If you are prepared to just sit back and label new docco Fighting Fear just another extreme-sports-docco then you are certainly in for a rethink. This has actually ended up a docco that has real heart and it is easy to see how it could end up inspiring anyone who happens to see it.
Directed by Macario De Souza (Bra Boys) Fighting Fear follows the lives of two of Maroubra’s Bra Boys who have risen to become the cream of their sports. Narrated by Joel Edgerton (The Thing, Warrior) the docco follows Mark Matthews as he battles an initial fear of the surf and, later on, serious injury as he becomes one of the world’s top big-wave surfers. At the same time we see his best friend, Richie ‘Vas’ Vaculik overcome a violent past to become a mixed martial arts champion.
With insightful interviews with the likes of Kelly Slater and Mick Fanning and vision that you have to see to believe Fighting Fear is a worthy docco that anyone seeking inspiration will want to see over and over again. De Souza really announces himself as one of the best new directors around with this docco. His sensational surf footage and use of new technology to gather some impressive shots of both Matthews and Vaculik doing what they do best makes this a must see on the big screen.
De Souza also doesn’t let the amazing footage get in the way of the human-interest side of the story either. Both Vaculik and Matthews are extremely open about their lives and some member of the audience may find themselves have a deep look at their own lives when they see what these two amazing men have overcome.
Fighting Fear is an interesting docco that certainly won’t disappoint; it is certainly one you have to see on the big screen as the footage won’t look anywhere near as good on DVD. Write off at your own peril, because you’ll be missing out on something really stunning.
Year: 2011
Director: Macario De Souza
Stars: Joel Edgerton, Mark Matthews, Richie ‘Vas’ Vaculick
Classification: M
Runtime: 86 mins
Rating: 
Out on DVD/Blu-Ray 1st March 2012