Daewon Song is one of the most accomplished and respected professional skateboarders on the scene today. How he got there, and what influences shaped him along the way, form the basis of this vivid documentary, Daewon.
Daewon was born in South Korea and moved to Gardena, California as a young man. Daewon is the product of a broken family. As he details in the film’s pivotal interview, he was raised by an overworked father whom he felt he barely understood, and by an unpredictable and harshly disciplining mother. Now in his forties, he sees his upbringing as a blessing in disguise. What seemed unbearable at the time eventually filled him with the discipline and ambition to reach greater heights in his chosen sport.
From the age of 14, after his parents divorced, he skateboarded to pass the time and deal with his frustrations. He quickly gained a following among other amateurs. As his talent began to develop, he invented and popularized many exciting tricks, such as the hard flip. “Daewon’s skateboard really hits you because every time you see him, he raises the bar,” commented one admirer of the film. Rapid promotion seemed inevitable.
Throughout the movie, we hear from Daewon’s friends, colleagues, fans, and business partners. Her enthusiasm for the man and his abilities is infectious. We learn how he revolutionized skateboarding, gained massive recognition, overcame potentially debilitating injuries, and built a successful business empire around his passion. We’ll also witness his dedication to exploring new ideas and reinventing the possibilities of skateboarding, a talent that eventually landed him in the Skateboarding Hall of Fame along with other influential legends in the skateboarding world.
Overall, Daewon’s performance is like an artist’s portrait on an athlete. Aside from his formidable skills, audiences probably love him most for his approachable demeanor and genuine humility. The film unfolds in a lighthearted, colorful and kind way. Even if you’re not a skateboarder, the film’s characterization offers a lot to enjoy and appreciate.
Directed by: Joe Pease
