ONE & DONE/BEN SIMMONS

ONE & DONE/BEN SIMMONS is a captivating 2016 sports documentary that offers an in-depth glance into the life of one of the most promising and intriguing basketball players of his generation: Ben Simmons. Australian-born, Simmons, who now successfully graces the courts of the American National Basketball Association (NBA), is the central figure of this film. This exclusive look into Simmons’s life provides viewers with a unique insight into his basketball journey, which transcended from Down Under, traversing through an American college, and eventually culminating at the NBA.

The documentary follows Ben Simmons during his collegiate basketball period in 2015 when he became the first-line player for the LSU Tigers. The film delivers fascinating sequences of Ben’s training, his hectic schedules, the collegiate games he played, and consequently his evolution as a player. The director, Maura Mandt, astutely documents Ben’s growth and maturity, from a young Australian prodigy to a genuine American collegiate star, providing a mesmerizing narrative that keeps viewers hooked.

As the movie unravels, it sheds light on major factors that shaped Simmons' talent and character, which includes the influence of his family and their deep-rooted passion for the game. His father, Dave Simmons, himself a professional basketball player in Australia, is featured prominently and the audience gets to understand his pivotal role in molding Ben's perspective towards the sport. Through heartfelt family discussions and warm interactions, the film gives audiences an intimate look into how his family’s support, beliefs, and values contributed to his rise and helped him navigate the pressures of professional basketball.

However, ONE & DONE/BEN SIMMONS is not just about the triumphs; it also takes the audience through the player's struggles, issues and dilemmas. It bravely explores contentious topics that surround collegiate sports in the United States, such as the NCAA's "One and Done" rule, which mandates players to be at least a year out of high school before they can declare for the NBA draft. The rule is a topic of pronounced importance in the documentary and is a substantial part of Ben's story as he perfectly personifies it. The film provides an insight into the difficult choices that young athletes often face in their academic and professional pursuits.

Throughout the documentary, Ben’s personality and individuality are vividly presented. His bold confidence, quiet intensity, and unyielding focus all paint the picture of a young man driven to be one of the best in his sport. Off the court, the film shows his softer side as well: a young man, who enjoys fishing, spending quality time with his close-knit family, and conversing about his aspirations and fears. The viewers will certainly appreciate these candid and unguarded moments of Ben's life.

Maura Mandt tremendously accomplished the delivery of a narrative that is both vibrant and unbiased, balancing the personal and professional elements to keep viewers intrigued at all times. Even with prominence on basketball, the documentary is skilfully crafted in a manner that could stimulate the interest of even those not particularly fond of sports.

At its core, ONE & DONE/BEN SIMMONS is an insightful chronicle of a young man's journey to pursue his dream of playing in the NBA, while battling the systems and regulations that come with it. The documentary artfully portrays what it takes to climb the ladder in the competitive world of basketball, the strain it puts on young players, and the dedication required to overcome these challenges.

Overall, ONE & DONE/BEN SIMMONS is a profound and compelling watch for sports enthusiasts, basketball fans, or anyone keen on gaining a deeper understanding of the journey of a young athlete's meteoric rise to the top. Through its raw and unembellished filmmaking, the documentary proves to be a truthful and inspiring chronicle of Ben Simmons' pursuit of his dreams.