Watch Back on Board: Greg Louganis
- PG
- 2014
- 1 hr 27 min
-
7.5 (434)
Back on Board: Greg Louganis is an insightful documentary film that chronicles the life and career of one of the most famous athletes of all time, Greg Louganis. The film follows the story of the Olympic diving champion, from his early days as a young prodigy to his incredible success on the world stage, as well as his struggles with HIV and economic hardships in later life.
The movie begins with Louganis' early years, tracing his beginnings as a child growing up in a broken home with his adoptive parents, and his discovery of his talent for diving. The viewers get a glimpse of his relentless work ethic and dedication to the sport, as well as the challenges he faced growing up gay in a culture that was not accepting of him.
As the movie progresses, Louganis is seen winning several Olympic medals, including four golds, and achieving international fame as a diving superstar. His incredible talent and skill as a diver is clear to see, as he delivers awe-inspiring performances on the world's biggest stage.
However, despite his phenomenal success, the film does not shy away from telling the more challenging parts of Louganis' journey. A significant portion of the documentary is devoted to his status as a pioneer for LGBTQ+ rights, as the audience witnesses the pushback he received from the media and other officials in the sport who were not accepting of his sexuality. Furthermore, the movie covers his HIV status and highlights how Louganis' courage in speaking out about the virus and his advocacy work for others helped to break down the stigma surrounding the disease.
The film also delves into Louganis' struggles in later life, as he faces financial difficulties and health issues, and a very different world of competitive diving as compared to that in which he made his name. While examining the many struggles he faced, the documentary stays positively focused on Louganis' resilience and his ability to bounce back from difficult circumstances.
Throughout the movie, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the man beyond the diving greatness. The interviews with Louganis' friends, family, and colleagues provide insightful commentary that gives audiences an idea of who Louganis is beyond his diving abilities.
In addition, Back on Board: Greg Louganis is a visually stunning documentary that features incredible footage of Louganis' performances throughout his career. The diving sequences included in the movie are visually mesmerizing, and the slow-motion replays of Louganis' dives are nothing short of breathtaking.
The documentary also features a host of prominent individuals who have been associated with Louganis throughout his life, including Olympic champion David Boudia, who talks about the crucial role that Louganis played in his own success. Other luminaries include former US President Jimmy Carter, who talks about Louganis' place in American history as a trailblazer for gay rights, and Sergei Chalibashvili, Louganis' lifelong coach and mentor.
Overall, Back on Board: Greg Louganis is an excellent documentary that tells an extraordinary story of an exceptional athlete, diving sensation, and exceptionally brave individual. The documentary is a moving tribute to Greg Louganis, reminding us of the incredible sacrifice and dedication it takes to be a true champion in life, as well as in sport. The film is a compelling, thought-provoking insight into one of the world's most courageous and determined athletes, and one that is resonant and inspiring to all its viewers.
Back on Board: Greg Louganis is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.