Watch The Ice King

The Ice King is a breathtaking and emotional biopic that explores the fascinating and tragic life of Olympic figure skating champion, John Curry. The 2018 documentary, directed by James Erskine, features never-before-seen archival footage of Curry's performances, interviews with his friends and colleagues, and stunning recreations of his iconic ice routines.

The film opens with a montage of Curry's most memorable performances, set against a hauntingly beautiful score. We see him glide across the ice with effortless grace and precision, captivating audiences around the world with his artistry and athleticism. But behind the glamour and success, Curry struggled with profound feelings of isolation and insecurity.

Throughout the film, we learn about Curry's childhood in Birmingham, England, and his early years as a skater. Despite his father's disapproval, Curry pursued his passion and quickly rose through the ranks of the figure skating world. He won several national championships and ultimately became the first openly gay athlete to win a gold medal at the Winter Olympics, in 1976.

But despite his groundbreaking achievements, Curry struggled to find acceptance in the sports world and beyond. He was criticized for deviating from the traditional masculine image of a figure skater, and his sexuality was often the subject of tabloid gossip. The film doesn't shy away from these challenges, but instead portrays them as pivotal moments in Curry's journey.

The Ice King also delves into Curry's personal life, including his relationships with his family, friends, and romantic partners. We see how his struggles with his identity and self-worth affected these relationships, and how his pursuit of perfection on the ice could sometimes overshadow his emotional needs.

Throughout the documentary, we hear from a range of voices that provide insight into Curry's life and legacy. These include former skating partners, coaches, and friends, as well as journalists and historians who contextualize Curry's impact on the sports world. Among the most poignant voices in the film is that of meg Streeter Lauck, Curry's longtime friend and collaborator, who speaks movingly about their artistic process and the deep bond they shared.

The recreations of Curry's ice routines are some of the film's most powerful moments. Shot with a mixture of close-ups and wide angles, the scenes capture the beauty and intensity of his performances while also revealing the physical and emotional toll they took on him. We see him push himself to the limit in pursuit of perfection, and we witness the sacrifices he made to achieve his goals.

Overall, The Ice King is a poignant and inspiring portrait of a true iconoclast. It presents John Curry not just as a skater, but as a complex and deeply human individual who struggled with the same fears and doubts as many of us. Through his artistry and determination, he challenged convention and made a lasting impact on the world of figure skating. The documentary is a touching tribute to his legacy, and a reminder of the power of individualism and self-expression.

The Ice King is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.