Film Review
The Tragically Hip – “Long Time Running” [DVD Review]
It’s an emotionally-charged story that dives head first into how the band dealt with their final tour after lead singer Gord Downie was diagnosed with incurable brain cancer.
The Tragically have an iconic and resonant place in the hearts of their fans, through their music and in what they represent.
For some people, it’s the sense of freedom and individuality the emotions within the music instills in them. For others, it’s that the songs take them to a time or place in their lives soaked in nostalgia that make them hope for better days. If you really want to take a trip into the artists behind all of these tunes, than Long Time Running is ideal for any Hip, and music fan in general.
It’s an emotionally-charged story that dives head first into how the band dealt with their final tour after lead singer Gord Downie was diagnosed with incurable brain cancer. It’s a true love letter to the power of music, a testament of character and the endearing qualities of the human spirit that help us achieve our dreams.
Downie and company discuss his quality of life after having surgery and chemotherapy, his difficulty with memory recall, and the idea he might be stripped of the ability to perform. Despite all of the odds in front of him, Downie continued on to complete the final tour with The Tragically Hip for the love of the music, their fans, and the world those two things have helped them create at every show.
Beyond the interviews with the band members themselves, this documentary contains commentary from neurologists, family members, fellow musicians, Justin Trudeau, and fans from all walks of life. When you combine these heartfelt moments that explore the milestones of the band and how they’ve touched people’s lives, combined with uplifting concert footage, it’s nothing short of heartwarming.
Run Time: 1 hour 34 minutes
Release Date: September 13, 2017
Get a taste of the documentary with this trailer.
