Watch Hitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows

Hitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows is a documentary film that revolves around Bret Hart, a professional Canadian wrestler, and provides plenty of insights into the world of wrestling. It was directed by Paul Jay and released in 1998. The movie is centered around the events leading up to Bret's departure from the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), his final bout against Shawn Michaels, and the subsequent fall-out. Bret's wrestling career began in his family's promotion, Stampede Wrestling, based in Calgary, Canada. From there, he went on to become one of the biggest stars in the WWF during the 90s.

The film documents the build-up to Bret's departure from the WWF, which is laden with conflict, turmoil, and betrayal. The WWF had agreed to pay Bret a massive sum of money for the last 20 years of his career, which was an unprecedented move at that time. However, the owner of the organization, Vince McMahon, and Bret's rivals began to feel that Bret was not worth the money.

Bret, on the other hand, was committed to fulfilling his contract and not betraying his fans. He had also become increasingly unhappy with the direction the company was going in. The rivalry between Bret and Shawn Michaels also contributed to Bret's exit. The two wrestlers' animosity towards each other is shown in the movie, along with the infamous Montreal Screwjob.

The movie also portrays the human aspect of Bret's life, particularly the relationships between the Hart family, including his brother Owen and his wife Julie. The camaraderie between Bret and Brian Pillman, two of the most respected wrestlers of their time, is also highlighted in the documentary.

The behind-the-scenes footage of the wrestling matches and Bret's rigorous training regime give the movie a real sense of authenticity. The documentary also sheds light on the creative process involved in producing the wrestling matches, the thought process that went into the different characters' personas and storylines, and how the wrestlers' in-ring personas differed from their real-life personalities.

One of the most poignant moments in the movie is when Bret is shown dealing with Owen's death during a wrestling match in Kansas City. The footage of Bret grieving over his brother's death is particularly moving and highlights the emotional toll that the wrestling profession can take on its practitioners.

Overall, Hitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows is a must-watch for anyone interested in the world of wrestling. The documentary provides a fascinating insight into the backstage politics of professional wrestling and the complex relationships between wrestlers, promoters, and fans. It is a raw, honest portrayal of a sport that is more than just entertainment. It is a story of passion, betrayal, and the lengths that people will go to pursue their dreams.

Hitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows is a 1998 documentary with a runtime of 2 hours and 12 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.1.