The Will to Fly

2016

1h 35m

Documentary

List

Reviews

95%

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Audience Score

Olympic aerial skiing champion Lydia Lassila returns to the sport to perform the most complex acrobatic maneuver ever performed by a woman.

Read More

Read Less

Sandra Hall

Sydney Morning Herald

The film climaxes at Sochi, where Lassila is in contention for the gold with two Chinese champions and a Belorussian... It's a grand finale to a revealing exploration of the very nature of the competitive spirit.

Rated: 4/5

Mar 11, 2016

Full Review

Matthew Lowe

FILMINK (Australia)

While for sports aficionados this is a no-brainer, the apathetic may be pleasantly surprised too.

Mar 14, 2016

Full Review

Louise Keller

Urban Cinefile

Archival footage combined with fascinating interviews with coaches, colleagues and family bring a rounded picture of a young woman whose ambitions fly higher than Olympic gold.

Mar 14, 2016

Full Review

Leigh Paatsch

Herald Sun (Australia)

Most contemporary docos on sports subjects are straight exercises in brand management, and invariably tend towards bland homage. Not this one.

Rated: 3.5/5

Mar 11, 2016

Full Review

Read all reviews

Audience Member

This is a very good documentary to watch, it gives an insight of how hard athletes have to work to get to where they are and how they've gotten so good, it also demonstrates all the different challenges athletes need to overcome, it's very inspiring and motivating to see. Such a good watch, 10/10 would watch again!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/21/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This film captures the extraordinary journey of a champion athlete; one that is unmatched in showcasing just what it takes to break barriers against all odds. Not just a sport documentary, this film will leave any viewer moved and inspired.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This is the most inspirational film, feel good in every way, it makes you believe anything's possible, had hilarious moments, some beyond ridiculous aerial skiing & the best story about a mum, who isn't that different to any of us ... she too feels bad about going to work and leaving her small son ... watch this it's the biggest uplifter

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/17/23

Full Review

Audience Member

I laughed I cried, I loved this film. No dry documentary stuff here. This is a hero's journey!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/08/23

Full Review

Audience Member

What a phenomenal documentary!! The best Australian film I've seen in years! The story was not only inspiring and compelling but I really felt like I got to know Lydia and her family throughout the movie. The soundtrack that went with the film was absolutely perfect and added suspense, drama and even more emotion. Fabulously directed, entertaining, interesting and a real look into a world I don't know much about. I would recommend not just sporting enthusiasts, but everyone to see this fantastic film!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/24/23

Full Review

Audience Member

One of the best sports documentaries you will ever watch. Truly inspiring with amazing footage of Gold Medal champion Lydia Lassila in action. Had me laughing, on the edge of my seat and crying. Definitely worth a look by everyone.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/17/23

Full Review

Read all reviews

Post a rating

Leo Baker

Director

Katie Bender Wynn

Director

Lydia Lassila

Actor

Jacqui Cooper

Actor

Alisa Camplin

Actor

Lauri Lassila

Actor

Show Less Cast & Crew

Show More Cast & Crew

View more photos

Synopsis

Olympic aerial skiing champion Lydia Lassila returns to the sport to perform the most complex acrobatic maneuver ever performed by a woman.

Director: Leo Baker, Katie Bender Wynn
Creator: Katie Bender Wynn
Producer: Leo Baker, Jenny Lalor, Tony Nagle
Screenwriter: Leo Baker
Production Co: Binding Films
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English (Australia)
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 6, 2018
Runtime: 1h 35m

Most Popular at Home Now