As the hype surrounding the Sochi Olympics continues to build, a new documentary calls into question the dangers winter sports athletes face.

We all know action sports can be dangerous, but no movie has ever covered the topic as thoroughly as The Crash Reel. Released early last month in select theaters, and now available on iTunes, this inspiring documentary tells the story of Kevin Pearce, a snowboarder on the rise whose career comes to a halt when he has a devastating crash while training for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. More than just a snowboarding story, The Crash Reel explores the importance of friends and family, while bringing to light the dangers of the sport.

Kevin is the perfect subject for a movie that asks us to question ambition and achievement. Having once rivaled the world famous “flying tomato” Shaun White, it makes sense that Kevin would be the definition of a driven athlete. The initial story line focuses on the rivalry contrasting the grinning, free-spirited Kevin with Shaun’s colder, loner attitude. This part of the film is full of footage of the two at young ages, displaying their talents through both professional and amateur footage. Scenes of Kevin and friends soaring though the air and tackling the 22-foot half-pipe will leave even the uneducated sports viewers in awe.

Like any good story, the classic sports film story line eventually morphs into one of personal growth and perseverance. Kevin’s injury, caught on film by other snowboarders, is the turning point. Unlike films today that commonly focus on gruesome images and gore, The Crash Reel will not make you cover your eyes, but instead will break your heart. The images of injury, which come in flashes, are dramatic and moving, lasting for only seconds but still making an impact. The director focuses on the personal statements of the family and friends who were affected by the traumatic events.

It is the numerous scenes of his rehab, after the initial traumatic images, that create a slower story line. This is essential, however, because it’s the reality of recovery. Seemingly small changes are how those dealing with brain injuries measure their days, which is why every scene of Kevin struggling to throw a ball, stand on one foot, or even deal mentally with his new life purposefully builds the story’s message.

This is when the director presents the foundation for a second story line, that of Kevin’s brother David who was born with Down Syndrome. David struggles with his disability, which he claims he hates, paralleling Kevin’s struggles perfectly without exploiting David or feeling overworked. David also becomes the official spokesperson for the family, struggling with Kevin’s injury almost as much as Kevin himself, and continues to be vocal about his belief that Kevin needs to realize his new limitations.

The director also chooses to focus on other athletes who have sustained injuries. It is the injury and death of pro skier Sarah Burke, as well as professional dirt bikers, and Kevin’s fellow snowboarders that frame questions about how far we are pushing athletes. When are the walls high enough? When are the jumps big enough? Why does the media want more instead of being awed by what no normal person could accomplish? The director does a great job, however, of presenting each athlete not as a victim, but instead as passionate and competitive. Through Kevin’s story we see the struggles each athlete faces after an injury, this idea of them continuing to push their limits, and learning when their bodies have had enough.

Initially, the message is hard to swallow; sometimes you have to give up on your dreams and find new ones. Regardless of this reality, at the end of the film we are uplifted because Kevin is able to do just that. He is able to find the small features in living day-to-day with a supportive family and friends. Though this film will take audiences through a full range of emotions, it is sure to leave them on top, feeling hopeful and appreciating the life they live and the things that truly matter.

Images courtesy of Adam Moran/ The Crash Reel