This was a very interesting documentary, very well put together and you feel you're following these people on their journey to become the next Mr. Olympia. Mickey Rourke as narrator adds a nice touch to it. This is not simply about muscles, it's about what it takes to get to that level and what drives them! It has a nice human element to this which makes you feel for the people you're watching, you see the pain they go through and whilst I'm not an avid supporter of body building you have to give credit for such sheer dedication. It's not a controversial documentary, however nonetheless it kept me entertained and hopefully you'll find it a very pleasant watch too :)
22 Reviews
Interesting look into modern bodybuilding
coolguy154127 April 2014
Interesting look into how things have changed in the world of bodybuilding since the cult classic Pumping Iron came out. Overall, the film was well shot and edited with a fairly in-depth look at some Mr. Olympia hopefuls. Overall the movie is more of a commercial for bodybuilding than it is a balanced documentary. However, it was definitely worth watching.
The elephant in the room is the fact that genetics, nutrition, and exercise science haven't changed enough over the past 30 years to make these guys look like something out of a comic book. They are taking steroids....lots of them. There is a plethora of medical evidence that steroids cause deleterious effects on the body, which the film acknowledges. One could argue that all professional athletes are using them, but bodybuilding is different. You HAVE to use steroids in order to compete, and there is no real effort to prevent there use. As a physician and a longtime weightlifter it pains me to see so many people pursing this hobby/sport at the expensive of their health. Most of it boils down to money for advertising and supplements.
Overall, an entertaining movie, but a painful reminder of what bodybuilding has become.
The elephant in the room is the fact that genetics, nutrition, and exercise science haven't changed enough over the past 30 years to make these guys look like something out of a comic book. They are taking steroids....lots of them. There is a plethora of medical evidence that steroids cause deleterious effects on the body, which the film acknowledges. One could argue that all professional athletes are using them, but bodybuilding is different. You HAVE to use steroids in order to compete, and there is no real effort to prevent there use. As a physician and a longtime weightlifter it pains me to see so many people pursing this hobby/sport at the expensive of their health. Most of it boils down to money for advertising and supplements.
Overall, an entertaining movie, but a painful reminder of what bodybuilding has become.
Good
manitobaman8128 August 2014
A documentary that follows top bodybuilders as they train to compete in the Mr. Olympia competition. The trains of bodybuilding and righteousness can't be stopped and their movement brings about reactive forces in the people they affect. The cinematography is stark and bare, with only the soundtrack adding some effect. Other than that, it was an okay film, and I would recommend that people watch it. It's an amazing work and everything I had hoped for. From an artistic standpoint, it holds its own. With good narration from all involved, I have to give this one a final and well deserved rating of 7 out of 10, so check it out now.
Surprisingly entertaining for someone who's not a fan of bodybuilding
maverick49422 January 2015
The look of the modern day bodybuilder is not attractive to me at all. Too big, too cut, too tan, just too much of a good thing to the point where it becomes a bad thing. I never understood why in the world anyone would want to pump themselves up into something that huge. This documentary does a really good job in showing the human side behind such an extreme sport. It chronicles the journey of a handful of Mr.Olympia hopefuls and why they do it.
You get to see pieces of their lives, the way they prep, they way they interact with their families if they have them, or how they spend time on their own if they don't. The contrast between all these men defies the bodybuilder stereotype. One is a painter (a damn good one at that) in his free time and sort of a philosopher, the other is no-nonsense and uses science lab equipment to track and map out his progress, etc. Everyone has a story and it's nice to see a human side to the sport, when the contenders all have a physique that separates them from most of the population. The whole reason behind those seemingly ridiculous poses and the tan is explained too in a sensible way.
It's an interesting peek in an industry that's not very mainstream. The more controversial topics like steroids are barely touched upon, and I liked that. This documentary is about the people more than anything. Mickey Rourke's narration is very fitting as well.
You get to see pieces of their lives, the way they prep, they way they interact with their families if they have them, or how they spend time on their own if they don't. The contrast between all these men defies the bodybuilder stereotype. One is a painter (a damn good one at that) in his free time and sort of a philosopher, the other is no-nonsense and uses science lab equipment to track and map out his progress, etc. Everyone has a story and it's nice to see a human side to the sport, when the contenders all have a physique that separates them from most of the population. The whole reason behind those seemingly ridiculous poses and the tan is explained too in a sensible way.
It's an interesting peek in an industry that's not very mainstream. The more controversial topics like steroids are barely touched upon, and I liked that. This documentary is about the people more than anything. Mickey Rourke's narration is very fitting as well.
Good but it could have been better
bencsik-laszlo912 May 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I have been training since 2009 and during these years i have gained a lot information about bodybuilding. How to train, what to eat, what supplements to use etc. The movie is mostly honest, it mentions how important to train hard, how important to follow a proper diet, how important to visualize and it finally talks about steroids. However the answer for the BIGGEST question still remains unanswered.
Why is it worth it? Branch said during an interview: "It's all worth it." They just keep saying this well known sentence but there is nothing behind the words. Why are these people working out? What is their motivation? What helps them to move on? How do they overcome the hardest situations? What sacrifices do they have to make? How do they manage their time? etc.
They talk about dedication and passion but they don't expand their thoughts. They should have explained this very carefully to the skeptical audience, who view this sport from only one direction. As far as i'm concerned Mike Pulcinella's "Day in the life of Kai Greene" is a perfect example of creating an accurate documentary which achieved so much more with a lower budget.
Some previous Mr.Olympia were interviewed but unfortunately their screen time were less than 5 minutes. It was a bit disappointment because Jay, Ronnie or Arnold would have deserved more time.
The competition between Kai and Phil is implemented to the screen very well and it is funny to watch them in the beginning of their rivalry. They used the same pattern from Pumping Iron, Phil was the confident champion who shows no sign of fear and Kai was the underdog who does everything to knock out the current king from his throne.
Narration of Ricky Rourke in the first 10 minutes was a bit weird but later i got used to it and it filled out the empty space.
Visually the movie is unexceptionable, photography and cinematography were flawless, editing was great, music absolutely harmonized with happenings and every minute was the evidence of professionalism.
In spite of the missed message it is a great documentary to watch, however the target audience (bodybuilding fans) will be the only one who can appreciate this attempt.
Why is it worth it? Branch said during an interview: "It's all worth it." They just keep saying this well known sentence but there is nothing behind the words. Why are these people working out? What is their motivation? What helps them to move on? How do they overcome the hardest situations? What sacrifices do they have to make? How do they manage their time? etc.
They talk about dedication and passion but they don't expand their thoughts. They should have explained this very carefully to the skeptical audience, who view this sport from only one direction. As far as i'm concerned Mike Pulcinella's "Day in the life of Kai Greene" is a perfect example of creating an accurate documentary which achieved so much more with a lower budget.
Some previous Mr.Olympia were interviewed but unfortunately their screen time were less than 5 minutes. It was a bit disappointment because Jay, Ronnie or Arnold would have deserved more time.
The competition between Kai and Phil is implemented to the screen very well and it is funny to watch them in the beginning of their rivalry. They used the same pattern from Pumping Iron, Phil was the confident champion who shows no sign of fear and Kai was the underdog who does everything to knock out the current king from his throne.
Narration of Ricky Rourke in the first 10 minutes was a bit weird but later i got used to it and it filled out the empty space.
Visually the movie is unexceptionable, photography and cinematography were flawless, editing was great, music absolutely harmonized with happenings and every minute was the evidence of professionalism.
In spite of the missed message it is a great documentary to watch, however the target audience (bodybuilding fans) will be the only one who can appreciate this attempt.
Discover the extent of muscular disaster.
santiagocosme17 January 2015
I have never owned dumbbells, I haven't done a push up in years, and going to the gym for more than two days in a row has always seemed impossible to me. Still, I have always found really fascinating the fact that some men are willing to go through all sorts of sacrifices and physical tortures just for the sake of getting bigger.
The movie takes us on a journey alongside several bodybuilders who are training to participate and become the next Mr Olympia, which is the maximum price in the sport. For a person who knew absolutely nothing about the guys portrayed in the documentary, I was actually surprised to see some of them doing so well and driving Bentleys and Mercedes cars. I guess that the sport and the interest of sponsors has evolved a lot since the eighties when my cousin had bodybuilding magazines with Lee Haney on the cover or the times when the great Arnold was given a 1000 dollars check in prize money. What hasn't changed is the determination to be bigger, leaner, and more muscular than any other man on the planet. They had ridiculous looking bodies then, it's even worse now.
The one thing that this documentary fails to answer is why they do all this in the first place? Are they the most egotistical and vain people on earth? Are they trying to prove something, to escape something, or are they just another genre of athletes who happen to like bodybuilding like I could like table tennis, or karate? I still haven't got a clue
In any case, I sort of enjoyed it even though I could not care less about the subject. So whether or not you have an interest in this sport or way of life, it should make for a good enough watch.
The movie takes us on a journey alongside several bodybuilders who are training to participate and become the next Mr Olympia, which is the maximum price in the sport. For a person who knew absolutely nothing about the guys portrayed in the documentary, I was actually surprised to see some of them doing so well and driving Bentleys and Mercedes cars. I guess that the sport and the interest of sponsors has evolved a lot since the eighties when my cousin had bodybuilding magazines with Lee Haney on the cover or the times when the great Arnold was given a 1000 dollars check in prize money. What hasn't changed is the determination to be bigger, leaner, and more muscular than any other man on the planet. They had ridiculous looking bodies then, it's even worse now.
The one thing that this documentary fails to answer is why they do all this in the first place? Are they the most egotistical and vain people on earth? Are they trying to prove something, to escape something, or are they just another genre of athletes who happen to like bodybuilding like I could like table tennis, or karate? I still haven't got a clue
In any case, I sort of enjoyed it even though I could not care less about the subject. So whether or not you have an interest in this sport or way of life, it should make for a good enough watch.
Great Documentary! 6/10
leonblackwood14 June 2014
Review: this movie gives an deep insight into the preparation that body builders have to go through before competition. It really does show that you have to completely devote your whole life to the sport to come any in competition. As in Pumping Iron, there is still a bitter rivalry between the contenders and there is a big gap between 2nd and 1st place. The movie was put together well by the director and the different body builders really did show what they put there bodies through. It was good to see Arnie & Lou Ferigno, who were always going up against each other, but Arnie always came out on top. Anyway, this movie is a great watch if your interested in body building and and the dedication of the athletes. Enjoyable!
Round-Up: It always amazed me how much these body builders push there bodies to the extreme and with all the supplements and detailed diet, it really isn't for every person. When these body builders are in competition, they really don't have time for everyday life, so you can just imagine how it must feel when you don't win. I did feel sorry for some of the contend ants because they really was relying on a win to further there careers. It also hurts when a cocky competitor wins, especially when they have won 8 times before, and they really don't have any compassion for the other athletes.i did enjoy Pumping Iron and I think that this was a well out together sequel.
Budget: N/A Worldwide Gross: $1million
I recommend this movie to people who are into there body building documentaries about a group of athletes preparing for Mr. Olympia. 6/10
Round-Up: It always amazed me how much these body builders push there bodies to the extreme and with all the supplements and detailed diet, it really isn't for every person. When these body builders are in competition, they really don't have time for everyday life, so you can just imagine how it must feel when you don't win. I did feel sorry for some of the contend ants because they really was relying on a win to further there careers. It also hurts when a cocky competitor wins, especially when they have won 8 times before, and they really don't have any compassion for the other athletes.i did enjoy Pumping Iron and I think that this was a well out together sequel.
Budget: N/A Worldwide Gross: $1million
I recommend this movie to people who are into there body building documentaries about a group of athletes preparing for Mr. Olympia. 6/10
Excellent docudrama for the bodybuilding enthusiast
elchinonino21 September 2013
Bodybuilding is fascinating. There's an unspoken camaraderie among those who eat, live and breathe bodybuilding.
Just like in Pumping Iron, the champion, Phil Heath is depicted as the villain and like Lou Ferrigno, Kai is the hardworking underdog.
Ben Pakulski is sort of the "Ivan Drago" of this docudrama. Dennis Wolf has a particularly awkward comedic scene and Roelly Winklaar is absolutely hilarious.
I am so glad the director, Vlad Yudin did not show Branch Warren shouting swear words and throwing weights.
The plot is really all about Kai vs Phil. To people unfamiliar to bodybuilding, the footage of the other bodybuilders can seem out of place since the audience doesn't get to form any type of connection with them.
They do touch on anabolic steroids but it is very limited. "Bigger, Faster, Stronger" is a better documentary for that but it is nice that they do mention it instead of ignoring the elephant in the room.
I follow bodybuilding very closely so a lot of the content seems redundant, but I still gave this a ten just because I love bodybuilding. It's great to see that somebody is at least trying to break it out of it's shell and I support that 100% percent.
Bodybuilding is such a niche market and outsiders have such a close-minded opinion of it that I highly doubt this film will make much of an impact but I sincerely thank Vlad Yudin for the effort.
P.S. It was quite amusing seeing some of the gigantic audience members trying to get comfortable in the seemingly tiny movie theater seats.
Just like in Pumping Iron, the champion, Phil Heath is depicted as the villain and like Lou Ferrigno, Kai is the hardworking underdog.
Ben Pakulski is sort of the "Ivan Drago" of this docudrama. Dennis Wolf has a particularly awkward comedic scene and Roelly Winklaar is absolutely hilarious.
I am so glad the director, Vlad Yudin did not show Branch Warren shouting swear words and throwing weights.
The plot is really all about Kai vs Phil. To people unfamiliar to bodybuilding, the footage of the other bodybuilders can seem out of place since the audience doesn't get to form any type of connection with them.
They do touch on anabolic steroids but it is very limited. "Bigger, Faster, Stronger" is a better documentary for that but it is nice that they do mention it instead of ignoring the elephant in the room.
I follow bodybuilding very closely so a lot of the content seems redundant, but I still gave this a ten just because I love bodybuilding. It's great to see that somebody is at least trying to break it out of it's shell and I support that 100% percent.
Bodybuilding is such a niche market and outsiders have such a close-minded opinion of it that I highly doubt this film will make much of an impact but I sincerely thank Vlad Yudin for the effort.
P.S. It was quite amusing seeing some of the gigantic audience members trying to get comfortable in the seemingly tiny movie theater seats.
Great Companion to "Pumping Iron"
destinylives5225 September 2016
A look into the lives of 8 bodybuilders who are competing for Mr. Olympia, the top bodybuilding contest in the world. With a running time of about 1 hour 46 minutes — less when you take into account the opening and ending credits — there's not much time to really get into lives of the aforementioned 8; but this documentary wisely focuses on the top two contenders for the title: Kai Greene and Phil Heath (reigning Mr. Olympia at the time this movie was being shot).
Heath seems to have it all: a big house in a nice neighborhood, nice cars, a beautiful wife, the favorite of the crowd, good looks, and a seemingly endless supply of confidence. Virtually the opposite is true for Kai Greene: he lives in Brooklyn, NY (in what seems to be the projects), takes the bus and train to get to where he wants to go, lives alone, and has a quiet confidence that is surprising for a man his size. Both men will endure countless hours of pain in the gym and make many more sacrifices to win the highly coveted title of Mr. Olympia.
"Generation Iron" is a great companion piece to "Pumping Iron," giving people a glimpse into the lives of top bodybuilders 40 years after "Pumping Iron." We see the same sacrifices, grueling workouts, strict diets, rivalry, bravado, doubts, the single goal of being the biggest and the best only the prizes and the competitors are much, much bigger.
My most memorable, movie moment of "Generation Iron" is the scene when bodybuilder Branch Warren was on a horse and was asked if he was worried about being injured in the gym. After replying that all his major injuries have been outside of the gym, Warren takes off on his horse; and soon after his horse bucks him off and he falls hard on the ground, giving him an injury that could threaten his attempt at the Mr. Olympia title.
An honorable mention goes to the very end of the movie, when ex-bodybuilder and "Pumping Iron" alumni Mike Katz jokes about still looking for his shirt that Arnold Schwarzenegger supposedly stole in "Pumping Iron."
Obviously, "Generation Iron" will be mostly enjoyed by bodybuilders and anyone who has ever lifted weights or pushed their bodies to their limits. But I believe this documentary can be enjoyed by all, as the theme of this movie is the extremes that people will go through to get what they want, to be the best in their field; and that is something that we all can relate to.
Mannysmemorablemoviemoments
Heath seems to have it all: a big house in a nice neighborhood, nice cars, a beautiful wife, the favorite of the crowd, good looks, and a seemingly endless supply of confidence. Virtually the opposite is true for Kai Greene: he lives in Brooklyn, NY (in what seems to be the projects), takes the bus and train to get to where he wants to go, lives alone, and has a quiet confidence that is surprising for a man his size. Both men will endure countless hours of pain in the gym and make many more sacrifices to win the highly coveted title of Mr. Olympia.
"Generation Iron" is a great companion piece to "Pumping Iron," giving people a glimpse into the lives of top bodybuilders 40 years after "Pumping Iron." We see the same sacrifices, grueling workouts, strict diets, rivalry, bravado, doubts, the single goal of being the biggest and the best only the prizes and the competitors are much, much bigger.
My most memorable, movie moment of "Generation Iron" is the scene when bodybuilder Branch Warren was on a horse and was asked if he was worried about being injured in the gym. After replying that all his major injuries have been outside of the gym, Warren takes off on his horse; and soon after his horse bucks him off and he falls hard on the ground, giving him an injury that could threaten his attempt at the Mr. Olympia title.
An honorable mention goes to the very end of the movie, when ex-bodybuilder and "Pumping Iron" alumni Mike Katz jokes about still looking for his shirt that Arnold Schwarzenegger supposedly stole in "Pumping Iron."
Obviously, "Generation Iron" will be mostly enjoyed by bodybuilders and anyone who has ever lifted weights or pushed their bodies to their limits. But I believe this documentary can be enjoyed by all, as the theme of this movie is the extremes that people will go through to get what they want, to be the best in their field; and that is something that we all can relate to.
Mannysmemorablemoviemoments
Good example of the hardship faced by professional bodybuilders
chasemcrae22 January 2017
It seems like people are hating on this title because they didn't all admit to using steroids or even touch on it for more than 5 minutes. If you even had any expectation for them to cover that whatsoever (I was surprised they did)...you're a lost cause. Same reason a documentary on car racing doesn't spend any time discussing car modifications and instead focuses on the lives of the drivers and what led them to racing. I don't have words for the people that rated the film poorly because steroids were not discussed.
It goes to show the ignorance of some people watching documentaries on things they are not passionate about. These guys basically live in the gym, force feed themselves every hour and have to fund or rely on volunteers to get to the top.
It goes to show the ignorance of some people watching documentaries on things they are not passionate about. These guys basically live in the gym, force feed themselves every hour and have to fund or rely on volunteers to get to the top.
Warts and all (without the warts)
buddybickford26 June 2014
Sugar coated boring tale that answers no questions that matter and answers loads of questions that don;t matter. Ludicrous opinions are not challenged by the director such as Ben Pakulski's comment (suggesting it's not about chemicals) "you couldn't do what I do" BS, a friend of mine trained for 8 years natural and had 16 inch arms, he took roids within 12 months he had 21.5 inch arms and 7% bodyfat, so yes we can ALL do it EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US, the only single question is to what level of personal safety are we willing to risk, the more you are willing to risk the bigger you will get, and what separates us from them is an unwillingness to risk our health, nothing else, the less respect you have for your own life the better bodybuilder you'll be.
Then Phil Heath comes in with another unchallenged piece of pure nonsense "we are a tiny percent of people who can build muscle and lose fat at the same time" yes that's because steroids enable the body to do that, HGH does too very effectively, tyroxin and other thyroid drugs, insulin, etc etc etc. What was that? is he in denial? self deluded? just google Kevin Levrone before and after, 90% of the whole sport is about chemicals, with 1% genetics, 1% hard work and a final 8% for diet. Which is fine, but do the documentary properly or just don't do it at all.
Then Phil Heath comes in with another unchallenged piece of pure nonsense "we are a tiny percent of people who can build muscle and lose fat at the same time" yes that's because steroids enable the body to do that, HGH does too very effectively, tyroxin and other thyroid drugs, insulin, etc etc etc. What was that? is he in denial? self deluded? just google Kevin Levrone before and after, 90% of the whole sport is about chemicals, with 1% genetics, 1% hard work and a final 8% for diet. Which is fine, but do the documentary properly or just don't do it at all.
Excellent and well-done!
chaku5714 October 2013
This is a great documentary which gives insight into the sport of bodybuilding. I remember seeing Pumping Iron as a young teenager and Generation Iron had me in a state of awe showing the dedication these bodybuiders have made their way of life. Like any sport, there are crowd favorites and underdogs, this movie depicts both with Phil Heath and Kai Greene. This movie chronicles the day to day lives of the bodybuilders and their trainers upto and through the Mr. Olympia contest. I might add, I am a woman who has followed the sport for many years but would not consider myself an enthusiast by any means, I saw this with my twenty year old son and we both loved the movie. Very well done, enjoyable and informative.
An amazing documentary
taylortiz2723 September 2013
Gives an insight to the misunderstood sport of bodybuilding. Great movie that everyone can enjoy and learn from. Has all the top bodybuilder and it shows every ones individual personality that allows you to understand each one and get to know his life story. The movie really focuses on each bodybuilders life story and their goals in life to achieve their ultimate goal to be crowned Mr.Olympia. It really shows that its incredibly hard to become a pro bodybuilder and to even be qualified to compete in the Mr.Olympia contest. Shows the incredible hard work and dedication that these diverse athletes face. The movie is one of my all time favorites that i have ever watched and will enjoy watching it again.
A Deep Dive into Bodybuilding
Zooha-4720716 February 2024
Generation Iron, a standout documentary in the world of bodybuilding, earns an impressive 9/10 from me. This film brilliantly captures the essence, intensity, and dedication inherent in the sport of bodybuilding, making it an essential watch for fans and newcomers alike.
The documentary excels in its in-depth exploration of the bodybuilding lifestyle. It offers an unparalleled look into the daily routines, challenges, and mental resilience of top bodybuilders. The film goes beyond merely showcasing muscular physiques; it delves into the psyche of the athletes, their motivations, and the sacrifices they make in pursuit of physical perfection.
One of the most compelling aspects of Generation Iron is how it humanizes the athletes. The documentary provides a balanced portrayal, highlighting not only their physical strength but also their vulnerabilities and struggles. This approach allows viewers to connect with the bodybuilders on a more personal level, adding depth to the narrative.
The storytelling is engaging, blending personal stories with the broader context of the sport. The cinematography and production values are top-notch, adding to the overall impact of the film. Generation Iron manages to be both informative and inspirational, showing the beauty and complexity of bodybuilding.
The documentary excels in its in-depth exploration of the bodybuilding lifestyle. It offers an unparalleled look into the daily routines, challenges, and mental resilience of top bodybuilders. The film goes beyond merely showcasing muscular physiques; it delves into the psyche of the athletes, their motivations, and the sacrifices they make in pursuit of physical perfection.
One of the most compelling aspects of Generation Iron is how it humanizes the athletes. The documentary provides a balanced portrayal, highlighting not only their physical strength but also their vulnerabilities and struggles. This approach allows viewers to connect with the bodybuilders on a more personal level, adding depth to the narrative.
The storytelling is engaging, blending personal stories with the broader context of the sport. The cinematography and production values are top-notch, adding to the overall impact of the film. Generation Iron manages to be both informative and inspirational, showing the beauty and complexity of bodybuilding.
Decent film but a bit boring at times. This is no Pumping Iron.
anchovyd6 August 2015
First off, I must say that this movie is not very entertaining. I had to watch this movie in three sittings because I could only make it through about 30 minutes without busting out my iPad and surfing the net. It does not capture your attention and bring you on a journey like Pumping Iron did.
I lift regularly and get into bodybuilding every few years so I wanted to check this out. The last time I was into it Ronnie Coleman and Jay Cutler were having their rivalry so it was good to see who the current generation of guys are but really that was about all this movie was good for. It wasn't really entertaining. To be honest, it seems like they tried to cover too many guys and there wasn't enough time to really build a story. Obviously the showdown is between Heath and Kai but not much extra time is devoted to it. Maybe if they took a cue from Pumping Iron where 80% of the movie was about Lou vs. Arnold, they could have had something good here as Kai and Heath seem so different. I did really like Kai after seeing this film. The dude looks like a beast but to see him that he eats at home with chopsticks, does performance art on the streets and in the subways and paints really impressed me. He is definitely a renaissance man.
I agree with the other reviews here that gripe about the lack of steroid coverage. The movie is not an expose so I get why they didn't say much but when you have Heath claiming that only the bodybuilding community knows how to build muscle while losing fat and the blonde bald guy in Tampa saying the same sort of stuff, it seems the director should have called them out on it.
Instead you get a shot of a syringe in a dorm room fridge with Mickey Rourke saying that everyone refused to talk about GH and steroids and then Arnold saying that the reason no one is aesthetic anymore is because there no just using roids like back in the day but a lot of other drugs which allows people to get really oversized and super shredded. Other than that, nothing much else is said.
Bottom line: Only watch if you are into bodybuilding. Even then you'll get bored but it is still pretty interesting. 5/10
I lift regularly and get into bodybuilding every few years so I wanted to check this out. The last time I was into it Ronnie Coleman and Jay Cutler were having their rivalry so it was good to see who the current generation of guys are but really that was about all this movie was good for. It wasn't really entertaining. To be honest, it seems like they tried to cover too many guys and there wasn't enough time to really build a story. Obviously the showdown is between Heath and Kai but not much extra time is devoted to it. Maybe if they took a cue from Pumping Iron where 80% of the movie was about Lou vs. Arnold, they could have had something good here as Kai and Heath seem so different. I did really like Kai after seeing this film. The dude looks like a beast but to see him that he eats at home with chopsticks, does performance art on the streets and in the subways and paints really impressed me. He is definitely a renaissance man.
I agree with the other reviews here that gripe about the lack of steroid coverage. The movie is not an expose so I get why they didn't say much but when you have Heath claiming that only the bodybuilding community knows how to build muscle while losing fat and the blonde bald guy in Tampa saying the same sort of stuff, it seems the director should have called them out on it.
Instead you get a shot of a syringe in a dorm room fridge with Mickey Rourke saying that everyone refused to talk about GH and steroids and then Arnold saying that the reason no one is aesthetic anymore is because there no just using roids like back in the day but a lot of other drugs which allows people to get really oversized and super shredded. Other than that, nothing much else is said.
Bottom line: Only watch if you are into bodybuilding. Even then you'll get bored but it is still pretty interesting. 5/10
Awesome Documentary on Bodybuilding!!!!!!!!!!
rajatdahiyax7 October 2014
Directed and Written by Vlad Yudin, GENERATION IRON is produced by Yudin and Edwin Mejia. Jerome Gary, producer of the cult classic PUMPING IRON, which helped make Arnold Schwarzenegger a household name, was also tapped to executive produce. GENERATION IRON provides insight into the professional sport of bodybuilding today and follows these men as they compete on the International stage. Yudin followed seven current athletes from around the world, including New York, Los Angeles, Japan, and Germany.
Mickey Rourke narrates the film, with appearances by Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno and Jay Cutler.
Mickey Rourke narrates the film, with appearances by Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno and Jay Cutler.
Eat. Sleep. Pump Iron. Eat. Sleep. Pump Iron. (Ad Nauseum)
strong-122-47888522 March 2015
Is there a saying (that I don't know about) that goes - "The bigger your muscles, the bigger the man you are." (?) - 'Cause after watching "Generation Iron" I'm convinced that this very saying is what's behind driving these over-ambitious bodybuilders to pump themselves up like total balloons. I really do.
Yeah. These Hulk-like power-lifters, and such, have convinced themselves that by looking like the Michelin Man on steroids, they, in turn, are gonna be perceived as being the absolute epitome of total manliness. I mean, what else could it be? I really don't know.
Please don't get me wrong here. I've certainly got nothing against anyone doing some sensible exercising. I really don't. But, for the life of me, I just can't comprehend (even the slightest) the mindset of these bodybuilders whose determination to develop their muscles to such fantastic proportions is (from my perspective) actually bordering on the obsession of a total fanatic. It really is. Like, talk about muscle-mania to the extreme.
And, hey, speaking about performance-enhancing drugs (aka. steroids) - I don't know for sure if taking these sorts of stimulants is directly connected with hair loss, or not - But, from what I observed here, 90% of these over-developed dudes were, in fact, bald, or certainly getting that way soon enough.
Anyways - From this viewer's fairly dissatisfied perspective - I found this documentary DVD (concerning 7 very determined rivals all eagerly preparing for the 48th "Mr. Olympia" competition in Las Vegas) to be only marginally entertaining, at best.
Yeah. These Hulk-like power-lifters, and such, have convinced themselves that by looking like the Michelin Man on steroids, they, in turn, are gonna be perceived as being the absolute epitome of total manliness. I mean, what else could it be? I really don't know.
Please don't get me wrong here. I've certainly got nothing against anyone doing some sensible exercising. I really don't. But, for the life of me, I just can't comprehend (even the slightest) the mindset of these bodybuilders whose determination to develop their muscles to such fantastic proportions is (from my perspective) actually bordering on the obsession of a total fanatic. It really is. Like, talk about muscle-mania to the extreme.
And, hey, speaking about performance-enhancing drugs (aka. steroids) - I don't know for sure if taking these sorts of stimulants is directly connected with hair loss, or not - But, from what I observed here, 90% of these over-developed dudes were, in fact, bald, or certainly getting that way soon enough.
Anyways - From this viewer's fairly dissatisfied perspective - I found this documentary DVD (concerning 7 very determined rivals all eagerly preparing for the 48th "Mr. Olympia" competition in Las Vegas) to be only marginally entertaining, at best.
Movie poses Question, "how do these guys get so big?" DUH Steroids
nelor-750293 March 2015
It is almost laughable as the "doctors" are questioning "how can these athletes defy science and gain muscle and remain low fat?" But they never discuss all the steroids being used by everybody. I understand I am watching a bodybuilding documentary but it would be more credible if they didn't avoid the blatant use of steroids and then go on to contribute the success purely to work ethic and weight lifting. It is obvious to anyone who has ever been to "tested show" vs. "non-tested" show that the human physique can only become so large without the use of steroids.
In short if your going to make a documentary don't deny the viewers of the pertinent facts. It takes away from the credibility of the director, and the film itself.
In short if your going to make a documentary don't deny the viewers of the pertinent facts. It takes away from the credibility of the director, and the film itself.
Laughable filmic denial of the truth
almanac-3917831 December 2018
What a ridiculous film this is. You cannot look like the men do in this film without taking steroids. It's physically impossible. Yet this film will have you believe it's all down to hard work, pumping iron and eating right. Even the so-called doctors wonder aloud how the guys manage to get so big. We all know how it's done! Just ask Dwayne "The Roid" Johnson.
Generation Steroids
roddekker2 May 2015
Flex. Pose. Flex. Pose. Flex. Pose. Welcome to Generation Steroids.
OK. If you happen to be a muscle-mania fan, then, yes, this documentary may, indeed, be of some inspiring interest to you. But, for me, I just don't understand, even slightly, why these guys are so driven to get as big as they do. If you ask me, it serves no purpose, except as a way of feeding one's insatiable vanity.
This documentary covers an 11-week period of time when 7 rivals prepare to pump iron, non-stop, as hopeful contenders for the top prize at the up-coming, 48th, Mr. Olympia Contest (2012) which was being held in Las Vegas.
There was clearly no doubt that all of these guys were on steroids which, if you ask me, was cheating when it comes to bodybuilding. But, hey, apparently, taking performance-enhancing drugs is completely acceptable in this sport.
If nothing else - I certainly got a good laugh out of seeing the totally goofy faces which these guys all made whenever it was their turn to take center-stage and pose (like a piece of over-developed meat) in front of the audience.
OK. If you happen to be a muscle-mania fan, then, yes, this documentary may, indeed, be of some inspiring interest to you. But, for me, I just don't understand, even slightly, why these guys are so driven to get as big as they do. If you ask me, it serves no purpose, except as a way of feeding one's insatiable vanity.
This documentary covers an 11-week period of time when 7 rivals prepare to pump iron, non-stop, as hopeful contenders for the top prize at the up-coming, 48th, Mr. Olympia Contest (2012) which was being held in Las Vegas.
There was clearly no doubt that all of these guys were on steroids which, if you ask me, was cheating when it comes to bodybuilding. But, hey, apparently, taking performance-enhancing drugs is completely acceptable in this sport.
If nothing else - I certainly got a good laugh out of seeing the totally goofy faces which these guys all made whenever it was their turn to take center-stage and pose (like a piece of over-developed meat) in front of the audience.
Weird obsession
SillyGayBoy18 June 2016
I watched this movie out of a morbid curiosity. This is not something I understand, not do I think it is something to be proud of.
That being said it did help me understand the psychological nature of these people. They are quite odd in what they do and how obsessed they get. I don't think it is something good.
One telling part was when they got into steroid use and only one guy was willing to talk about it, and a woman who was not a bodybuilder. It is such a taboo topic that nearly all of them would not touch the subject.
If steroid use is what assists them in getting that far, shouldn't we talk about it? But they know it is bad and harmful at the same time and people feel like it is cheating doing it, so it is avoided.
One thing particularly strange is how their back muscles stand out so much and this is supposed to be a good thing. It looks so unnatural. They make them brown so their muscles stand out too.
Some characters I was interested in a lot more then others. I would have liked to have seen more about their personal lives.
It wasn't a bad documentary, although I felt it could have been more interesting then it was. I didn't find the narration good either.
Good look into the lives of bodybuilders if you want one, but this is more about wanting to do their silly muscle show thing and what it took to get there. I would have been more interested in their personal lives and psychological aspects.
That being said it did help me understand the psychological nature of these people. They are quite odd in what they do and how obsessed they get. I don't think it is something good.
One telling part was when they got into steroid use and only one guy was willing to talk about it, and a woman who was not a bodybuilder. It is such a taboo topic that nearly all of them would not touch the subject.
If steroid use is what assists them in getting that far, shouldn't we talk about it? But they know it is bad and harmful at the same time and people feel like it is cheating doing it, so it is avoided.
One thing particularly strange is how their back muscles stand out so much and this is supposed to be a good thing. It looks so unnatural. They make them brown so their muscles stand out too.
Some characters I was interested in a lot more then others. I would have liked to have seen more about their personal lives.
It wasn't a bad documentary, although I felt it could have been more interesting then it was. I didn't find the narration good either.
Good look into the lives of bodybuilders if you want one, but this is more about wanting to do their silly muscle show thing and what it took to get there. I would have been more interested in their personal lives and psychological aspects.
Generation Iron is So-So
kevin-kenney89 November 2014
As someone who follows the sport of professional bodybuilding closely, this movie really didn't tell me anything I already didn't know. It was over dramatic, under acted, and kind of disappointing. Yes we all get it, Kai Greene had a rough childhood and Phil Heath is a genetic freak. Maybe if Kai stopped complaining how he's had such a rough life he'd actually win some Olympia's. If the Olympia went to the athlete with the biggest sob story, Kai would win. For me, the movie went too far into the psyche of the athletes instead of showing more of the actual lifting and eating. This movie might be okay for someone who doesn't know anything about the sport, but it was mediocre at best. Th e majority of the scenes in that movie I had already seen on You tube or other bodybuilding sites.
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