The Crash Reel

The Crash Reel is one mountain of an emotional journey. It starts as one thing and it blossoms, changing its mind frequently but touching all possible ground for its subject. At first, it's a montage documentary from sports footage about a rivalry nearly worthy to be this year's Senna. Then it becomes a film about recovery, then a comeback film, then a film that spreads awareness about the incidents of extreme sports, but then it results in a film fittingly about accepting who you are. Despite shifting focus in a stream-of-consciousness way, it's still a very human story and it's told so elegantly and coherently that it's almost difficult to believe some shots are real because it's so ideal for the scene. Director Lucy Walker has a great sense for capturing the drama. It's the tragedy of someone not being able to do their life's passion that is truly felt even if the unfortunately true arrogant attitude of snowboarders lead me to struggle to sympathise with some of them at times. Perhaps if the documentary was framed with hindsight of Kevin Pearce's ultimate change at the start of the film then it wouldn't feel so unfocused but nevertheless, it never diminishes its emotional power as it tells us the physical and psychological expense athletes of extreme sports go through. An essential documentary for the year with vibrant visuals, kinetic editing and great soundtrack too.

8/10

Shaun White and Kevin Pearce have been friendly rivals since childhood. They have known each other since 9 or 10. Shaun has always won everything. However in the years leading up to the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, Kevin has started to win some. It's a struggle to put in more dangerous high flying tricks. Then 49 days to the Olympics, Kevin suffers a harrowing injury practicing a tough trick. He barely survives while Shaun goes on to win the gold. As he gets better, he wants to snowboard once again despite the fears from everybody.

This is an eye opening documentary. First there is a pretty interesting remembrance of the rivalry between Shaun and Kevin. There is his family life and a simple retelling of his life leading up to the injury. After the injury, it seems to be a straight forward traditional inspirational feel good movie. Then it becomes a suspense as Kevin keeps trying to relive his past despite everybody fighting him. The tension is really high as we fear for another brain injury. This is a very compelling tense revealing personal journey.

This is the most amazing documentary I have ever seen. Kevin Pearce, his fabulous family and his friends are an inspiration to us all. What an advert for the importance of family and friends, but most of all the human spirit and what can be achieved with the right attitude and support of your family and friends. Kevin Pearce has just jumped to number 1 of my all time favourite and most admired and respected people on the planet. Number 1 on my bucket list - meet Kevin Pearce!! Brilliantly made documentary, sadness, happiness, admiration, respect, the list goes on for the words I could use to describe everybody involved. Kevin Pearce - you are a legend!!

If you like snowboarding or not I think this is an amazing look into a life of and amazing person with an amazing family. Kevin is a superstar snowboarder when a tough break forces him into changing his entire life. This piece of work is so well done. One of my favorite documentaries of all time.

Absolutely loved this film! I randomly turned it on (on HBO) and was immediately interested, even though I don't know much about snowboarding. It was interesting to learn about competitive snowboarding & how dangerous it is. Clearly there needs to be more regulations in extreme sports- and at the very very least competitors should be covered under their sponsors, the venues or the media's (who's covering them) insurance. I was so glad to hear Kevin's sponsors stuck with him thru out his ordeal.

I feel in love with the Pierce family who are so loving!

Best of luck to you KP in whatever you choose to do now!