A Life Outside

A Life Outside is a compelling sports documentary film that hit theatres in 2014. The film is almost an hour and a half long and is directed by Catherine Brabec. It lends an intriguing lens to the world of surfing by showcasing the lives and experiences of six New Jersey men who are pioneers in this sport. The film is centered around these men, a highlight being the legendary five-time US Surfing Champion, Corky Carroll, along with Kevin Casey and Mike Doyle.

The movie paints a detailed portrait of these men's shared passion for surfing which has kept them bound together over the decades, despite the different paths their lives eventually took. They all discovered surfing as young kids in the early 1960s on the sandy shores of New Jersey. The documentary parallels their passion for surfing with the significant surf culture of the 1960s, providing unique historical perspectives.

Corky Carroll remains the star of the movie with his exceptional talent and charisma. His personality in the movie reflects a profound love for surf which spills over off the board as well. Kevin Casey and Mike Doyle, both having their unique journey and love for the sea, extend their captivating stories and experiences. Each surf pioneer has a story to tell, a lesson to impart, and a life lived outside convention.

The idyllic seaside ambiance of New Jersey is beautified by the stunning cinematography of the film. The film is shot across multiple global locations such as Hawaii, California, Mexico, and Costa Rica. However, it perpetually revolves around the stunning New Jersey coastlines. These breath-taking visuals of the ocean and the beaches add an element of charm and immense beauty to the narrative while making the surfing scenes incredibly realistic and engaging.

This film is not only about the thrill and adrenaline of riding the big wave but also about how that shared experience shapes friendships, personal lives, and gives life a purpose that is different from societal norms. Soul-stirring narrative and well-structured storytelling breathe life into the film as the audience finds themselves immersed in the world of these surfers and their adventures, aspirations, triumphs, and struggles.

A Life Outside is less of a sports movie and more a tale of camaraderie, passion, and enriching personal journeys that have been shaped around surfing. It reveals how the protagonists learned to balance their love for the sport with the diverse directions their lives took - from family to career choices- but, in essence, always coming back to the sea.

Moreover, the film cleverly engages in the challenges faced by these men in maintaining their lifelong connection with surfing. It shares an intimate look at their struggle to stay connected to their beloved sea even in the face of urban development and environmental changes. Their individual stories weave a broader narrative about the evolution of the modern surfing world and its growing ecological impacts on coastal communities.

The riveting sound design and the original music score in A Life Outside perfectly capture the ebbs and flow of the sea, the adrenaline rush of the sport, and the nostalgic memory and love for the ocean that these six men share. They bring forth the emotive aspect of the narrative and create a more immersive experience for the audience.

The film has skillfully captured little gems of surfing, exploring the nostalgia of the past, the emergence of surfing culture, changing landscapes, and the joy and challenges of living a life devoted to a passion. It is a compelling piece that dives under the surface of conventional sports movies and explores the depths of the human spirit by connecting the life of these pioneers with the sport, in a very personal and intimate way.

Such narrative richness makes A Life Outside an eye-opening viewing for not only surfing enthusiasts but also general audiences who enjoy a great human story or are interested in sport-associated historical evolution. Although it's a sports documentary at face value, the film offers a deep exploration of personal journeys, friendships, passions, and connections to nature – themes that make it universally relatable and engaging.

Indeed, A Life Outside is not just a documentary about surfing. It is a testament to the enduring human spirit and how an unconventional sport can shape a lifetime of experiences. For anyone seeking a visually striking, thought-provoking, and emotionally stirring film, A Life Outside is a must-watch.