The Will To Fly is an inspiring 2016 documentary that takes viewers on a journey into the life and career of Australian freestyle skier, Lydia Lassila. Directed by Katie Bender and Leo Baker, the movie provides an intimate and comprehensive look at what it takes to be a champion in the demanding and dangerous sport of aerial skiing.

The movie starts with a history of Lydia's background, providing viewers insight into her personal life and tracing her steps on her path to becoming a world champion. A former gymnast, Lydia's athletic skills and fit physique allowed her to successfully transition to freestyle skiing, a sport known for its high risk and intensive skill requirements. Her natural talent, coupled with unwavering dedication, quickly propelled her to the top of her field.

Exploring both her successes and failures on and off the competitive field, the movie is as much a character study as it is an exploration of the sport. The film divides its time between electrifying footage of Lydia's various world-class performances and intimate interviews, in which she shares her thoughts, fears, ambitions, and hopes.

The Will To Fly does more than just display Lassila's journey to success; it picks apart and meticulously examines the often excruciating training regimen, the unyielding commitment, and the infinite passion needed in the high-stakes world of professional skiing. The movie is as much an ode to the human spirit's power and persistence as it is a tribute to Lydia's talent, grit, and determination.

While it's primarily about Lydia, The Will To Fly also pays tribute to the people behind a champion's journey—the coaches, the support staff, her family, and other athletes who furthered their competitive sport domain by pushing the envelope. Other acclaimed Australian aerial skiers, such as Jacqui Cooper and Alisa Camplin, have their moments in the film. Their stories and achievements make this movie an homage to these trailblazing women, who have paved a path in a traditionally male-dominated sport.

What sets The Will To Fly apart is its dedication to authenticity. It doesn't gloss over the harsh realities, disappointments, or hardships that Lassila had to face. Instead, it presents these challenging moments with an unflinching honesty that allows viewers to appreciate the rough terrain that champions often have to navigate. This approach succeeds in making Lassila's victories more gratifying, as it emphasizes that every single one of her wins was hard-earned.

In many ways, viewers get a rare glimpse into the skier’s personal world, including her role as a wife and mother. The movie delicately handles a touching subplot concerning Lydia's comeback attempt after motherhood, which adds a layer of complexity to her character and widens the movie's emotional depth. Also, it sheds light on the additional difficulties female athletes often confront, from society's expectations about their roles to the physical challenges their bodies endure.

The film’s stunning cinematography adeptly captures the extreme environment these athletes compete in and poignantly complements the storytelling. The movie does a phenomenal job of striking a balance between interviews and footage of heart-stopping stunts, keeping viewers hooked from start to finish.

The Will To Fly isn't just a sports documentary. It's a deeply personal, emotionally compelling narrative of a woman contemplating the measures of her abilities—the personal sacrifices, the grueling training, the countless injuries, the heartbreak of defeat, and the exhilaration of victory. It offers a startlingly vivid depiction of the physical, emotional, and mental toll necessary to achieve success at the highest level of competitive sports, while also shining a light on the less-mentioned personal struggles many female athletes face.

In summary, The Will To Fly is an irresistibly engaging movie that celebrates the strength of human spirit and the relentless pursuit of ambition. It's a tribute to the rugged individualism and steely determination that distinguishes champions like Lydia Lassila, who have fearlessly soared to unprecedented heights, forever altering the landscape of their sport and inspiring countless individuals along their journey. This movie not only marks the accomplishments of one phenomenal athlete; it throws light on the courage it takes to defy norms, the resilience it requires to bounce back from setbacks, and the unshakeable will that propels a dreamer to fly against all odds.