Kobe Bryant's Muse (2015) Reviews

• When Do You Know When It's Time?

  ThomasDrufke2015-04-12

  I don't watch a ton of documentaries but I try to catch them when they concern things or people I'm interested in. So when I heard about the Showtime documentary involving Kobe Bryant, I knew I wanted to check it out. I have been a fan of him for a long time and specifically remember dropping 70-80 points with him in NBA 2k so I've been looking to find out more about his personal life and his road to being one of the greatest players in NBA history. Most documentaries take the approach of finding many people close to the central figure in the story, and getting several interviews to comment on that particular person. Instead with 'Muse', we only get Bryant's story from his perspective. At first, I thought this would take away from the credibility of the piece, but it turns out it added to the emotional gravitas of the film. I will say when the film got less serious and focused on basketball, I would have liked former players, columnists, or coaches to shed some light on the Black Mamba. The film focuses a lot on his rehabilitation of his Achilles tear in the 2013 playoffs. It's an interesting approach and it's a great example of a man doing everything he can to keep fulfilling his dream. Kobe is a rare type of a player and person in the NBA. Him and Michael Jordan are two of the most competitive and relentless players the league has ever seen, and this documentary was a good template in showing those particular qualities. Luckily the film used a lot of archive footage showcasing Kobe during his early years as a high school phenom in Philadelphia all the way up until his several championship years with the Lakers. It was also nice to see him open up about his personal problems throughout the film. You don't usually get to see that side of athletes and I'm glad they didn't set out to make Kobe a godlike creature, although anyone who scores as easily as he does is near godlike. So 'Muse' showed multiple facets of Kobe's life and gave us the best in depth look at his career yet. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes Kobe or just loves basketball, and the road to becoming great. +Kobe opens up +Archive footage +Different approach to doc -Still wanted more interviews with other people involved 8.1/10

• Great Documentary

  FilmBlood2015-03-01

  This is a great documentary film. He reveals his vision for a better career and a better life. You understand his dream and determination to be the best he can be. It shows the daily grind of practice and training. The tough physical therapy that pro athletics endure to make a recovery from a major injury. How he was suffers from poor personal choices and learned to become a better man. There was a time in my life when I despised Kobe Bryant. I saw him as a young cocky basketball star that didn't deserve the right to be a role model. After he won his 4th and 5th titles with the Los Angeles Lakers, I learned to respect him. After watching this film, I'd like to see him play and maybe even get the chance to meet him.

• A different perspective

  aglenn852015-09-17

  As a documentary filmmaker I must say that this is a very well made film. From a filmmaker view the film did a great job at providing a clear storyline. I really enjoyed going from present to past, interlocking the injury recovery of Bryant and his life. The black and white color choice was a great one for the present part of the film. I hadn't really been a fan of Kobe Bryant because he was so good that he just came across as a very cocky individual. After watching this film and learning of all that he was going through in his career and personal life I can now say that I am a fan of Kobe as a person. I felt that he did a very good choice on being honest in his thoughts. I do feel that the sexual assault part of his life was danced around and those that don't know of that will be a little confused when that part of the film is discussed during the year of 2003. For him being as honest as he was with everything else, I do feel that there would have been a stronger impact on the film if he hadn't danced around that part, but had attacked it straight on as he did with everything else. This left me inspired to be a better person and to understand why the Kobe Bryant I have seen play basketball always was so cocky. A must watch.

• With love, your fans

  albertrwz2017-03-18

  I can't hold back my tears when I watch this. Kobe. GOAT. Mamba. The glory. That's what the media likes to call him in order to generate popularity. But the Kobe in front of the camera here is the most raw and Kobe-like Kobe. A superman who's a human with badges on his front and scars on his back. The lonely kid sitting in the corner. The dreamer who believes in his dreams. The passion. The drive... That's what most people associate with when they mention Kobe. But what cracks me into tears is when he said "I failed miserably." That's what truly makes a man great, the ability to see through his own weakness and failures and recover from that. That's what we do. The pain and sacrifices right in front of your eyes. I can't stop my tears. This is the real Kobe. This is the real superman. The director did an amazing job. Action speaks louder than words. This is the beauty of a motion picture. No words. Just background music. A physical therapist is working on Kobe's foot. Drop down a box of marbles. Kobe has to pick them up with his injured foot. I can't stop my tears. Raw. Very Kobe. Nothing to envy about. The emotion. The highlight. The pain. The struggle. Behind his 30K pts and 5 rings. Thank you Kobe. With love, Your fans

• THANK You, Kobe!

  Jazznme22016-05-25

  Just seeing this for the first time. I've been a Kobe fan since 1996! The only basketball player I can honestly say, of whom, I am truly a fan! The ONE and ONLY! Thank you, Kobe, for doing "Muse", for the 20 years, for you! I have been a fan of SO many sports players in MLB and NFL, going back to Mickey Mantle, my first! Through Walter Payton, Tug McGraw, Tom Seaver, Tim Lincecum, Hunter Pence, Madison Bumgarner, Peyton Manning, Cam Newton!! That special, trademark smug look Kobe would project just demonstrated, year after year, how dedicated and impassioned he was about his game. How could anyone not admire that kind of surreal dedication! Also, makes me wonder what kind of person could give this film anything less than a 7! In my opinion, only a hater or idiot could do so. And definitely not a sports fan or any kind. If you really love sports, then you can also admire adversaries and opponent greats, like Tom Brady for instance. I just wish I could thank Kobe for doing this feature. Guess I could on Twitter. Oh yes! And thank you Kobe for that last game! Just watched the whole think a 2nd time, this week. And loved the farewell, "Mamba Out", and 'dropped' the mic!! LOVE IT!! Only wish it were two hours! ONLY one Kobe! Will miss your presence on the court in that Lakers uniform--forever.