Watch No No: A Dockumentary

No No: A Dockumentary is a 2014 documentary film directed by Jeff Radice. The film revolves around the life of Dock Ellis, a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates and several other teams during the 1960s and 1970s. The documentary is based on the life of Ellis, his struggles with drug addiction, his role as an outspoken black athlete during the civil rights movement, and his remarkable accomplishments on the baseball field.

The film starts with Ellis' early life, growing up in poverty in California, and his love for baseball. It discusses his experiences playing in the minor leagues before finally making it to the major leagues with the Pirates in 1968. Throughout the film, archive footage and interviews with former teammates and opponents, as well as friends and family members, help to paint a complete picture of Ellis as a person.

The title of the film, No No, refers to Ellis' most famous game. On June 12, 1970, Ellis threw a no-hitter against the San Diego Padres while under the influence of LSD. He recounts his approach to the game and his reaction to the experience in an interview conducted shortly before his death. Ellis' frank and explicit account of pitching while high has become one of the iconic moments in sports history and the centerpiece of the documentary.

Aside from his extraordinary performance on the field, the film also explores Ellis' role as a black athlete during the civil rights movement. Ellis was outspoken in his support for the Black Panthers and other political movements, taking a stand against the racism and discrimination that he witnessed in his career. He was also part of the first all-black starting lineup in major league history, a significant milestone in the fight for racial equality.

The film also delves into Ellis' addiction to drugs and alcohol. Throughout his career, Ellis struggled with addiction, which affected his performance and ultimately contributed to his retirement from baseball. The documentary explores the impact of this addiction on both Ellis and his family and the broader context of drug use in sports.

Throughout the film, interviews with Ellis' former teammates, coaches, and family members add depth and insight into his character. Stories ranging from humorous anecdotes to heartbreaking moments paint a picture of a complex, multifaceted person who was beloved by many.

No No: A Dockumentary is a powerful and moving tribute to Ellis, his life, and his legacy. By exploring the struggles and triumphs of a man who was both an athlete and an activist, the film captures the spirit of a turbulent era and the individuals who shaped it. The documentary serves as both an ode to a remarkable athlete and a reminder of the power of sports to inspire and bring people together.

No No: A Dockumentary is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 68.