Watch Concussion

As technology and science advance, we become more aware of the risks and consequences of playing sports. "Concussion" is a heart-wrenching drama that tells the true story of Dr. Bennet Omalu, a Nigerian immigrant who uncovers the truth about chronic traumatic encephalopathy or CTE, a degenerative brain disease caused by repeated head trauma. The film stars Will Smith as Omalu, Alec Baldwin as Dr. Julian Bailes, and Albert Brooks as Dr. Cyril Wecht.

The story begins in Pittsburgh in 2002 when Omalu, a forensic pathologist working for the Allegheny County coroner, is examining the body of former NFL player Mike Webster. Webster, played by David Morse, had a history of mental illness and erratic behavior before his death, and Omalu, determined to find out why, begins an investigation that changes the face of football forever.

Through his research, Omalu discovers that Webster suffered from CTE, a condition that can only be diagnosed after death. He also finds evidence of the disease in the brains of other deceased NFL players, including Terry Long, Justin Strzelczyk, and Andre Waters. Omalu's findings challenge the NFL's long-held belief that repeated head trauma does not cause long-term damage and puts him at odds with the organization.

As Omalu tries to bring attention to the issue, he faces resistance from the NFL, which tries to suppress his findings and discredit him. The league hires its own doctors to dispute Omalu's research, and he becomes a target of harassment and intimidation. However, Omalu is undeterred and continues to fight for the truth, even when it means putting his career, reputation, and safety on the line.

Baldwin plays Bailes, a former NFL team physician who becomes an ally of Omalu's after his own troubling experiences with the league's handling of head injuries. Bailes quickly sees the merit in Omalu's research and the two work together to raise awareness about CTE and its link to football.

Brooks plays Wecht, a renowned forensic pathologist who comes to Omalu's aid when the NFL tries to discredit his findings. Wecht is a mentor to Omalu and helps him navigate the media, the legal system, and the medical establishment. The relationship between Wecht and Omalu is heartwarming and shows the value of mentorship and support.

"Concussion" is a powerful film that sheds light on a crucial issue in today's society. It shows the devastating effects of head injuries on individuals and their families and raises important questions about the ethics of sports, healthcare, and corporate responsibility. The film is a reminder that the pursuit of truth and justice is never easy, but always worth it.

The performances in "Concussion" are exceptional, particularly Smith's portrayal of Omalu, which earned him a Golden Globe nomination. Smith brings a quiet intensity to the role and humanizes Omalu, making him relatable and empathetic. It is a role that showcased Smith's depth as an actor and proved that he is more than just an action hero.

Baldwin and Brooks also deliver excellent performances, providing support and levity to the film. Baldwin's character is the perfect foil to Omalu, providing a counterbalance to his seriousness and adding a touch of humor. Brooks, as always, is delightful, bringing his signature dry wit and intelligence to Wecht.

"Concussion" is directed by Peter Landesman, who also wrote the screenplay. Landesman balances the drama and suspense of the story with the emotional impact of the subject matter. He brings a journalistic approach to the film, keeping it grounded in reality and avoiding sensationalism.

The film's soundtrack, composed by James Newton Howard, is haunting and somber, adding to the film's emotional depth. The cinematography by Salvatore Totino is also noteworthy, capturing the grit and beauty of Pittsburgh and emphasizing the contrast between the world of football and the reality of CTE.

"Concussion" is not an easy film to watch, but it is an important one. It highlights an issue that affects millions of people and challenges us to take responsibility for our actions and make a difference. The film is a tribute to the courage and perseverance of Bennet Omalu and all those who fight for what they believe in, regardless of the cost. It is a must-see for anyone who cares about the future of sports and the health of our society.

Concussion is a 2015 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 2 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 55.