Watch A Fly in the Champagne

A Fly in the Champagne is a surf documentary released in 2009, directed and produced by Justin Purser. The movie stars three surfers; Shane Dorian, Andy Irons, and Selema Masekela, showcasing their journey in a competition held in Tahiti. The movie primarily revolves around the rivalry between Shane and Andy, both known for their world-class surfing abilities. The competition held in Tahiti between the two talented surfers takes center stage in the documentary, showcasing their contrasting techniques, personality, and personal traits on and off the water.

As the documentary begins, the viewers are introduced to Shane Dorian, a surfer known for his competitive spirit and technical surfing abilities. The viewers are given a glimpse of his upbringing, which inspired him to become a surfer, and how he achieved his dream of becoming one of the best surfers in the world.

On the other hand, the viewers are introduced to Andy Irons, a free-spirited surfer with raw, natural talent originating from Kauai, Hawaii. He became a surfing legend and won three world titles, showcasing his complete domination over the sport. Even with his accomplishments, the documentary reveals a side of Andy that is often hidden, his struggles with addiction and depression.

Selema Masekela, the narrator of the movie and a commentator of the competition, gives an insight into the contest, its history, and the significance of the waves in Tahiti. Selema contextualizes the sport, deepening viewers' understanding of it and the emotions the surfers experience while in competition.

The rivalry between Shane and Andy is displayed throughout the documentary, with the clash of their different personalities and skillsets coming to the fore. When it comes to waves, the two surfers have different approaches – Shane's refined and technical style competing with Andy's raw and unorthodox style.

As the competition proceeds, the documentary showcases breathtaking footage of Tahiti's waves, reinforcing the intense and extreme nature of surfing. The rivalry between Shane and Andy intensifies, with both surfers consistently performing at the highest level, pushing each other to greater heights with each ride.

But the movie is not just a competition between Shane and Andy- it also sheds light on their friendship. There are moments of camaraderie shown between the two, even in such a competitive space. There is an underlying mutual respect between the two surfers, despite their contrasting styles and personalities. It showcases the profound and exceptional bond that two rival surfers can have in the world of surfing.

The movie creates a sense of tension as it builds towards the final showdown between the two surfers. It emphasizes the importance of mental strength in surfing, revealing how a single wave can change the entire competition's outcome. The climax of the movie captures the tension and intensity of the final rounds and dives into the emotional turmoil felt by the surfers.

In conclusion, A Fly in the Champagne delivers a captivating and poignant look into the lives of two world-class surfers as they compete in the ultimate competition for surfers. The documentary is a balance of thrilling surfing action, human stories and inspiring cinematography. It showcases not only the thrill of the sport but also the personal experiences of the surfers involved. A Fly in the Champagne is a must-watch for anyone interested in surfing, and a fascinating tale of two friends pursuing their dreams.

A Fly in the Champagne is a 2009 adventure movie with a runtime of 48 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.