Salute
Starring: Tommie Smith, Peter Norman, John Carlos
Director: Matt Norman
Rating: 5/5
At the Mexico Olympics Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fists on the podium as they collected their gold and bronze medals as they fought against racism and discrimination in America.
That image is one of the most powerful of the 20th Century and it had huge repercussions for the men involved.
Almost forgotten in the ensuing years is the seemingly quiet and composed man in the left of the picture, the Australian silver medallist Peter Norman.
Why is he considered a household name throughout the United States even today? And why do the other medallists Tommie Smith and John Carlos consider him a brother?
This is the story of the quiet man, the forgotten man and a salute to him.
Matt Norman has delivered a stunning and incredibly moving documentary about three men who were not afraid to stand up for what they considered to be right.
The movie is made up of sports footage as well as riot and protest images of the day along with a sting of interviews and comments that the three men have made over the years.
What is so evident to see is the bond of love and respect that exists between these three men; Norman did not have to be part of the demonstration made by Smith and Carlos but he stood beside because he believed what they were doing was right.
This is a fascinating story about a trio's rise to the pinnacle of their careers and how they used their status to support a cause.
Salute is a riveting story from start to finish that takes you back to a troubled time in Australian and American history.
The ripples of what these men did are still being felt today as the battle against racism and discrimination goes on.
Salute is an inspirational tale of courage that is absolutely not to be missed - one of the best movies of the year so far!!!
Salute it out now
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw