Generation Iron transformed how the world looks at bodybuilding.
It’s the film that started it all. The explosion of bodybuilding into the mainstream has grown exponentially in the last few years. Where bodybuilding was once viewed as a freak show, it’s now become socially accepted. Everyone wants to be in tremendous shape and build a great physique.
In a time where Instagram fitness models dominate the social media scene, bodybuilding has become more popular than ever. Everyone wants to get into great shape and show off their hard earned physiques to the world.
That’s in no small part due to the success of Generation Iron.
The documentary that shone a whole new light on professional bodybuilding, Generation Iron gave viewers a look into the lives of these eccentric athletes. Generation Iron didn’t just highlight sport, but also the athletes that bring their unique personalities to pro bodybuilding.
Like Pumping Iron before it, Generation Iron introduced the world to unique figures like Phil Heath and Kai Greene. Their bitter rivalry served as the epicenter of documentary. Where Phil Heath cemented himself as a champion with immense natural gifts combined with a dedicated work ethic, Kai Greene was the blue collar bodybuilder who had to fight tooth and nail to achieve his impressive physique.The film builds beautifully to their eventual clash.
The world also came to know such popular names as Victor Martinez, Roelly Winklaar, Hidetada Yamagishi, Dennis Wolf, Branch Warren, and Ben Pakulski. Everyone of these bodybuilders have become household names and a few of them are still competing at a high level to this day.
The documentary has garnered much critical acclaim as well. The Washington Post praised the film as “an enlightening doc that succeeds.” The review written by Sean O’Connell goes on to highlight what makes Generation Iron a powerful documentary, particularly the competitors who make bodybuilding such a unique sport.
But the men showcased in “Generation Iron” still mirror the aggressive, athletic protagonists we’re accustomed to seeing in fictional and nonfiction sports features. They are relentless competitors, consumed by their desire to succeed at their chosen sport. They accept no shortcuts. That’s why they are the best of the best at what they do.
That’s also why “Generation Iron” succeeds where other rote sports docs often struggle. Instead of clinging to clichés, Yudin wisely uses the inherent eccentricities of the bodybuilding community to help distance his film from convention. These are colorful characters populating the gyms and global competitions filmed for “Iron,” and they have fascinating stories.
If you’ve never had the pleasure of watching Generation Iron or just want relive the documentary that helped spark the bodybuilding craze, then click here now!
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Managing Editor at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.
