A hero's legacy: Christopher Reeve's life and battle on film

He was a wonderful "Superman" and, in real life, a true superhero. Twenty years after Christopher Reeve's death, an exceptional, heart-wrenching documentary about his life and the tragic accident is coming to theatres.

A trailer for the documentary "Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story" has appeared online. The trailer shows the journey of the actor who became famous for his role in "Superman" from 1978. Reeve is a true American pop culture icon. In 1995, during an equestrian competition, he had an accident that left him paralyzed for the rest of his life. His story brings tears to the eyes.

After the tragic accident, Reeve wanted to give up. "I ruined my life and everybody else’s. I won’t be able to ski, sail, throw a ball to Will. Maybe we should let me go," he said.

The words of his wife, spoken while still in the hospital, had a powerful meaning. Dana said to him briefly, "And then she said the words that saved my life: 'You’re still you. And I love you."

The accident at the equestrian competition dramatically changed Reeve's life, forcing him to confront a new, brutal reality. His fight and determination to turn personal tragedy into strength are manifested in his efforts for people with disabilities, his efforts to raise funds for spinal cord injury research, and his advocacy for stem cell research.

In the film, viewers get a chance to see intimate interviews with Reeve's three children – Matthew, Alexandra, and Will – as well as with his late wife Dana, who lost her battle with lung cancer in 2006. The documentary also features memories from Reeve's friends, such as Whoopi Goldberg, Susan Sarandon, Jeff Daniels, and Glenn Close.

"This year, in October, will be the 20th anniversary of dad's passing," recalled Matthew Reeve, who admitted that it’s the perfect time to tell his superhero's story.

The documentary not only includes family video footage but also sheds light on Reeve's involvement in charity work – along with his wife, they established a foundation focused on helping people with spinal cord injuries. Already in the trailer, it is mentioned: "Thanks to him, people can walk!" His children continue the foundation's work, inspired by their father, who believed that "a hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles."

The film "Super/Man: The Story of Christopher Reeve" will be released in select US theatres on September 21, and will then be shown again on September 25 – the actor's birthday. This touching documentary, directed by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, is a tribute to Christopher Reeve's indomitable spirit, drawing from the wealth of his life both before and after the tragic accident. We can only wait for the Canadian premiere or the streaming release information.