The Crash Reel

2013 • 108 minutes

About this movie

The gripping and unforgettable story of elite athlete and champion snowboarder Kevin Pearce. Using footage from hundreds of sources over two decades, The Crash Reel chronicles Kevin's epic rise to fame on the international snowboarding circuit, which tragically culminates in a life-changing crash that leaves Kevin in a critical condition and suffering a traumatic brain injury that will forever impact his sporting career and his daily life. The Crash Reel is a comeback story with a difference, as Kevin must face not only his lifelong disability but also the emotional heartache inflicted on his family when Kevin, with dogged determination, goes against their wishes and medical advice and decides to take up snowboarding again professionally. 2 time Oscar® nominated filmmaker Lucy Walker uses the intimacy of cinema vérité to take us on an exhilarating ride straight to the beating heart of an incredible sport, and asks the visceral, powerful question; what price do we pay for our passions? An insightful, deeply emotional adrenaline-filled story boasting an excellent soundtrack, The Crash Reel is a profoundly moving portrait of an extraordinary family confronted with a devastating injury, who come together to help a gifted athlete re-discover himself and find purpose and meaning in the wake of a lost dream. © HBO Documentary Films. LLC All Rights Reserved.

Ratings and reviews

Having recently suffered massive trauma and life changing injury in pursuit of the sport I cherish, this hit VERY close to home. But also helped me to answer some questions inside myself and open a dialogue with my family. 💘

Fantastic documentary, definitely worth the watch.

A must see for anyone who loves the human heart..