Hitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows
Director: Paul Jay
Actors: Bret Hart, Owen Hart, Brian Pillman
PlotThe film provides an inside look at the life of a professional wrestler, following his career in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) during a turbulent time. As a well-respected figure in the industry, he is admired by many for his dedication and authenticity. The documentary captures his journey leading up to a pivotal match, exploring the wrestler's personal and professional conflicts, the intense physical and mental demands of his profession, and his relationship with his family and colleagues. Throughout the narrative, themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the fine line between real life and the theatrical displays of wrestling are prominently highlighted.
Viewers are taken behind the scenes to witness the organization’s intricate workings, the wrestler’s interactions with promoters, and the negotiations that define his career trajectory. As tensions rise, the wrestler struggles with maintaining his integrity amid growing commercial pressures. The documentary doesn’t shy away from revealing the pressures he faces as he grapples with decisions that could alter his legacy. Cultural insight is provided into the wrestling world and its impact on those who inhabit it. The second half of the story intensifies as audiences experience firsthand how unforeseen events lead to one of the most controversial moments in wrestling history, leaving viewers to ponder the challenges faced by athletes whose worlds blur between reality and spectacle.
Writers: Paul Jay
Release Date: 20 Dec 1998
Runtime: 93 min
Rating: R
Country: Canada, United States
Language: English
Home Video Reviews
Wrestling with Shadows offers a discerning glimpse into Bret Hart's complex world, revealing the fine line between performance and reality in pro-wrestling.
Read our review of Hitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows Blu-ray Slipcover in Original Pressing Includes - The Life and Death of Owen Hart to find out more