Bending Colours

Bending Colours, a captivating masterpiece of 2012, is a visually stunning, awe-inspiring, and adrenaline-pumping narrative that delves into the sport of surfing. This film takes an unfiltered glance into the lives of some of the best surfers across the globe, unraveling their struggles, dedication, motivation, and the depth of their passion for this demanding sport. Tracing their journey, it offers an in-depth understanding of the vibrant and thrilling world of surfing in a way that leaves both the die-hard followers of the sport and the unacquainted, equally entranced.

The pivotal personality of this film is Josh Kerr, an Australian professional surfer, leading at the forefront of progression. Kerr, fondly known as ‘Kerrzy’, is popular in the surfing world for his innovation, creativity, and incredible progressive surfing style, pushing the borders of the sport. Bending Colours provides an intimate insight into Kerr’s lifestyle, presenting his journey from being a young boy captivated by the allure of the ocean to his rise to a household name around the world. The film exposes the audience to the intense practice, the underbelly of the surfing profession, and the extreme dedication that it takes to reach such heights.

Alongside Josh Kerr, the film also features the legendary Californian surfer, Tom Curren. Known for his smooth, rhythmical style and competitive prowess, Curren is a three-time world surfing champion. The inclusion of Curren in the film offers not just a contrast, but also a connection between generations of surfers. Curren’s calm, fluid style juxtaposed with Kerr’s radical modern approach provides a fascinating comparison and an exploration of the timeless attraction of surfing.

Among these established names, the film presents a young rising star, John John Florence. Hailing from Hawaii, the surf Mecca of the world, Florence is as comfortable in giant crushing waves as he is in the smaller, more technical surf. His raw talent, insatiable curiosity, and relentless pursuit of innovation help further the narrative of Bending Colours beyond the now and into the future of the sport.

Director Kai Neville, known for his other brilliant works like ‘Modern Collective’ and ‘Lost Atlas’, brings yet another masterpiece in the form of Bending Colours. Employing his signature style that blends dynamic action-packed sequences with spell-binding, almost surreal visual narratives, Neville takes us right into the crest of the wave, delivering a front-row experience of the thunderous, terrifying, and beautiful power of nature that surfers get to experience firsthand.

The cinematography of Bending Colours is as notable as its star-studded cast. Neville and his camera crew have managed to capture contrasting, visually stunning canvases starting from the blue-green waters off the Gold Coast to the giant haunts of the North Shore. They transport the viewers right to the centre of the action, encapsulating the heart-stopping moments as well as the instances of serene beauty. Moreover, the film’s use of unique, high-speed cameras allows for a delicate breakdown of each ride for an almost scientific dissection of the technique.

Bending Colours is more than just a sports film; it's a narrative of passion, hard work, and dedication. It finds the perfect marriage between art and sport, content and form, sound, and visuals to effectively communicate the powerful attraction of the sea and the thrill of riding its waves. Through the deeply personal journeys of these surfers, it authentically depicts the unbreakable bond between humans and nature and underscores the enduring thrill of surfing.

To sum it up, Bending Colours is as much about the art of surfing as it is about the uncompromised dedication and tenacity of its athletes. Even if you've never caught a wave yourself, this film’s mesmerising narrative and breathtaking cinematography surely makes for a captivating cinema experience.