I went into this documentary hoping to gain an insightful perspective on one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Instead, what I got was a biased, poorly structured narrative that barely explored Kobe Bryant's legendary basketball career and, instead, fixated on negativity. The documentary's misguided focus turned what could have been a balanced tribute into an unfair portrayal that lacked depth, nuance, and respect for its subject.
One of the biggest flaws of this documentary is its overwhelming emphasis on controversy rather than achievement. Kobe Bryant's legacy is rooted in his incredible work ethic, his impact on the game, and the way he inspired countless athletes and fans around the world. However, this documentary seemed to make a deliberate choice to underplay his contributions to basketball in favor of dwelling on negativity. While no biography should shy away from addressing complex aspects of a person's life, there must be fairness and balance in how the story is told. Here, fairness was nowhere to be found.
The second episode was particularly troubling, presenting a one-sided narrative that felt less like an objective account and more like an attempt to push a specific viewpoint. Journalism, especially from a network like CNN, should strive for credibility, accuracy, and multiple perspectives. Unfortunately, this documentary failed in that regard, making broad assumptions and presenting conclusions without giving sufficient weight to opposing viewpoints. It was frustrating to see such an influential figure's life reduced to a narrow and skewed perspective, as if his basketball legacy was merely an afterthought.
One of the most infuriating aspects of this documentary is how it handled serious allegations. Instead of maintaining a neutral stance and allowing viewers to form their own opinions based on thorough reporting, the filmmakers seemingly took a position that left no room for doubt or discussion. Responsible storytelling, especially when dealing with sensitive topics, requires balance, context, and an acknowledgment of complexity. This documentary had none of that. It felt more like a predetermined indictment than an objective examination, which is deeply unfair to the subject and misleading to the audience.
By the time Episode 2 ended, I had completely lost faith in the integrity of the documentary. The biased narrative, lack of focus on Kobe's basketball legacy, and the outright disregard for fairness made it impossible to continue watching. I didn't even bother with Episode 3 because, at that point, I had no confidence that the documentary would improve. If the first two episodes were any indication, the remaining content would likely follow the same pattern of distortion and selective storytelling.
Overall, this documentary was a frustrating and disappointing experience. It failed to provide a well-rounded perspective on Kobe Bryant and ultimately felt more like an agenda-driven piece than a genuine attempt at telling his story. Fans of Kobe Bryant looking for a celebration of his career, an exploration of his impact on the sport, or even a nuanced discussion of his life will find none of that here. Instead, they'll be left with a bitter taste from a documentary that chose controversy over truth, bias over balance, and negativity over the inspiring legacy of a true basketball icon.
I cannot recommend this documentary to anyone hoping for a fair and respectful portrayal of Kobe Bryant. It missed the mark entirely, turning what could have been an informative and compelling film into an unjust and disappointing experience.
