Generation Iron (2013)
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Critic Reviews for Generation Iron
All Critics (15) | Top Critics (5) | Fresh (12) | Rotten (3)
For a documentary about extreme discipline, the filmmakers lack restraint: the movie, about 20 minutes too long, undercuts much of its own momentum.
The oversized men who compete for the title of Mr. Olympia in this illuminating documentary are articulate and serious-minded, with some muscling through adversity to find a way to their dreams.
"Iron" opens a window to an exclusive club and gives valuable insight into a small, dedicated and proudly unique community.
Yudin's deft cameras admiringly capture these iconically sculpted men without overly objectifying them, should the prospect of eyeballing all that posing-strapped beef give any potential viewers pause.
A gorgeous meditation on age-old existential concerns.
...just about enough memorable quotes, eloquence, personality, and pathos to divert even those of us with no interest in sport.
Audience Reviews for Generation Iron
I heard about this film from a friend who went to the European premiere at the Copenhagen International Documentary Festival where the sold-out screening was held at the 650 seat Bremen Teater. This is very engaging documentary film which follows the world's best bodybuilders as they train and compete for the coveted Mr. Olympia title. I was never a great fan of this type of activity, but having a front row seat to find out about the lives of the top seven bodybuilders in the sport, including Phil Heath, Kai Greene, Branch Warren and Dennis Wolf, was simply, amazing! And, when you have a guy like Mickey Rourke to narrate the film is always pleasant! I enjoyed the appearances by Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno and Jay Cutler, as well It seems that Generation Iron had the biggest documentary opening of 2013, and held position as the #1 documentary in the US at the box office for three straight weeks after its September 20 release. No wonder. The director Vlad Yudin made everything to bring us the reality show "circus" feel to the documentary screen and it kept going with no major flows, of course, if you like reality shows! It was educational regarding the competitors themselves, their struggles, thoughts... but never went into details of the diet or any of the competitor's workout regimens. Well, maybe this is the product of the times. Nobody is interested in depth anymore. It is entertainment, and entertains really good!
Super Reviewer
Generation Iron is a very good documentary about the sport of bodybuilding that follows the 2012 Mister Olympia year. Focusing on that year's competition, Generation Iron features the sport's biggest names competing for the coveted Mr. Olympia title. The way that the documentary goes into its subject, following each bodybuilding, and gives us insight on how they prepare physically and mentally for the event is quite interesting. Each bodybuilder has a unique approach to their method of physical conditioning and training, and the dedication that each of them has in order to win the title is truly something. The method of body building can easily be described as a sculptor that sculpts a fine work of art. Each bodybuilder sculpts their body with precision, dedication and overall determination in order to win the most celebrated title in the sport. Fans of the sport will enjoy this thoroughly engaging documentary, and even strangers to Bodybuilding might find this entertaining due to the fact that this is a highly competitive sport that has only winner. The determination of each bodybuilder is intense, fierce and unequalled. In terms of documenting its subject, Generation Iron definitely manages to go in depth of its subject in order for the viewer to truly understand the method and somewhat eccentric reason to why bodybuilders want to do this type of sport. The film is revealing and constantly entertaining and it will certainly appeal to anyone looking for a truly engaging documentary film to watch. Even if you're not a fan of the sport, this is worth seeing because it's nonetheless an interesting topic, and one that has been heavily scrutinized by the public due to some of the methods that a few bodybuilders have used during their training. This film might help give the common viewer a different perspective on the sport, and provide an entertaining viewing experience as well.
Super Reviewer
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