Watch Being Bruno Banani

Being Bruno Banani is a delightful and inspiring sports documentary that follows the journey of a fish out of water, Bruno Banani, a Tongan luger and the first-ever Tongan to compete in the Winter Olympics. The documentary follows the interesting and often hilarious story of how Bruno went from a nobody in a tiny pacific island to a world-renowned athlete, all thanks to his passion for the sport and the support of his countrymen.

The story begins with a brief history of Bruno, who was born as Fuahea Semi and lived in a small village in Tonga. Looking for a way out of his mundane life, Bruno stumbled upon the sport of luging through the internet and found it fascinating. However, the only problem was that there were no luge tracks or teams in Tonga, and he had never even seen snow. Despite this, Bruno was determined to become a luge athlete and decided to do whatever it takes to achieve his dream.

Through sheer resilience and determination, Bruno took matters into his own hands and started building his own luge sleds and tracks in his village, with the help of his friends and family. This gained the attention of a German athletic brand, who saw Bruno's unique story and decided to sponsor him in his pursuit of becoming a world-class athlete. Bruno then spent the next few years training in Europe, enduring grueling training sessions and adjusting to a new way of life.

The documentary does a fantastic job of showcasing Bruno's journey through interviews with Bruno, his family, and the trainers and coaches who have helped him along the way. We learn about the struggles he faced as a Tongan luger, the ridicule he faced from his fellow Tongans for pursuing such an unusual sport, and the obstacles he had to overcome to make it to the finals of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

But Being Bruno Banani is not just a sports documentary about the making of an athlete. It is a story of perseverance, of a man who dared to dream big and chase it relentlessly, despite all odds. Bruno's never-say-die attitude, combined with his infectious sense of humor, makes him a joy to watch onscreen. His resilience in the face of adversity and his ability to laugh at himself and the world around him make him an endearing figure that viewers will cheer for throughout the film.

Another aspect of Being Bruno Banani that stands out is the film's portrayal of Tongan culture. Throughout the documentary, we see how Bruno's pursuit of his dream affects his village and his family. We see the pride his countrymen feel in seeing him represent Tonga on the world stage and how it inspires a new generation of Tongan youths to pursue their own dreams, no matter how far-fetched they may seem. It's a celebration of the beauty of Tongan culture, which is rooted in love, community, and a deep connection to the land.

Overall, Being Bruno Banani is an inspiring and heartwarming documentary that will leave you feeling uplifted and motivated. It's a story about an ordinary man who achieved extraordinary things through hard work, dedication, and the support of those around him. It's a must-watch for anyone who believes in the power of the human spirit to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams. Whether you're a sports fan or not, Being Bruno Banani is a film that will make you believe in the impossible.

Being Bruno Banani is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes.