Schumacher
Through exclusive interviews and archival footage, this documentary traces an intimate portrait of seven-time Formula 1 champion Michael Schumacher.
- Released: 2021-09-15
- Runtime: 112 minutes
- Genre: Documentaries
- Stars: Michael Schumacher, Mick Schumacher, Corinna Schumacher, Ralf Schumacher, Rolf Schumacher, Gina Schumacher, Jean Todt, Bernie Ecclestone, Sebastian Vettel, Mika Häkkinen, Damon Hill, Flavio Briatore, David Coulthard, Willi Weber, Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, Sabine Kehm, Mark Webber, Eddie Irvine, Piero Ferrari, Ross Brawn, James Allen, Gerhard Noack, Gianluca Pilot, Richard Williams
- Director: Hanns-Bruno Kammertöns, Michael Wech, Vanessa Nöcker
Comments
- acdc_mp3 - 8 March 2023
So many ups and downs.
I remember hearing about Michael Shumacher's name over and over again for years and understood he was a fantastic driver, but my interest in racing during that era was waning so I didn't really follow him or anyone else at that time. That changed when I did some go-kart racing at a company function and while I knew it would be fun, I realized how physically demanding it is. I was drenched in sweat, my shoulders and arms were throbbing in pain the next morning and the adrenaline was still buzzing in my body. I found a whole new respect for all forms of auto racing and I find the science of it fascinating.
Watching this documentary showed a very human side of Michael that was never really shown during his career. He was one of the best and deserved all the accolades he got. The man was on top of the world, and in an instant, his world collapses in one of the worst ways imaginable. I remember the news stories regarding his accident but it didn't sound as bad as it truly was. This fact makes the documentary a bittersweet true tale of victory, perseverance, and tragedy.
I encourage everyone, particularly younger people to watch this to show that things in life aren't just going to come your way. You have to work constantly to make your goals come true. Even if they don't come true, trying is better than not. This also shows that you must appreciate your life because it can change in a blink of an eye.
My heart goes out to Michael and his family. - andrewburgereviews - 1 November 2021
Safe and sound
I think more than a month passed since I watched this documentary. The reason for waiting that much to write this review is because there really isn't much that this documentary covers that isn't already well known about the F1 legend. It is more of a celebration of the man than a characterization.
I am of course not saying that the man doesn't deserve all the praise he gets. He is a 7-time Formula 1 world champion, with 5 consecutive titles from 2000 to 2004. And while his many records are slowly being overtaken by the now maverick Lewis Hamilton there is no doubt he is part of motorsport history--a legend. His success only makes the tragic skiing accident which rendered him in an unfortunate state all the more regretful.
Yet this documentary strays away from focusing on that. Michael is nowhere to be seen except from stock and archive footage. As his wife Corinna states: "Michael protected us so now it's time for us to protect him". This obviously makes absolute sense from a personal point of view, yet the artform suffers. I know I sound cold, but art demands sacrifices and this documentary's linear presentation of his various successes on the track only serves as a reminder to let people know he is still alive and fighting. While this is a noble calling, it serves no insight into the personal life of the man except perhaps telling us that he loved to party and also loves his family.
All of the above are beautiful things and it is nonetheless a real struggle for me to dislike Netflix's work. But this secrecy--which again, makes absolute sense--serves no artistic purpose. This is a slideshow of safe and mostly well known information. But I will say this: if there's anyone who has earned to be immortalized on our screen doors, that person is Michael Schumacher--now if only the cold cinephile in me would like this celebration more.
