1 Way Up: The Story of Peckham BMX

1 Way Up: The Story of Peckham BMX is a 2014 sports documentary that is directed by Amy Mathieson and produced by Academy Award-winning director and producer, Forest Whitaker. This captivating and inspirational 66-minute film illustrates how the spirit and determination of two teenagers growing amidst challenging circumstances, can make one climb up their way to success, using BMX riding as a means of escape, entertainment, and career.

The film comes straight from the streets of Peckham, one of the most socio-economically deprived areas in London. Throughout the documentary, we follow the lives of two youngsters, Tre Whyte and Quillan Isidore; they are not just ordinary teenagers but idealistic BMX champions. Both are products of Peckham's BMX club, run by a local community member with a commitment to keeping the children out of the streets, and away from a life of hardship and crime. The boys are gifted in the art of BMX and are trained to compete in the BMX World Championships held in 2013 in their city, London.

1 Way Up highlights the essence of each teenager’s journey. From their day-to-day struggles with the prevalent economic and social issues in their landscapes, viewers follow their setbacks and triumphs, their commitment, preparation, discipline, and passion for the sport of BMX. The film employs a parallel narrative, focusing on their personal lives and their pursuit of victory in the BMX track. This unorthodox, edgy sports film shows a subculture quite removed from the popular sports milieu.

The documentary uses a form of urban realism to portray the lives of teenagers in a disadvantaged area. This story of hardship and hope is beautifully captured with the backdrop of urban London streets. The film purposely avoids any glorification, offering a worldview that is poignant, gritty, and humbly honest, translating the raw essence of the struggle onto the screen.

The director offers the viewers unique footage of Tre and Quillan's exciting and visually thrilling BMX stunts, a form of artistry on wheels. The fast-paced scenes show the two prodigies harness their determination and skills, flying, twisting, and spinning, and capturing the exhilaration of BMX riding. These sequences are precisely crafted and truly exciting, often leaving the viewers on the edge of their seats.

Despite being a sports documentary, 1 Way Up: The Story of Peckham BMX significantly delves into deeper conversations about socio-economic disparities, structural hindrances, and the power of community. At its heart, it underscores the values of resilience, tenacity, and the positive impact sports can provide for boosting not just physical well-being but mental upliftment, offering hope and stirring ambition in children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Characters like CK Flash MBE (the coach) and countless unseen community members working relentlessly to provide better futures to these children address the issues of systemic neglect and lack of opportunities. Their unyielding spirit and commitment play a crucial role in fostering a positive environment enabling children to dream big. In the case of the two stars, their dreams are focused on the BMX World Championships, which provides a perfect blend of sports and human fight for survival and success.

Throughout the film, the impactful synergy of hip-hop music complementing the urban narrative adds a different dimension to its tone and ambience. The soft instances of humor sprinkled in the conversations between the BMX stars also lighten the storyline, further enhancing viewer engagement.

In a nutshell, 1 Way Up: The Story of Peckham BMX is not just another sports documentary. It is a story of hope prevailing over despair, dreams outshining reality, and the journey of two teenagers using BMX to ride their way out of their challenging circumstances. It serves as an uplifting testament to the power of belief, community support, and the incredibly positive influence of sports. The film’s profound storytelling, striking visuals, and arresting narrative make it an unmissable treat for not just the sports enthusiasts, but for anyone who appreciates the triumph of the human spirit against all odds.