Heroes are reflections of both societal and individual values. They mirror our aspirations, the traits we hold dear, and the qualities we strive to embody in our lives. Heroism is exhibited not only in grand acts but also in quiet, steadfast courage of living a life of purpose.
Christopher Reeve, the focus of this documentary, played the hero Superman in four movies. He had his own definition of the hero: “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.”
This film follows Christopher Reeve from his early days studying acting in New York through his rise to stardom playing the superhero. In interview clips, he talks about his reaction to fame and his feelings about the roles he played. We learn from his children, Matthew, Alexandra, and Will, about his active life with them and in such sports as skiing and sailing.
Then in 1995, he had a near-fatal horse-riding accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down. With the support of his wife Dana and his best friend Robin Williams, he found the strength not only to live with his disability but also to become a role model for others with spinal cord injuries and an activist for disability rights.
The documentary includes many touching scenes when Reeve speaks to groups and gives others hope. He not only persevered and endured, he thrived.