light on the Black Mamba. The film focuses a lot on his rehabilitation of his Achilles tear in the 2013 playoffs. It's an interesting approach and it's a great example of a man doing everything he can to keep fulfilling his dream. Kobe is a rare type of a player and person in the NBA. Him and Michael Jordan are two of the most competitive and relentless players the league has ever seen, and this documentary was a good template in showing those particular qualities.

Luckily the film used a lot of archive footage showcasing Kobe during his early years as a high school phenom in Philadelphia all the way up until his several championship years with the Lakers. It was also nice to see him open up about his personal problems throughout the film. You don't usually get to see that side of athletes and I'm glad they didn't set out to make Kobe a godlike creature, although anyone who scores as easily as he does is near godlike. So 'Muse' showed multiple facets of Kobe's life and gave us the best in depth look at his career yet. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes Kobe or just loves basketball, and the road to becoming great.

+Kobe opens up

+Archive footage

+Different approach to doc

-Still wanted more interviews with other people involved

8.1/10

"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

This is a great documentary film. He reveals his vision for a better career and a better life. You understand his dream and determination to be the best he can be. It shows the daily grind of practice and training. The tough physical therapy that pro athletics endure to make a recovery from a major injury. How he was suffers from poor personal choices and learned to become a better man. There was a time in my life when I despised Kobe Bryant. I saw him as a young cocky basketball star that didn't deserve the right to be a role model. After he won his 4th and 5th titles with the Los Angeles Lakers, I learned to respect him. After watching this film, I'd like to see him play and maybe even get the chance to meet him.

Great documentary. Just found this on Prime and watched it here a few months after his passing and that made it kinda sad. What an incredible athlete and competitor this guy was. I had no idea his father played in the NBA for 8 years as well. The Black Mamba is a legend. RIP Kobe...

This is probably my favourite documentaries ever! I'm so sad my interest in watching nba basketball became an interest to me so late in my life and not realizing how valuable Kobe was in this world! 💜💜💜💜💜 ! #mambamentality #iwanttobethenextKobeBryant