Watch Unbanned: The Legend of AJ1

Unbanned: The Legend of AJ1 is a 2018 documentary film starring Anthony Anderson, Dapper Dan, and Mark Wahlberg. Directed by Dexton Deboree, the film explores the cultural phenomenon behind Michael Jordan's signature sneaker, the Air Jordan 1, and its impact on basketball, fashion, and hip-hop. The film opens with a montage of iconic images of Jordan playing basketball and various celebrities sporting the Air Jordan 1. It then dives into the history of the sneaker, explaining how Nike signed Jordan to a then-unprecedented sneaker deal in 1984 and how the Air Jordan 1 was born. The shoe's initial release was met with controversy, as the NBA banned it for not conforming to the league's strict dress code at the time, but this only served to fuel demand for the shoe.

The film then explores how the Air Jordan 1 became a symbol of rebellion and self-expression, as young people, particularly in the African American community, embraced the sneaker as a way to assert their identity and style. This culminated in a series of high-profile incidents where the Air Jordan 1 played a central role, including the infamous murder of a teenager over a pair of the shoes.

The film also highlights the impact of the Air Jordan 1 on fashion, as designers like Dapper Dan incorporated the sneakers into their own designs, paving the way for the fusion of streetwear and high fashion. Wahlberg also makes an appearance to discuss his own relationship with the Air Jordan 1, which he credits with inspiring him to launch his own sneaker line.

Throughout the film, interviews with sneakerheads, designers, and cultural figures provide insight into the enduring popularity of the Air Jordan 1, and how it has become a cultural phenomenon that transcends sports and fashion. The film also features rare archival footage of Jordan and Nike executives discussing the creation of the sneaker, as well as footage of sneaker conventions and other events celebrating the Air Jordan 1.

Overall, Unbanned: The Legend of AJ1 offers a fascinating look at how a single sneaker helped shape modern culture in ways that extend far beyond the basketball court. Whether you're a sneaker fanatic or simply interested in the intersection of sports, fashion, and pop culture, this documentary offers an engaging and informative exploration of a true cultural icon.

Unbanned: The Legend of AJ1 is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.