Making Coco: The Grant Fuhr Story

Making Coco: The Grant Fuhr Story is a captivating 2018 feature-length documentary on the career and life of Grant Fuhr, one of the most celebrated hockey goaltenders in the history of the National Hockey League (NHL). The film is an engaging blend of archival footage, one-on-one interviews, and more personal, candid exposition delivered by Grant Fuhr himself. With appearances from Glenn Anderson, Fred Brathwaite, and Martin Brodeur, the documentary brings together some of the most influential figures in hockey, providing an in-depth, multifaceted portrait of Fuhr’s life, both on and off the ice.

Directed by Don Metz, the film follows the journey of a young Grant Fuhr growing up in Spruce Grove, Alberta, to his debut in the NHL and his illustrious, record-setting career with the Edmonton Oilers during their golden years in the 1980s. As the Oilers' first-string goalie, Fuhr served as the backbone of an aggressive, high-scoring offensive team, in which he often had to handle challenging, high-risk situations. His unique, ambitious playing style heavily contributed to the Oilers' success during this time, validating his position as one of the most effective and entertaining goalkeepers in the sport's history.

Throughout this revealing biography, the film not only delves into Fuhr’s exceptional skill, but also his struggles. Viewers are privy to Fuhr’s career-altering injuries, his battle with substance abuse, and the conflicts with racism he faced as a rare person of colour in the overwhelmingly white world of professional hockey. Yet even in light of these sobering realities, the documentary consistently posits Fuhr as a figure of awe-inspiring resilience overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles, off and on the ice.

Making Coco: The Grant Fuhr Story also serves as an ode to an era when the NHL was arguably in its prime. The documentary features interviews with some of Fuhr's most famous contemporaries, including Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, Paul Coffey, and Brett Hull, all of whom share personal anecdotes and insights about Fuhr's phenomenal career, the dynamics of those legendary Oilers teams, and the nature of professional hockey during that time.

Fuhr’s journey is not only cheerleading for his past accomplishments, however, but also a testament to his exceptional character. Despite the turbulence of his early life and career, the film impressively communicates Fuhr’s humility, passion, and relentless drive to better himself personally and professionally, which he continues to demonstrate long after his retirement from the NHL. Fuhr's trials, triumphs, and unwavering positivity render him a compelling, sympathetic figure whose narrative is laden with inspiration.

The film is propelled by Fuhr's own voice as he narrates the different treks of his life. His soft-spoken recollections lend a human quality to his larger-than-life persona, guiding viewers through his past and painting a fuller, more vivid picture of the man beneath the helmet and pads. Fuhr's frankness and authenticity when addressing the highs and lows of his career lend the film a particular rawness and depth, making it an even more moving exploration of a remarkable person.

Moreover, the documentary stands out due to its outstanding technical execution. The storytelling is clear and the narrative cohesive, with compelling pacing and a soundtrack that underlines the emotional core of Fuhr’s tale without being overly sentimental. The mix of archival and contemporary footage smoothly blends past and present, instilling a sense of nostalgia while maintaining the film's modern aesthetic.

In summary, Making Coco: The Grant Fuhr Story is a thrilling exploration of one of the most celebrated yet complex figures in hockey history. Through the medium of film, Metz successfully captures the essence of Grant Fuhr's remarkable journey, ultimately inviting hockey fans and non-fans alike to gain insight into the world of one of the sport’s most respected goaltenders. While paying tribute to Fuhr's courage and talent, the film also serves as a reflection on the realities of professional sports, masterfully balancing nostalgia with critical analysis to create a truly unique and captivating viewing experience.