David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived

Since it's first arrival onto cinema screens all the way back in 2001 (a cinematic event that reminds me how old I am now!), the wizarding world of Harry Potter has provided fans with a plethora of memorable on screen and off screen moments with the property and characters still just as popular today as they ever were.

With a recent Harry Potter videogame, a much-liked reunion special that reunited members of the films as they celebrated the first films 20th anniversary and HBO's announcement that they are hard at work on a new series based off the original books, the amount of new and old Harry Potter stories coming our way shows no signs of slowing down with this years intimate and touching documentary David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived another important part of the Potter story.

A true life tale that has not been one prevalent in the public realm, documentary filmmaker Dan Hartley and Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe shine a light on the story of stuntman and Radcliffe stunt double David Holmes, an energetic performer whose life was changed forever on a fateful day of the Harry Potter film set when a stunt he was practising went very wrong, causing a spinal injury to Holmes that saw him forever bound to a wheelchair with no chance of regaining use of his legs or lower body.

Providing us with an insightful look into both the world behind the scenes of the Harry Potter films, Holmes friendship with Radcliffe and other stars of the movies and then Holmes life as he comes to terms with his new world and a constant battle to remain positive in the face of adversity, Hartley's film may not do anything outstanding in a delivery sense or production sense but Holmes story is an undeniably effective one that is touching, uplifting and important.

Showing just how much the Harry Potter film world has meant to not only viewers but those a part of it over the better part of more than a decade, The Boy Who Lived not only acts as a showpiece for Holmes's inspiring journey in the face of constant trials and tribulations but a testament to the special nature of the films themselves and what they did for those who helped to bring it too life and the camaraderie and family like bond between many involved in the productions is evident throughout this doco.

A documentary that is likely to be an important piece of the overall Harry Potter puzzle in the film universe fandom sense and one that will engage those rare few who care little for J. K Rowling's creation but have interest in the exploration of the human condition, The Boy Who Lived is a noteworthy small-scale film with a big heart, deserving to be seen by a wide-ranging audience.

Final Say -

Proving that the stories from the wider universe of Harry Potter both imaginary and real show no signs of running out, David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived is an effective documentary that shows a genuine care for its subject matter and the world he was an important part of bringing to life.

3 1/2 charity cricket matches out of 5

Jordan and Eddie (The Movie Guys)

It hit me harder than I expected. I don't really get tearfull but bloody hell, tears in my eyes for a good part of this. What a guy David is, plus all his mates are such a nice bunch of lads. As always Dan Radcliffe comes across a really nice bloke. I would recommend this, although it's not necessarily an easy watch, but definitely worth it it, it makes you think about how fragile the human body is and a neck injury is just a terrible thing to happen, and I tell you what, a lot of people wouldn't have coped with it as well as Dave did, so there is a lot to be admired from him. Again like I said it hit me quite hard.

I loved that we got the chance to see a part of the films that we've never seen before, even though it is not a happy part at all. This was a very emotional documentary for me, as I am a huge fan of the Harry Potter series. It was hard not to share a tear on the entire story. Daniel Radcliff is a great human being and it shows the compassion and empathy he has for everyone. He stayed so humble even after all the fame he got. David Holmes has a great strong spirit, even at a young age he was so inspiring and always had a positive attitude towards everything in his life.

This documentary inspired me so much. I hope these two "boys" have the best life they can have.

I found it incredibly inspiring. I have spinal issues myself and I believe I've found who I need to model my attitude and struggle after. And I'm forty seven. Thank you David Holmes. You are a special souls and have clearly helped those near and dear to you whether you know it or not. Watching your story tonight helped me a great deal. So thanks for sharing your life & friends with the world. This documentary will do special things for those struggling out there with traumatic injuries and large life challenges. I'm so glad to see the former Harry Potter cast mates you bonded with are still around.

Possibly one of the most humbling things I've ever watched in my life. As somebody who lives with pain this really is humbling, this gentleman is an inspiration to everyone. I think this should be made compulsory for all kids to watch because it just shows that attitude is everything. David Holmes is an inspiration!

Possibly one of the most humbling things I've ever watched in my life. As somebody who lives with pain this really is humbling, this gentleman is an inspiration to everyone. I think this should be made compulsory for all kids to watch because it just shows that attitude is everything. David Holmes is an inspiration!