I should start by stating categorically I am NOT a Brony. I've never watched the show, never bought the merchandise, never read one of the comics.
I've also never understood Bronies, so when I saw this documentary available on Netflix, I popped it on, hoping to get an insight into these weirdo targets of derision I've heard about.
I was simply blown away. I'm still not a fan, but to me, this documentary isn't about the show OR the fans, its about our ability to accept people who have different views or interests to us. It really made me question my assumptions about Bronies, but also my assumptions about myself and my identity as a liberal, accepting person. Namely how can I stand against racism, against homophobia etc if I still have an irrational dislike of Bronies? In all honesty, it reminded me of being a Trekkie back in the day. Comic Cons may now be a multi billion dollar industry and suddenly everyones calling themselves a "geek", but I remember times when the mere mention of a Sci Fi convention would get you into trouble at work, get you punched in a bar and a guaranteed life without sex.
I spent decades as a Sci Fi outcast waiting for the rest of society to catch up and I see a lot of common touch points in the adversity the Brony community faces today.
Slight spoiler - the effect a Bronycon had on a young man with Aspergers really did move me to tears and the work John De Lancie did helping a father accept his sons Bronyism was just astonishing. I'd give this 8 stars if it had "converted" me. The fact it managed to move me deeply, but still stay objective enough for me to not be converted bumps it up to a 9.
I've also never understood Bronies, so when I saw this documentary available on Netflix, I popped it on, hoping to get an insight into these weirdo targets of derision I've heard about.
I was simply blown away. I'm still not a fan, but to me, this documentary isn't about the show OR the fans, its about our ability to accept people who have different views or interests to us. It really made me question my assumptions about Bronies, but also my assumptions about myself and my identity as a liberal, accepting person. Namely how can I stand against racism, against homophobia etc if I still have an irrational dislike of Bronies? In all honesty, it reminded me of being a Trekkie back in the day. Comic Cons may now be a multi billion dollar industry and suddenly everyones calling themselves a "geek", but I remember times when the mere mention of a Sci Fi convention would get you into trouble at work, get you punched in a bar and a guaranteed life without sex.
I spent decades as a Sci Fi outcast waiting for the rest of society to catch up and I see a lot of common touch points in the adversity the Brony community faces today.
Slight spoiler - the effect a Bronycon had on a young man with Aspergers really did move me to tears and the work John De Lancie did helping a father accept his sons Bronyism was just astonishing. I'd give this 8 stars if it had "converted" me. The fact it managed to move me deeply, but still stay objective enough for me to not be converted bumps it up to a 9.