- Genre
- Documentary
- Year
- 2013
- Runtime
- 1h19
0
9.79*
A race to glory shadowed by a scandalous fall.
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Synopsis
9.79* is a gripping documentary centered around the infamous 1988 Seoul Olympics 100-meter sprint final, a race that would later be shrouded in scandal due to allegations of doping. The film delves deep into the journey of the athletes, particularly focusing on Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson, who shocked the world by winning the gold medal with a record-breaking time of 9.79 seconds, only to be stripped of it hours later after testing positive for steroids. Through interviews with prominent figures involved, archival footage, and a critical lens on the pressures faced by track athletes, the documentary paints a comprehensive picture of the complexities and moral dilemmas in the world of competitive sports. It invites viewers to reflect on the implications of performance-enhancing drugs and the lengths to which athletes will go for glory, making it both an enlightening and thought-provoking experience. With a runtime that captivates and engages, 9.79* stands as a crucial examination of an iconic moment that changed athletics forever.
Cast
Reviews
"9.79* serves as a meticulous and engaging exploration of one of sport's most controversial moments," writes The Guardian, praising the film for presenting the story with nuance and depth. Critics have highlighted the film's ability to balance the sensational nature of the event with a thoughtful examination of its aftermath. BFI noted, "It's not just a recount of an event but a multi-layered narrative that invites viewers to reconsider heroes and villains in sports." With an IMDb rating of 7.6/10, the film has resonated well with audiences, who appreciated its in-depth look at the psychological and social factors surrounding Johnson's rise and fall. However, some reviews from Rotten Tomatoes pointed out that the documentary occasionally feels one-sided, with Soccer America mentioning that the narrative could have benefited from deeper insights into other athletes involved. Overall, 9.79* has been received positively, with a broad consensus on its compelling storytelling and relevance, making it a must-watch for sports enthusiasts and documentary lovers alike.
