Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story

Watching this documentary was a deeply personal experience. I felt like I was revisiting a part of my childhood, when I saw Christopher Reeve as Superman flying before my eyes. Those moments made me dream and imagine. I had toys, clothes and even a lunchbox with his image on it, which, in a way, made me feel empowered, even though I was just a child. The documentary is wonderful, very well edited and with impeccable content, revealing a fascinating story of overcoming and fighting for a cause that still resonates today through his family; it is truly inspiring. It's a beautiful tribute that highlights Christopher not only as an excellent actor, but also as an admirable human being. In addition, the film covers details of his personal life and career, including his filmography. One of my favorite films with him is the 1998 remake of " Rear Window", which I've watched countless times, as well as all the Superman films, which for me will always be the best hero films ever made.

No, I'm telling you: I'm not crying, you're crying!

Yes,,, I cried.. those last 15 minutes pff

Really, really appreciated this. A beautiful out-together piece. RIP always, Christopher ‘Superman’ Reeve

Do yourself a favor and watch this movie

It is hopeful for many people, Superman as he was, nothing less.

“Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” is a documentary that does more than just tell a story—it dives deep into the essence of its protagonist, exploring the strength and vulnerability that coexisted in the man the world knew as Superman. Directed with sensitivity by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, the film goes beyond sensationalism to offer an authentic and profoundly human look at Christopher Reeve’s life, both before and after the accident that changed everything.

The documentary avoids the typical formula of glorifying Reeve’s rise as a global star only to treat his post-accident life as an inspirational epilogue. Instead, it weaves these phases together as complementary parts of an extraordinary journey, emphasizing his almost superhuman willpower and his role as a disability rights activist. One of the film’s greatest strengths is the filmmakers’ refusal to sugarcoat events. They don’t shy away from the brutality of the accident or the intensity of the challenges Reeve faced, but they also avoid reducing his story to a simplistic tale of tragedy and triumph.

The interviews are the beating heart of the film, offering intimate and moving perspectives from close friends, like Robin Williams, and family members, including his wife Dana Reeve and his children. Dana stands out as a figure of immense resilience and devotion, almost an unshakable pillar for Reeve. Their relationship is portrayed with an honesty that’s deeply moving, showing moments of unconditional love alongside the struggles they faced together. The documentary also delves into Reeve’s connection with his children, especially Will, who was only three years old when the accident happened. These intimate moments, captured through home videos and personal accounts, create a genuine emotional impact that resonates throughout the film.

Visually, the documentary is well-crafted, blending archival footage, interviews, and sensitive recreations of key moments. However, Ilan Eskheri’s score occasionally overreaches, trying to dictate the emotional tone of scenes that are already powerful on their own. While this doesn’t undermine the film’s message, it creates brief moments of dissonance that could have been avoided with a more understated approach.

Another highlight is the thoughtful exploration of Reeve’s artistic legacy. The documentary takes the time to examine how he navigated his career, balancing the enduring impact of his portrayal of Superman with his desire to be recognized for more diverse roles, like in “Somewhere in Time” and “Deathtrap.” This internal struggle is mirrored in his determination to keep acting and directing after the accident, leading to projects like the remake of “Rear Window.” His efforts to reinvent himself as an artist reinforce the film’s central message: Reeve was not defined by the physical limitations he faced but by his immense adaptability and willpower.

Despite its depth, the documentary isn’t without its flaws. At times, the narrative feels rushed, skipping between significant events without fully unpacking their emotional weight. This brisk pacing might leave viewers wishing for more time to absorb the details and live through the moments alongside the characters. Even so, the clarity and focus on its central themes make up for this minor shortcoming.

Overall, “Super/Man” isn’t just a tribute to Christopher Reeve—it’s a celebration of human resilience and a call to action. The way the film balances emotional honesty with an uplifting message makes it a rare and necessary cinematic experience. It’s a powerful reminder that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, it’s possible to find purpose and keep fighting for change that benefits not just oneself but others as well. This is the kind of documentary that deserves to be widely seen, not just by fans of Reeve but by anyone who believes in the power of determination and the ability of cinema to touch and transform lives.

Hero ❤ Rest in Peace Man of Steel

It's good, but I didn’t like it. I didn’t enjoy the feelings it gave me. It could have been a tribute or a celebration, like the documentary about John Williams, which left me feeling excited and thinking, Wow, what an amazing guy, he had a fantastic life!

But after watching this movie, all I could say was, Damn, he had a terrible life, and so did the people around him.

It’s interesting and provides a lot of information I didn’t know; it even made me curious to explore his other works. But it’s a very uncomfortable film to watch.

The music score is great! It was worth it that the Reeve family recorded everything.