Superman soars high: A review of ‘The Christopher Reeve Story’


At a glance

  • I watched the recently released 'Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story' taking flight. And it was worth watching the life of my favorite Superman actor.


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If I can describe Christopher Reeve with just one word, it must be “hero.”

I watched the recently released 'Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story' taking flight. And it was worth watching the life of my favorite Superman actor.

Directed by acclaimed filmmakers Ian Bonhôte and Peter Etedgui, this documentary delves deep into Reeve's rise to stardom, his life-altering accident, and his enduring legacy as an actor, advocate, and symbol of hope.

Reeve is best known for his iconic portrayal as Superman/Clark Kent in the 1978 film, which forever cemented his place in pop culture. However, his story extends far beyond his time in the red cape. This documentary takes audiences on his heartfelt journey from his early days in the theater to his career-defining role and, ultimately, to the tragic horse riding accident in 1995 that left him paralyzed from the neck down.

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Christopher Reeve

As I watched it, I gained an even deeper understanding of the man behind the hero from candid interviews with Reeve's three children, close friends and colleagues, and the filmmakers behind 'Superman: The Movie.'

It didn't shy away from showcasing Reeve's struggles with his injury and immense determination that led him to advocate for spinal cord research. Through CGI visuals, one particular element in the Superman lore was used in this documentary to symbolize his struggles.

Rare archival footage from his film career and his post-accident life serves as a poignant reminder of his resilience. Notable highlights include Reeve’s close friendship with the late actor Robin Williams and touching moments between him and his wife, Dana Reeve, who stood by his side through every challenge and his efforts to raise awareness for the disabled community.

While the documentary celebrates Reeve's legacy, it is also a call to action. His unrelenting fight for medical advancement and advocacy for disability rights is a message that resonates strongly even today.

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'Super/Man' is not just for fans of the Superman franchise but also for anyone who seeks an uplifting and emotional tribute to a legend who continues to inspire people with hope.

This documentary serves as a reminder that heroes aren’t just found in comic books – they can also be found in the most unexpected places, like the life of Christopher Reeve.

With that being said, I am going to give this documentary film...

10/10! (Contributed by Jolo Vinchenzo Flores