Let me state at the outset that I am not a bicycle rider. However, I do enjoy "long form" documentaries on the big screen. Earlier this year, I saw "Le Ride" and thought it to be fantastic. "All for One" is not in its class, both in storytelling and presentation, but it is most enjoyable, entertaining, and is several places, terrifying. The story is essentially a history over several years of the Australian financed cycling team "Green Edge" and we follow many of the managers, drivers (several of whom seem to be closer to daredevils as far as I could tell - why there aren't more crashes involving support cars mystified me) and of course the cyclists themselves. The cyclists are case studies in determination and commitment, and the parents we meet are really engaging and supportive people, even though they must be deservedly concerned about the nature of this sport. We almost had to close our eyes on the cobblestone sections of some of these races - just amazing! The actual production of this film was a little patchy, because it cut from one scene or interview to another at a pace possibly meant to mirror the hectic scenes they were reporting. I found this excessive cutting to be annoying. However, the two cyclists they chose to "feature" in the film were marvellous choices (I will say no more.), and we learnt a lot about a very expensive sport which we will never experience in our lives.
4 Reviews
Inspiring film that focuses on team spirit
TheDome8125 April 2022
I don't watch a ton of documentaries, but every once in a while I see one worth reviewing. This is one of them. It's all about competitive cycling, however you don't need to be a biking enthusiast to enjoy this entertaining film. I've participated in a couple of bike races, just for the fun of it. I use the term "fun" loosely. Both the "Tour de Troit" and the "Baroudeur" were local events that were grueling experiences for me. And they were only 25 miles. I have nothing but respect and awe for the cyclists on the world tour.
The story begins in 2010, when Gerry Ryan, an Australian businessman noticed there wasn't an Australian flag on any team cars during the Tour de France. He decided to assemble a crew from his home country. Thus, Green EDGE, Australia's first professional cycling team was born. However, as tempting as it was to go out and buy famous cyclists, he and his colleagues decided to assemble a group of home grown athletes, who would work together as a cohesive unit. This film documents the first five years of their remarkable journey.
One of the first moves he made was to hire the filmmaker and director Dan Jones to document the team's progress. He created Backstage Pass, a series of YouTube videos that not only showed the team in action, but the crew goofing off in their spare time. Backstage Pass became hugely popular and helped them gain a worldwide audience of adoring fans. You can tell by watching the videos included in the movie that these were a special bunch of guys. Folks that would be a blast to hang out with.
One of the inspiring stories the movie focuses on is the special relationship that evolved between roommates Esteban Chavez and Matthew Hayman. Chavez was an up and coming cycling superstar from Columbia. He was involved in a catastrophic accident that nearly destroyed his life. He pointed out that after the accident, nine out of ten doctors who examined him concluded that he might never walk again or lead a normal life. However, he had faith in the one doctor and without giving away too much of the story, miraculously fought back and returned to the world of cycling.
His roommate, Matthew Hayman was an aging veteran of the cycling world. Shortly before one of the shorter, but no less grueling races on the tour, he too was involved a horrid accident and broke his arm. Competing in the race was considered pretty much out of the question. Hayman's raw determination and guts made him spend extra time training to help him attain the seemingly impossible feat of competing. You'll have to see this excellent film to find out how he fared. But beyond this couple's achievements, is the close bond that developed between them. Hayman ended up becoming a second father to the young Esteban Chavez.
One for All is pure entertainment from beginning to end. It features some remarkable cycling footage, especially the shots from helmet cams. You really get a sense of what it's like travelling at high speed through rough terrain. I was especially surprised to see one section of a race that traversed ancient cobblestones. I can't imagine how difficult that must be to ride over at a leisurely pace, let alone at racing speeds. Watching this movie made me want to get my bike out of the garage and head out for a spin!
The story begins in 2010, when Gerry Ryan, an Australian businessman noticed there wasn't an Australian flag on any team cars during the Tour de France. He decided to assemble a crew from his home country. Thus, Green EDGE, Australia's first professional cycling team was born. However, as tempting as it was to go out and buy famous cyclists, he and his colleagues decided to assemble a group of home grown athletes, who would work together as a cohesive unit. This film documents the first five years of their remarkable journey.
One of the first moves he made was to hire the filmmaker and director Dan Jones to document the team's progress. He created Backstage Pass, a series of YouTube videos that not only showed the team in action, but the crew goofing off in their spare time. Backstage Pass became hugely popular and helped them gain a worldwide audience of adoring fans. You can tell by watching the videos included in the movie that these were a special bunch of guys. Folks that would be a blast to hang out with.
One of the inspiring stories the movie focuses on is the special relationship that evolved between roommates Esteban Chavez and Matthew Hayman. Chavez was an up and coming cycling superstar from Columbia. He was involved in a catastrophic accident that nearly destroyed his life. He pointed out that after the accident, nine out of ten doctors who examined him concluded that he might never walk again or lead a normal life. However, he had faith in the one doctor and without giving away too much of the story, miraculously fought back and returned to the world of cycling.
His roommate, Matthew Hayman was an aging veteran of the cycling world. Shortly before one of the shorter, but no less grueling races on the tour, he too was involved a horrid accident and broke his arm. Competing in the race was considered pretty much out of the question. Hayman's raw determination and guts made him spend extra time training to help him attain the seemingly impossible feat of competing. You'll have to see this excellent film to find out how he fared. But beyond this couple's achievements, is the close bond that developed between them. Hayman ended up becoming a second father to the young Esteban Chavez.
One for All is pure entertainment from beginning to end. It features some remarkable cycling footage, especially the shots from helmet cams. You really get a sense of what it's like travelling at high speed through rough terrain. I was especially surprised to see one section of a race that traversed ancient cobblestones. I can't imagine how difficult that must be to ride over at a leisurely pace, let alone at racing speeds. Watching this movie made me want to get my bike out of the garage and head out for a spin!
A true joy to watch
fehrenkl-9749915 August 2018
Such a fun ride. As a newly converted endurance cyclist, this film checked all the boxes-- excitement, education, inspiration, humor, friendship, and triumph. At multiple points I was choked up--due to the genuine love for team & sport, as well as the hard-fought victories along the way. To mirror Esteban Chavez's closing remarks... what a lovely, HUMAN journey.
A Lycra Lesson in Life
dmalo1726 August 2017
A fantastic experience whether you are a Lycra clad weekend warrior, all-round sports fanatic or just a fan of great entertainment and story-telling. On the surface level this movie is about the first five years of Australian professional cycling team, Orica Greenedge but at a deeper level the themes abound. Mateship, resilience, perseverance, acceptance, multiculturalism, leading from behind, realizing visions, and succeeding against all odds are at the heart of this superb narrative. The Orica team has had countess wins over this period and it would have been so easy to make it a self-appreciative list of victories, highlights and engaging Aussie antics. To instead revolve around the relationship between a non-English speaking, damaged young Colombian and a seemingly 'past it', insecure, aging Australian workhorse becomes less of a cycling documentary and more a lesson in life for the fortunate viewer. Do yourself a favor...
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