Watch 20 Seconds of Joy

20 Seconds of Joy is a documentary film directed by Jens Hoffman, which chronicles the lives and careers of two of the most prominent wingsuit flyers in the world: Jeb Corliss and Karina Hollekim. Released in 2007, the film takes viewers on an exhilarating and heart-pumping journey through their intense training regimens, their greatest triumphs, and their deepest struggles.

The movie begins with an intimate look at the personalities and backgrounds of both Corliss and Hollekim. Corliss, a charismatic and somewhat cocky American, is known for his daring and death-defying stunts, such as leaping off the Eiffel Tower and flying through narrow canyons at breakneck speeds. Hollekim, on the other hand, is a more reserved Norwegian athlete who has overcome great adversity in her life, such as a debilitating ski injury that left her paralyzed for months.

As the movie progresses, we witness these two athletes push themselves to their absolute limits in pursuit of their ultimate dream: to fly. We see them launch themselves off towering cliffs and mountainsides, hurtling through the air at speeds of over 100 miles per hour in their specialized wingsuits. The footage of their flights is nothing short of breathtaking; the camera follows them as they soar over majestic landscapes and execute hair-raising maneuvers mere feet above the ground.

Yet for all their skill and bravado, both Corliss and Hollekim are not immune to tragedy. The film does not shy away from showing the inherent risks involved in this extreme sport. We see them both suffer devastating crashes, as well as the aftermath of some of their friends and fellow wingsuit flyers who have lost their lives in accidents. It's a sobering reminder that, for all the beauty and thrills of wingsuit flying, there are real consequences for even the slightest mistake.

Throughout it all, the movie maintains a sense of respect and admiration for its subjects. The filmmakers clearly have an intimate understanding of the dedication and determination that drives these athletes, and they let their actions speak for themselves. Both Corliss and Hollekim are portrayed as complex individuals with their own demons and flaws, but also with an unshakable passion for their sport.

One of the highlights of the film is the relationship between Corliss and Hollekim. Despite their different personalities and backgrounds, they share a deep camaraderie and mutual respect. We see them interacting off the court, cracking jokes and playfully challenging each other. There's a genuine warmth and affection between them, even as they push each other to greater heights in their shared obsession.

In conclusion, 20 Seconds of Joy is a mesmerizing and thrilling look into the world of wingsuit flying, with its focus on the lives of two of the most famous athletes in the sport. It's a tribute not just to their incredible skills and feats of courage, but also to the perseverance and courage that it takes to pursue their passions. The film is a must-see for fans of extreme sports, as well as anyone who appreciates a powerful and inspiring story of human achievement.

20 Seconds of Joy is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.