Horst in Translation ([email protected])
"Klitschko" is a documentary movie about two brothers from the Ukraine who made it in the world of boxing and became world champions. Basically, it sums up the most important events and fights in their professional career, but also gives some side information on their connection with Max Schmeling, their relatives (especially mother), hobbies and other endeavors, such as Vitali's political career Almost five years after this came out, both are still undefeated since then. Vladimir has another fight up soon and Vitali seems retired by now and active in politics exclusively. What did not make sense to me though is that they say at one point that Wladimir is the more diplomatic of the two. But why is Vitali then in politics now? Anyway, we also hear some information on the brothers from their longtime coach Fritz Sdunek, who died not too long ago. Also boxer Chris Byrd gets to tell us his take on the Klitschko brothers for quite a big part of the film. One part I found interesting and funny is when they told how the other Klitschko, not the one they initially wanted, came to Germany for the first time and he looked exactly the same. I agree. I never know who is who either. The brother mentality is good too that they would never fight each other in the ring and I liked the RHCP music. However, some of the other music was too dramatic for my taste and it got a bit cringeworthy at times.If you have not been a boxing enthusiast before watching this, it will probably not wow you either. i personally found Dewhnhardt's Nowitzki documentary more interesting and captivating. In addition, you have to say that this is still a really brutal sport and there are some fight scenes in this movie which are certainly not for everybody.
Munch MaQuchi
I tend to watch a lot of sports-based documentaries, and I am, just in general, a big fan of the documentary medium.Let me start of by saying that I went into this movie expecting a 'glorious celebration' of what can only be described as two of the most influential fighters in the world of boxing. I was expecting to watch a documentary, that fell into that nearly unavoidable pit of shameless self-promotion/idolization.I was WRONG! This nearly 120-minute EPIC, not only is probably the most humble and honest boxing-doc I've ever seen. It re-defines the format of the standard sports-documentary, and presents us with an insight into the REAL important moments of a fighter's career, namely, dealing with loss, mental and physical defeat, maintaining you strife for excellence, and learning from your mistakes.The documentary is engrossing, it spans the early childhood of the brothers, their excellence in local Ukrainian kick-boxing, their switch to a pro career... all information is presented with exceptional moderation, providing nothing but essential and informative stories and facts. No 'dead-air' here folks! The picture that this film paints is one of overcoming personal and psychological issues, becoming a better person through hardship and defeat, through challenge and distress.The documentary also sheds an interesting light on Vitali's political engagements, which i found to be quite remarkable. I could also appreciate that the film doesn't focus on the brother's charity work in detail. Something that I found refreshingly selfless and humble.IN CONCLUSION: The film is long, but every single minute is entertaining, informative and just a great watch. The editing and production are tremendous.The film left me with a remarkable feeling, even though i know I just watched the defining documentary about two of the most successful boxers in history, I came to the realization that what was portrayed in the film was much more humble and sincere. The film focused on the VERY few losses they had, and doesn't ravel in the greatness that they rightfully have established. Very few 'EPIC' scenes, and plenty of personal, heartfelt and sincere moments with the Klitchko's.I rate this film a 9/10 - Not just based on content, but also as a film that could possibly provide a blue-print for the 'new style' of sports documentaries. all in all, A MUST SEE!!!
dbborroughs
An inoffensive loving puff piece, the film plays like a typical background piece you might see on HBO or Showtime before one of their fights but expanded to two hours. With a marvelous title sequence that that shows a huge arena getting ready for a fight, the film is content on showing the beauty of a very brutal sport. It's also a film that is very intent of singing the praises of it's subjects and keeping the negative side off camera.As a fight fan I found little I hadn't heard before, other than some facts about their dad. I was amused how many in the audience were groaning at the slow motion shots of the punches in the fights as if they had never seen a fight, or even Raging Bull before. I was also amused that the fights were made to look infinitely more exciting than they really are since the brothers Klitchko both stand close to seven feet tall and have arms so long that their chances of getting hit are small.(Their matches are often so one sided that the major outlets for boxing, like HBO and Showtime tend not to run them.) While the film looks good and is entertaining, it's way too in love with the boys to really be much of anything, especially since at just under two hours it's way too long. If you must see it wait for cable.
