Overview
I've never seen so many grown man stare at a screen the way they did during this documentary: eyes wide open, jaws dropped in pure awe and admiration. Richie McCaw is perhaps the most iconic New Zealander of all time, and many would say the greatest rugby player ever. He's reached almost mythic status, embodying the work ethic and humbleness of the old New Zealand.
Despite his demigod status, Chasing Great doesn't build him up like you might expect. If anything, we see a portrait of a thoroughly normal fellow who's done remarkable things. His partner Gemma Flynn describes him with a laugh after we see him getting a real thrill out of doing the crossword by her side, "The most extraordinary thing about him is that he's so ordinary."
We begin watching Richie grow up in a small farming community in Canterbury. We hear about his first memory of rugby, when he was just a wee chap watching the ABs win the 1987 world cup. We see the moment his uncle and him plan out his career, from making regional reps to his ultimate goal of being a great All Black. We then see his ascension through the ranks, the moment he's selected for the All Blacks, the World Cup Quarter Final loss, and the following victories.
Weaved throughout the major plot points we see interviews with his parents, his teammates, his coaches and his current partner. Steve Hansen calls him a "complicated rooster", his coaches describe him as "not extraordinarily talented but tirelessly dedicated", and the man himself tells of the motivations behind his success.
Intriguingly we also get an insight into his close relationship with a forensic psychologist, as he attempts to strengthen the mental side of his game after his team fell apart in that infamous quarter final.
It's a visually beautiful film, featuring shots of the vast Canterbury plains as Richie sweeps over them in his glider. The rugby is filmed closer and more theatrically than ever before, which adds a bruising intensity to the games - particularly the World Cup matches.
But the thing that really makes Chasing Great a brilliant film is the familiarity - the way that every high and low point in the film was a memorable time in the viewer's life as well (if you're an ABs fan). When Richie lamented the loss of the RWC quarter final, I flashed back to throwing an all mighty tantrum and going to bed for the rest of the day - I was 12.
At the climax of the film, the 2015 RWC Final, I recalled being in London amongst the celebrations and the madness. This moment was uplifting on screen, but was truly special because of my first-hand experience. Instead of just being moved by what was on screen alone, memories gained during decades of being an All Blacks fan rushed back and I found myself gawking up at the screen in awe just like everyone else in the cinema.
Even if you're not a rugby fan, this is a well made and entertaining documentary offering an insight into a great New Zealander. If you are, this is an experience that will bring every memory of the All Blacks rushing back during two hours of glorious McCaw.