Watch Head Games

Head Games is a documentary film from 2012 that explores the issue of head injuries and concussions in sports, particularly football. The film is directed by Steve James and produced by Bruce Sheridan and Steve Devick. The documentary is based on the book, Head Games: Football's Concussion Crisis by Chris Nowinski, who is also featured prominently in the film.

The documentary begins by introducing viewers to the issue of head injuries in sports, particularly football. It highlights the fact that football is the sport with the most head injuries, and that these injuries can lead to very serious long-term health problems such as dementia and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The film then goes on to explore the factors that contribute to the issue, such as the culture of football, the lack of understanding about head injuries, and the lack of proper treatment and prevention methods.

Throughout the film, we hear from various experts in the field, including doctors and scientists who have studied the issue extensively. They discuss the science of concussions, the impact that repeated head injuries can have on the brain, and the challenges of diagnosing and treating these injuries. We also hear from former football players, coaches, and parents who have been affected by head injuries, including those who have lost loved ones to CTE.

One of the key figures in the film is Chris Nowinski, who was a professional wrestler before he retired due to numerous concussions. Nowinski has since become an advocate for the prevention and treatment of head injuries in sports, and he is a prominent voice throughout the film. He talks about his own experiences with head injuries and the impact that they have had on his life, and he also discusses the work that he has done to raise awareness about the issue.

Another key figure in the film is Gene Atkins, a former NFL player who suffered numerous head injuries throughout his career. Atkins now suffers from dementia and other health problems related to his injuries, and he talks about the toll that these injuries have taken on him and his family. We also hear from Laura Balcer, a neurologist who has studied the issue of head injuries in sports extensively. Balcer discusses the challenges of diagnosing and treating head injuries, and she talks about the work that she has done to improve the understanding of the issue.

Throughout the film, we see numerous clips of football games and practices, as well as interviews with players, coaches, and fans. These clips highlight the violent nature of the sport and the importance of understanding the risks involved. We also see examples of players who have suffered from head injuries and the impact that these injuries have had on their lives and careers.

Ultimately, Head Games is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that raises important questions about the safety of sports, particularly football. It is a call to action for athletes, coaches, parents, and fans to take the issue of head injuries seriously and to work together to find better ways to prevent and treat them. The film is a must-see for anyone who cares about the health and well-being of athletes, and it is sure to spark important conversations about this important issue.

Head Games is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.