Matt Formston is a blind surfer from Australia. Despite having only 3% vision, Matt has always pursued his long-term dreams and goals, especially in sports, never allowing his disability to hold him back. His determination, passion, and skills as a surfer have earned him groundbreaking records. At the beginning of the documentary, Matt explains that he hopes people with disabilities will feel encouraged when they learn about his journey. He also hopes that viewers without disabilities will find inspiration in the documentary. Additionally, he believes viewers with long-held dreams should be motivated to continue working hard to achieve them.
Viewers are instantly taken on a deep dive into Matt’s life. The documentary delves into his relationship with the sea, family life, upbringing, and challenges as a young boy in school. We also explore his love for sports and the hard work and success that came with it. Additionally, the audience will gain insights into Matt’s work life at Optus and how his knowledge and experience greatly impacted his workplace.
However, despite Matt’s success and stardom thus far, his greatest challenge is yet to be achieved. Now, the ultimate opportunity has become available as he is invited to try surfing the gigantic waves of Nazaré. One of Matt’s lifelong dreams is to surf giant waves without failing or falling, so he accepts the challenge. Will Matt successfully fulfil his dream?
I can confirm that this is an inspiring and uplifting feature, just as Matt hoped. Matt is living proof that anything can be achieved, no matter the setbacks and challenges surrounding disabilities, and he continues to model that those with disabilities can live everyday life with great fulfilment. Hearing about Matt’s upbringing and journey into surfing is fascinating and enjoyable, especially for those unfamiliar with Matt Formston. A significant portion of the film focuses on Matt’s journey in Nazaré. While I was eager to know the outcome, I can’t deny that it certainly takes a while for viewers to see the end conclusion. Nevertheless, seeing him surf at Nazaré remains a significant standout and a hard-hitting finale to the feature.
I was consistently impressed by the high visual quality of the documentary. The high-resolution footage of Matt surfing, interviews, and various other scenes were clear and crisp, and the sound quality was also excellent. The documentary also included aerial footage, old footage of Matt participating in sports, and photos of his life, providing a wealth of informative content. The high-quality recordings of Matt tackling large waves made it easy for viewers to witness his remarkable journey, which should also be seen on the big screen.
Overall, when I went to see this documentary, I didn’t know anything about the sports icon Matt Formston and his journey as a blind surfer. The Blind Sea isn’t just for surfing enthusiasts; it’s an inspiring story about a man overcoming long-term goals despite obstacles and challenges, including having 3% vision. The film is inspiring and moving for audiences of all ages, and learning about Matt’s journey is truly captivating. Visually, there are plenty of stunning images and videos that are a significant highlight of the film. When Matt takes on the ultimate challenge of conquering the gigantic waves in Nazaré, the film’s pace slows significantly; however, the outcome will leave viewers feeling joyful and motivated to achieve greatness.
8.0/10
4th August 2024
Written by Peter Walkden
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