Zion (I) (2018) User Reviews

Amazing story, tarnished by poor storytelling

[howard-864-328983 · 6/10 · 18 January 2024]

This is an amazing story, with amazing people, but the storytelling is too polished, too often accompanied by music, overly edited, over-filmed, and, frankly, preachy.

Zion's story is one of courage and inspiration. But the religious under- and overtones are unnecessary, such as the woman praying over him in a voiceover halfway through. Who is she? Are we all to agree with her premises?

And the coach's tearful description of Zion's accomplishment came too soon. That was a climactic speech he made at his desk, underscoring how Zion thought of Coach Donohue as a father figure.

I wrestled. It's a wonderful sport. It was insightful that Coach pointed out that it's two men trying to impose their will on each other.

But where was the conflict necessary for any story, even an 11-minute one? Surely the "conflict" was more than within Zion himself. How about showing us rather than telling us about those who wouldn't accept him? Those who "made comments to their teammates" about Zion?

This could have made a great story: just double the length and tell it better.

Beautiful. Emotional. Inspiring.

[bowzurg · 10/10 · 20 August 2018]

Well worth 11 minutes of your time, you'll be better for it. We live in a society prone to complaining, often about trivial things, and here is an amazing young man with immense limitiations who is not letting his situation get him down, instead choosing to be a conqueror.

Great documentary

[deniche-191-322082 · 10/10 · 14 August 2018]

Loved this show. I only wish it was longer. Very inspirational!

Powerful short

[jamie-95859 · 10/10 · 20 August 2018]

I loved this story. Watching Zion and witnessing his personal ability to overcome his extraordinary circumstances and accomplish great thing was incredibly inspiring. found myself wishing there was another episode to watch.

Concise, Factual, and Inspiring Documentary.

[josephdanielhennig · 10/10 · 27 August 2018]

The content and quality of cinematography in this brief film help to provide the viewer with the most accurate perspective of it's protagonist. The film by being brief chooses to focus on Zion's heroic-like figure. Though he was born with no tissue beneath his abdomen, and he likely has undergone numerous surgeries, and so many other things that could fill this documentary with content, the producer chose to focus on the successes and the reality of who this man is. Zion is not defined by his body, his situation, or what he can do, but it seems clear that he defines himself by what God sees in him. This story is not a religious one per se, but it has a clear message of strength that is rarely ever seen in the average human will. Zion is a champion, and he is fearfully and wonderfully made. Please don't allow the misguided ratings to dissuade you from being gifted by the 11 minutes of this film.

A film that does not do justice to the success story

[Horst_In_Translation · 4/10 · 19 August 2018]

Here we have "Zion", a 12-minute (10 without credits), documentary short film from 2018 and one of Netflix's most recent releases. This one won director Floyd Russ some awards already, and even more nominations, and we will see how it fares once Oscar season moves closer. Anyway, this is the story of the man in the title, a disable African American who is pursuing a career as a wrestler. Against all odds as he has no legs. There are references about his life at a foster home, about his difficult childhood etc. stuff you always see in documentaries like these, but sadly it never feels like going a lot below the surface. Instead it shows us arranged scenarios of discrimination that really feel painful to watch because they are so staged and the over-the-top soundtrack isn't helping either. It is a bit of a pity as with Paralympics etc. around, it is interesting to see a severely disabled man succeed to some extent in his sport against healthy competitors. So in terms of the premise, there was definitely the opportunoty to turn this into a much better film than it eventually became. It all feels so arranged, so pseudo-emotional and so scripted, especially the actual competition scene with the coach's crying, that really could have been a positive highlight, but instead it is the opposite. So yeah I am not impressed by this one. Hoped it would be better as I know it from Netflix. Gotta give it a thumbs-down and not recommend checking it out. Zion certainly would have deserved more attention to detail.

A great short documentary

[lankyalun · 9/10 · 6 November 2018]

Having been making short docs for the past 5 years it is incredibly difficult to get a range of emotions across in 10 minutes. This film does a great job of shkwing Zion'story without it feeling rushed. It shows the struggle, the fight and determination that someone with a disability like Zion has to go through. Although a lot of the supporting shots are staged they have a great cinematic feel and don't feel unnecessary. Honest interviews make this a must see for anyone interested in inspirational stories about defying all the odds. Highly recommended.

Impressive Short Documentary

[deepfrieddodo · 9/10 · 27 March 2021]

A great bitesize documentary following an incredible athlete. Straight to the point, factual without too much emotional manipulation, and a good subject. It's brevity would make it more appealing to an audience not interested in long-winded sports documentaries. Succinct and impressive.

Great feels, much respect

[daymedra · 10/10 · 25 August 2018]

Awesome inspiring short film, wish it was a bit longer.

Concise, Dramatic, Emotional, Powerful, Engaging, and Awe-inspiring short Documentary

[josephdanielhennig · 10/10 · 27 August 2018]

The content and quality of cinematography in this brief film help to provide the viewer with the most accurate perspective of it's protagonist. The film by being brief chooses to focus on Zion's heroic-like figure. Though he was born with no tissue beneath his abdomen, and he likely has undergone numerous surgeries, and so many other things that could fill this documentary with content, the producer chose to focus on the successes and the reality of who this man is. Zion is not defined by his body, his situation, or what he can do, but it seems clear that he defines himself by what God sees in him. This story is not a religious one per se, but it has a clear message of strength that you just don't see the average human will. Zion is a champion, and he is fearfully and wonderfully made. Please don't allow the misguided ratings to dissuade you from being gifted by the 11 minutes of this film.

Masterpiece

[mfellipecampos · 10/10 · 11 April 2020]

I must admit that I was amazed to see that the video would take just under 12 minutes. I believe that this is one of the reasons why the story does not impact as much as it could.

Obviously, Zion is an example of overcoming and we realized that, but if it were possible to know more about his past, the current adoption and better understand how he got involved in the fight, the production would touch the viewer's heart much deeper.

However, the good thing about this short duration is that you can take advantage of any break at work or college to check out a story that will inspire you for the rest of the day.

A brief bibliographic documentary that could cause more impact if it were more extensive, but the determination and willpower of the protagonist whose name is the title of the production inspires despite the reduced time.

Documentary reviewed on April 10, 2020

Beautiful and succinct

[justthefalcon · 10/10 · 8 July 2020]

This is a beautiful short film that definitely leaves me wanting more, but I respect the opportunity for this young man to live his life without all of it filmed. I'm so grateful a group of people decided not to hide Zion to themselves. Eleven minutes of inspiration, beautiful cinematography, faith, and grit make Zion the kind of short film that earns its place in an instant in my forever memory. Watching Zion makes me feel like I can be my own mountain too and to never let others tell me what I can and cannot do or who I can and cannot be.

moved

[huaixinzou · 10/10 · 22 April 2022]

It is human nature to sympathise with these very tragic people. A very short documentary, a very simple story, but so moving, not only by sympathy for what happened to him. It's not just that you sympathise with him, but that you are impressed by his perseverance and optimism, and that he has such a good coach with him. Just a very tear-jerking film, a very moving film.