Once in a while, I see a film that is so transformative, I wish I could make everyone watch it. The Crash Reel is exactly that. It is a fucking gem in every way and I want you to make every effort to see it.
The Crash Reel is a documentary about a fearless young snowboarder, Kevin Pearce, who has a terrible wipe-out just before the winter Olympics in 2010. The accident leaves Kevin with a traumatic brain injury and limitations that he refuses to accept, but ultimately lead him to advocate for people with brain injuries and other disabilities.
It’s a riveting, emotional and thought-provoking film, beautiful to watch, and filled with heart-wrenching moments that compel you to think about your own family and your own reactions to adversity.
I watched The Crash Reel twice: alone the first time, and then with my husband. The first time, I was overwhelmed by all the emotion but uplifted by all the palpable love on display. The next time, I found too many parallels in my own situation as the mother of both a dare-devil and a child with special needs. I wished that my own story was more positive. I wished that our love could have triumphed over everything.
But still, seeing that there is satisfaction in helping others is inspiring. Seeing a family pull together like this one is beautiful beyond words.
Finally, apart from all its artistry, this documentary is an effective discourse on head injuries. Be careful, and #loveyourbrain!
I saw it. The little brother who, ironically, won all the medals in the Special Olympics is my hero. I want to hold him in my arms forever and a day. I want that family. That is the family we all should of had.
Winter Bird – Yes, me too, me too on every word. My husband felt the same. xoxoxoxo
I’ll have to try and track this down. Hopefully Netflix will pick it up.
I saw a special showing of this film and actually met Kevin. The way his family rallied around him was just amazing. And the way he accepted their help was even more amazing. I too wish love could always overcome heartache but that just isn’t the way the world is – at least my world.
I want to see this, I need to see this. Depression and hopelessness are commandeering my life these days and maybe this could help. Love you Sister Wolf.
As you bid Sister, I’m going to go and hunt this down right now!
Queen Marie
x
Bevitron – Sorry to hear this. Try hard to stick around! xoxoxo
I watched this movie last week after reading about it here and I loved it. As Winter Bird said, Kevin’s family is the one we all should of had.
Thank you, Sister Wolf, for recommending this. I probably would have passed it by if it hadn’t had your recommendation. Between this and your recommendation of the Toynbee tile documentary, I will happily watch anything that gets your seal of approval.