Andy Irons: Kissed by God

I was lucky enough to see this film early at the World Premier in NYC. I am a surfer and followed surfing from an early age but up until this film I have never seen a film go into such intimate detail to effectively tell a story about surfing and give an inside look at one of the best surfers in the world and the struggle that he went through behind the scenes. His brother, Bruce Irons, and his wife, Lyndie, do not hold back at all in describing the details of not only Andy's life, but also the life of a professional surfer. This is more than a surf film. It transcends surfing and is a story that everyone should see, as we have all know or have known someone who has dealt with mental illness and addiction.

As a huge Andy Irons fan fiend many years, I have been very sceptical about this docu/film. All I can say is wow, it's just perfect. Never again will you see this personal into a pro surfers life. So many unseen childhood video shows and pictures and stories from his school friends. Bruce and Lindie give the film an emotional feel and really tell the story of Andy's struggle through the years. 10/10 from me

This is the best documentary I've seen since Meru came out a few years back. It's increadibly powerful and will show you the highs and lows of Andy's amazing life. It also informs people about the opioid epidemic that is ruining individuals and their loved ones lives.

Wow! Saw this today and it was gripping. The battles with Kelly Slater, the battles with his addictions, the battles with bipolar disorder.

Some great interviews with other surfers and with Andy's family and a lot of insight into the surfing culture of the early 2000's.

Also interesting seeing the battle between the Hawaiian surfer versus the California surfer.

Worth watching even if you are not a surfer.

My brother was diagnosed with bipolar disorder a few years ago and I myself feel I also suffer from bipolar disorder, though I was never told that by a physician. I know what it's like to go from having a great day to wanting to just end it all in a matter of minutes. I like Andy, turned to self medication (no opioids) to relieve the constant feeling of depression, anger and basically no self esteem.

Anyway enough about me, it's just utterly amazing how someone bipolar that is constantly self medicating with hard drugs can be a 3X world champion. It's an astonishing feat, I just wish he could have fought off the demons and lived a somewhat normal life.

RIP Andy, the pain is now gone.