Independent Film Response: "Life as a Movie"

After screening the comedic independent film “Life as a Movie,” I developed a whole different respect for pro surfers, pro skaters, and pro snowboarders. “Life as a movie” did a wonderful job of exposing its audience to the in depth dedication, drive, heart, and hard work involved in these extreme sport athletes. I’ve thought before about what it takes to make it big and accomplish your dreams like such pro athletes do, but never has it been produced in such a way as this documentary does. The overall plot, breath taking landscaping shots, and inspirational action shots from each one of these athletes did a lot for my emotions. Words can’t even express how moved I was after this film.
To begin, the photographic snapshots of the incredible blue ocean waves or the jaw dropping scenes of the sparkling white snow caps were one of the first aspects of this film that I noticed. The beautiful glowing colors of nature and its landscapes were depicted in the best way they could have been possible. Every time they did just the simple scenery shots I felt this deep urge of want to go to each and every location. The director, Mai Miyama, had a great vision for this film and she brought all possible expressions forward while capturing places such as the island of Kandui in the Mentawaiis, the jungles of Japan, the streets of Osaka, and the powder mountain of Whistler, Canada. Truthfully, after seeing all these places, this movie has inspired me to want to travel when I get older. I’ve honestly never ever really wanted to leave the US, but I could confidentially say that I certainly do now!
In addition to the scenery I saw in “Life as a Movie,” the drive and dedication of the pro athletes, Benji Weatherley, Tony Hawk, Kelly Slater and Jack Johnson, also moved me in a whole other way. It’s hard to imagine the hardships each and every one of these men went through in order to reach their dreams of riding, boarding, and skating all the most insane places of the world. They set aside all other facets of their lives and lived, ate, and breathed their sports. Now that’s what you call commitment. It was very cool to see how much fun they have with what they do. It wasn’t all focus and practice 24/7; they joked around and goofed off as well in order to keep life fun and interesting. I loved that about this film because it just goes to show you that if you’re doing something you love, life just comes naturally exciting. My props go to all the athletes in this film.
Concisely, “Life as a Movie” was produced for an audience of all ages and I would recommend it as well to all ages. If you want to leave the theater feeling motivated, pumped up, energetic, and moved, seeing this independent film is perfect for you. I am a snowboarder myself and it was all I could to hold myself back from going up to the mountain at 11 o’clock that night after the movie. I just couldn’t wait to ride and I know for sure that I wasn’t the only one who felt that way.