Bustin' Down The Door

Bustin' Down The Door is a monumental surf documentary film from 2008. A thrilling and eloquent foray into the dramatic crucibles that solidified professional surfing's status, this film stars celebrated surfers Reno Abellira, Clyde Aikau, and Eddie Aikau. Directed by Jeremy Gosch, this movie unfolded an extraordinary untold portion of history that forever changed the face of surfing.

Clocking in at 96 minutes, the film documents the transformative period of the mid-to-late 1970s when a group of young surfers from Australia and South Africa, trained eye-fixed on Hawaii - the spiritual home of surfing, and set themselves up to overhaul the status quo. Reno Abellira, Clyde Aikau, and Eddie Aikau are among those who grew the profession from a hobby to a lifestyle and ultimately a viable vocation, through their unrivaled skill and raw courage.

Largely taking place in the tropical backdrop of Hawaii’s North Shore, the presence of these young, ambitious surfers created a significant rift between the locals and outsiders. The film captures this tension with utmost authenticity, delving into the cultural friction caused by the intense desire to reimagine and ignite the world of surfing. The dream and endeavor of a world championship tour as well as multi-million dollar industry was met with fierce opposition from the locals who held a sacred regard for the waves and the inherent respect it demanded.

The film pays considerable tribute to Reno Abellira. Legendary for his stylish executions and innovative board designs, Abellira even garnered the praise of the Godfather of modern surfing, Duke Kahanamoku. However, Bustin' Down The Door doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of Abellira's career, showcasing harrowing incidents and nerve-wracking hurdles that ultimately polished the gem that Abellira is in the field of surfing.

Clyde Aikau, another powerful and inspirational figure in surfing, shares his Hawaiian heritage and traditions infusing the film with an important perspective. His incredible skill and tactical approach are well exhibited. His on-screen presence is highly enriching to the narrative, providing insight into the local mentality and the honor and reverence Hawaii's inhabitants held for the sport.

Eddie Aikau, Clyde’s older brother, was one of the first lifeguards on the North Shore, famed for never recording a fatality while on his watch. The likeable courageous Hawaiian surfer is admired throughout Hawaii's surfing fraternity and beyond. The film presents Eddie's valorous journey and heroic contributions to the world of surfing and life saving. His motto “Eddie Would Go” becomes an enduring phrase that encapsulates the essence of his risk-taking spirit that continues to resonate in the world of surfing.

Narration by actor Edward Norton lends an authoritative and knowledgeable voice-over, guiding the viewer through this pivotal phase in surfing history. Utilizing a vivid mixture of archival footage, intimate interviews, and fascinating tales of camaraderie and competition, the film poignantly underscores the passion and drive that catalyzed the transformation of surfing from counterculture hobby to a global industry.

While surfing is the film's central theme, Bustin' Down The Door also serves as an anthropology paper, delving into the volatile sociopolitical climate of 1970s Hawaii - a time when the traditional Hawaiian past came head-to-head with incoming modernity, and the explosive tension that ensued. It offers a sobering examination of how the aggressive, ambitious force of globalization can stir up deep-set cultural resentments, ultimately leaving a lasting impact on society at large.

Screenshot images of powerful waves, adrenaline-fueled surfing feats, and vibrant local life, Bustin' Down The Door is as visually stunning as it is thematically compelling. The synthesis of these elements makes for a cinematic mosaic that transcends mere sports documentary into a deeper exploration of human resilience and cultural identity. It encapsulates the old struggle of tradition versus progress, through the unblinking lens of sporting evolution.

Whether you are a surf enthusiast, a lover of action sports, or just someone interested in compelling human drama, Bustin' Down The Door makes a riveting watch. The film manages to weave a mesmerizing tale of rivalry, ambition, and cultural friction that resonates far beyond the surfing world. Offering a front-row seat to the infancy of professional surfing, Bustin' Down The Door thoroughly encapsulates the courage, the tribulations, and the revolutionary spirit that forever marked the timeline of surfing history.