Angle

A dramatic documentary about American professional wrestler Kurt Steven Angle.

Through a rich collection of family footage, photographs, interviews and television news, this powerful and moving feature documents the personal life and remarkable career of a man who struggled a great deal in order to fulfil his dreams.

The documentary covers all sorts of events from his life, beginning with his childhood in Pennsylvania and ending with his current situation. In between these two, the audience becomes familiar with his upbringing with his siblings and difficult father and follows his exciting and challenging wrestling career. In particular, regarding his career, the film looks into his humble start as a beginner, before competing in championships and finally competing in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. Followings this, things take a different direction when Angle decides to enter the World Wrestling Entertainment and excelling in that promotion, competing against such legends as Brock Lesnar and Dwayne Johnson. However, it is not all about success, as personal tragedies are also part of the story, including the death of his father and sister, the murder of his coach Dave Schultz by John Eleuthere du Pont, his career-threatening neck injury and his addiction to painkillers.

Kurt Angle is the main interviewee, and he tells his story with enthusiasm and gets emotional at times. Other interviewees include his brothers Johnny, Eric and Matt, his wife Giovanna, professional wrestlers and coaches and some well-known celebrities such as Hollywood actor and former wrestler Dwayne Johnson and former UFC champions Randy Couture and Ronda Rousey.

There is plenty of footage throughout that covers Angle's wrestling career from his time as a child, all the way to WWE, revealing his outstanding abilities and his struggles. There is also news footage, home videos of his relatives and plenty of photographs of family members and of Angle in action.

Director Perry creates some impressive aerial shots and Ian Wittenber does a great job with the editing. Matthew David Chavez's cinematography deserves special mention and Kevin Riepl's music is melancholic or dynamic, adding drama to the viewing experience.

This documentary tells a moving and inspiring story that could motivate people to follow their dreams. It offers an insight into the world of wrestling and the massive work that is required in order to succeed in that sport. Fans of wrestling will most likely be the film's main audience, however those who appreciate quality filmmaking and an individual's intriguing life story are also likely to appreciate it.