Bound by Movement

Bound by Movement is a riveting documentary that dives into the adrenaline-pumping world of parkour and freerunning. Released in 2019, the film was directed by Jesse La Flair and features renowned movement artists such as Sydney Olson and Corbin Reinhardt among others. Rather than a mere display of physical prowess, the film gives a profound insight into the blood, sweat, and tears behind the gravity-defying leaps and bounds and paints a detailed portrait of a community bound together by movement and shared experiences.

In this portrayal, Jesse La Flair, an accomplished freerunner and parkour proponent, takes the helm as the film's director and lead protagonist. La Flair is a known figure in the global parkour community, and through this documentary, he offers a compelling narrative of this vibrant yet misunderstood culture. Leaning into his deep experience and industry knowledge, he strings together a fascinating saga of camaraderie, passion, and athleticism, sharing not only the skill and courage involved in the sport but also the philosophy and lifestyle that envelop it.

Further enriching the narrative are Sydney Olson and Corbin Reinhardt's compelling performances. As some of the most exciting and respected athletes in their field, their fiercely energetic stunts combined with their profound insights contribute to creating a convincingly captivating account of the parkour world. Both Olson and Reinhardt shed light into their mental and physical journey, revealing a deeply human side to the seemingly superhuman feats they accomplish.

Bound by Movement is not merely about showcasing the physical audacity of its performers as they leap across buildings, slide down terraces, climb up walls or jump over seemingly impossible gaps, but it also enables the viewers to connect with their passion for movement and freedom. The film delves deep into the underground culture of parkour, guiding the audience through the trials and tribulations of the sport, the thrill of urban exploration as well as the close-knit community that develops around it.

Extended interviews interspersed throughout the movie paint a vivid picture of the unique and diverse individuals who find common ground in their love of movement. Their stories weave a rich tapestry of experience, illuminating various aspects of the sport that often remain unseen or misunderstood by the mainstream. From triumphant glory to the heartbreaking lows of injuries and recoveries, these accounts portray parkour as far more than just a sport, but a way of life.

A notable aspect of the documentary is its stunning cinematography. Set against the backdrop of different cityscapes around the world, the camera expertly captures the fluidity and grace of the performers, accentuating the raw beauty and thrill of the art form. The well-rounded cinematography - encompassing everything from wide-angle crane shots of nail-biting freefalls, to tight close-ups on the concentration in a performer’s face - brings the exhilaration, risk and sheer spectacle of parkour to the big screen with an unadulterated, visceral intensity.

Meanwhile, the film also covers the darker side of the sport. Beyond all the exhilarating jumps and daring maneuvers, the reality of potential injuries, legal obstacles, and societal misunderstandings play a significant role in the world of parkour. The film does not shy away from these issues, providing a holistic view of what it truly means to live a life dedicated to this art and sport.

Bound by Movement also showcases the sense of brotherhood and camaraderie that ties the community together. The warm, genuine relationships between the parkour pioneers offer a heartening display of unity and give an intimate insight into the bonds formed in the face of adversity. It solidifies the message that beyond all the physical feats, parkour is about creativity, passion, and the pursuit of personal freedom.

Whether you are a long-standing aficionado of the parkour scene or you know nothing about the sport, Bound by Movement is a captivating journey that has something for everyone. It is a rare look into the heart of movement culture, a film that at once thrills with stunning feats of agility and power while also petrifying with the apparent risks taken. Above all, it presents a visually resplendent and emotionally compelling narrative, reaching far beyond the bounds of traditional sports documentary filmmaking.