Artistic and rhythmic gymnastics looks pretty and perfect, but few people realize that behind this sport is sweat, discipline, serious injuries, hard training and many challenges faced by these tiny athletes. In this collection of the best gymnastics films you’ll see 7 stories that reveal the reality of the sport, the education involved and the need to put their normal life on hold.
Content
Athlete A
IMDb: 7.6/10
2020, Documentary, Crime, Sport
USA, PG-13
Director: Bonni Cohen, Jon Shenk
Top cast: Maggie Nichols, Gina Nichols, John Nichols
The documentary film Athlete A is a story of courage, resilience and the strength of the human spirit. The female athletes who were victimised by Larry Nassar showed incredible courage in daring to speak out about their suffering. Their stories inspire and give hope to all who have faced injustice. The film shows that even the loudest voices can be drowned out if they don't unite. But when people unite to fight for the truth, they can change the world.
White Palms
IMDb: 7.4/10
2006, Drama, Sport
Hungary, Not rated
Director: Szabolcs Hajdu
Top cast: Zoltán Miklós Hajdu, Kyle Shewfelt, Gheorghe Dinica
White Palms shows the harsh reality of athletes’ lives which are far from perfect. The story follows a Hungarian champion who was abused by his coach during his childhood in the Communist era. Years later he moves to Canada to find himself. He becomes a coach and unknowingly perpetuates the same cycle of violence to his students. Will he break the cycle? The film explores the dark side of athletic life, the injuries, abuse and psychological pressure that athletes especially in gymnastics face.
Over the Limit
IMDb: 7.4/10
2017, Documentary, Sport
France, Finland, Poland, Germany, Not rated
Director: Marta Prus
Top cast: Yana Kudryavtseva, Margarita Mamun, Irina Viner
The film Over the Limit offers a heartfelt look into the behind-the-scenes life of one of the world's brightest rhythmic gymnastics stars, Margarita Mamun. The film, shot during a year of intense preparation for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, reveals to the viewer not only the brilliant technique and grace of the athlete, but also her inner world, full of fears, doubts and hopes. We witness her gruelling training, her complicated relationship with her coach and her struggle to achieve her main goal. The film shows that behind every brilliant medal there is a huge amount of work, dedication and fortitude.
Perfect Body
IMDb: 6.1/10
1997, Drama, Family, Sports
United States, Not rated
Director: Douglas Barr
Top cast: Amy Jo Johnson, Brett Cullen, Wendie Malick
Andi Bradley, a talented young gymnast who dreams of winning the Olympics, finds herself caught up in her own ambitions and unrealistic beauty standards. The film Perfect Body is a story about her struggle with anorexia, about losing herself and about her attempts to find a way out of this vicious circle. The film deeply penetrates into the psychology of the protagonist, showing all the complexities and contradictions she faces.
Stick It
IMDb: 6.4/10
2006, Dramas, Comedies, Sports
USA, Germany, Not rated
Director: Jessica Bendinger
Top cast: Missy Peregrym, Jeff Bridges, Vanessa Lengies
The film Stick It is an energetic sports drama about growing up, rebellion and finding yourself. The main character, a talented gymnast Haley, after a personal drama decides to quit the sport. However, having got into a closed gymnastics school, she not only returns to training, but also becomes the leader of a rebellious generation of female athletes fighting for justice and the opportunity to express herself. This film is a story about finding your strength even when all seems lost, and about how rules sometimes need to be broken to make a difference.
Peaceful Warrior
IMDb: 7.2/10
2006, Drama, Romance, Sport
Germany, USA, PG-13
Director: Victor Salva
Top cast: Scott Mechlowicz, Nick Nolte, Amy Smart
The story of Dan Millman, a talented gymnast whose seemingly perfect life is turned upside down after a chance encounter with the enigmatic Socrates. This film is a deep dive into the world of self-discovery and spiritual growth. Through the prism of sporting achievements and personal dramas, we see how Dan, faced with a serious injury, is forced to rethink his values and priorities. His meeting with Socrates becomes the beginning of his journey to his true self, where physical strength and athletic achievements take a back seat to fortitude and inner harmony.
Full Out
IMDb: 6.3/10
2015, Biographical, Sports, Drama
USA, Canada, Not rated
Director: Sean Cisterna
Top cast: Ana Golja, Jennifer Beals, Sarah Fisher
The film Full Out is a story about a talented gymnast Ariana, whose life changes radically after a serious injury. Having lost the opportunity to do her favourite sport, she is forced to look for new goals. However, thanks to her fortitude and the support of her loved ones, Ariana finds the strength not only to recover physically, but also to discover new horizons. The film inspires to overcome any obstacle and shows that it is possible to find happiness and success even after difficult trials.
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