Short Documentary Review: "Beating the Unbeatable: Joe Wise"

"Beating the Unbeatable: Joe Wise" is about a 15 year old who was diagnosed with Mitochondria Myopathy, a disease that affects the mitochondria in his cells. Because of this, he can't be as active aas other kids his age. Instead he swims, and thats whats essentially keeping him from being in a wheelchair with life support.

This documentary was actually engaging compared to others because it captured my interest through the focus on swimming. Me being a swimmer was drawn in to the various depictions of the pool environment and the idea that Joe Wise actually made it to 5th place in a Paraplegic Swimming event in Beijing.

This story was extremely effective because it tells of a success story and how someone overcame their handicaps and exceeds expectations. Many of the shots shown corresponds well with the story being told. The story begins with a vague exposition of people he knows commenting on his disability. Then once you meet Joe, you are curious what is actually affecting him because he seems like a normal person.

This documentary works because it is structured extremely well. It begins with an explanation of the disease. This exposes viewers to his disability and the audience begins to sympathize with him.

As the documentary goes on Joe elaborates more on how this disease has effected him, and how swimming has saved him. You now think that yes, it is a miracle that he is still alive due to swimming. But no, the story isn't over, that isn't the the miracle. Not only did he overcome the restrictions of his disability, he made it to Beijing and finished in the finals of his race in 5th place.