The Speed Cubers

The Speed Cubers is a compelling 2020 documentary diving into the fiercely competitive and fascinating world of Rubik's cube championship tournaments. The movie beautifully unravels the intense rivalry and unique friendship between two of the world's most outstanding speedcubers - Max Park and Feliks Zemdegs.

The documentary is centered around the 2019 World Cube Association World Championship in Melbourne, Australia. This key event stands as the backdrop, highlighting the friendly rivalry for the world record and bringing out the passionate aura of an otherwise niche community to the forefront. Yet, The Speed Cubers is much more than just a competition film. Director Sue Kim takes an enticing and intimate route, exploring the human stories and dramas unfolding behind the scintillating, high-speed solving of these 3D puzzles.

At the heart of the film, we find the story of the competitors - Max Park, an autistic teenager from California, and Feliks Zemdegs, a Rubik's Cube prodigy from Australia - the two titans of 'speedcubing'. Max and Feliks are portrayed not merely as competitors in the cutthroat world of speedcubing, but also as friends who deeply respect each other’s skills. There is a sense of camaraderie and mutual admiration that transcend the fierce rivalry, giving the audience a heartwarming tale of friendship and sportsmanship.

Max Park’s story provides a human interest angle that's particularly compelling. Diagnosed with autism at a young age, we get glimpses into Max’s early life struggles and the therapeutic role the Rubik’s cube played in his development. Max's parents, Schwan and Miki Park, share anecdotes of their son's journey, explaining how speed cubing improved Max's motor skills, eye-hand coordination, and social skills. Max's journey from a child struggling with the challenges of autism to becoming a world-renowned Rubik’s cube champion is truly inspiring.

On the other hand, we have Feliks Zemdegs, the one-time king of speedcubing and Max's idol turned competitor. Feliks, who has held multiple world records and dominated the scene for years, must deal with Max's ascendancy, watching his records fall one by one to the younger cuber. But throughout the film, Feliks comes off as gracious, humble, and supportive of Max despite the rivalry, adding layers of complex emotions and benevolence to his character.

The Speed Cubers brilliantly captures the intensity of the world championship, creating a palpable sense of suspense as viewers watch the competitors' hands flying over the cubes at incredible speeds. It also provides an intriguing look into the oft-overlooked subculture of speedcubing - a thriving community of cubers across all ages and nationalities, marked by camaraderie, intense dedication, and fierce competition.

Expertly edited by director Sue Kim and complemented by stunning cinematography, the movie isn't just about speedcubing—it's about pushing the boundaries of what the human mind and body can achieve, it's about exploring the depth of friendly rivalry, it's about showing the world that perceived limitations can be overcome, and it’s about the incredible human spirit that underlines this remarkable community.

Aside from the riveting world of speedcubing, the beauty of this documentary also lies in Kim's approach to telling Max and Feliks' story. She treats them with respect and dignity, giving them space to tell their story, allowing us to see their vulnerability, their resilience, and their passion for what they do.

Furthermore, the film explores the relationship between sports and cognition, the role that competition can play in human life, and the often-overlooked importance of recreation and hobbies in shaping a person’s identity.

Overall, The Speed Cubers doesn't just feel like a documentary about a distinctive sport; it's an exploration of human potential. Regardless of whether you're a Rubik's Cube enthusiast or not, it is a touching, charming, and inspiring documentary that provides an emotional journey for its audience. It gives viewers a delightful peek into the world of speedcubing and the extraordinary characters who populate it. This is a documentary that emphasizes the power of friendship, the human spirit, and a common link - the Rubik's cube - to bind people together.