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Pumping Iron - The 25th Anniversary Special Edition Customer Reviews (13 - 15 of 35 Reviews)

You Don't Have to Like Bodybuilding to Love This Movie
"Pumping Iron" is just what a documentary about any type of competition should be. Much like "Spellbound" and "Mad Hot Ballroom," it pulls the viewer into the lives of the competitors. You won't just root for the underdogs and boo the bad guys; you'll feel their pain and frustration and anxiety, as well as their determination and excitement and comradarie.

"Pumping Iron" is that was made in the mid '70s, long before cut abs and 22-inch biceps and were the physical ideal in American culture. The film shows the greatest bodybuilders in the world training in basements and gyms smaller than the juice bar at the Bally's I used to go to. Their equipment looks like they found it in a dumpster behind an inner-city jr. high. These guys aren't spending hours and hours in the gym to get in shape for their next movie or to score a Powerbar endorsement. They're doing it for the sheer love of the game . . . or sport . . . or whatever you call bodybuilding.

If you liked "Spellbound" and "Mad Hot Ballroom," you'll enjoy "Pumping Iron," too. Even if you're not a fan of documentaries or of bodybuilding, it's fun to watch, just for the unintentionally comedic scenes, as well as the sad moments that, at least for me, hit close to home. You'll get a kick out of hearing a 20-something-year-old, unknown Austrian bodybuilder with big dreams (guess who) compare the feeling of a good workout to, err, "climaxing" . . . repeatedly. Watching a very young and shy Lou Ferrigno (pre-"Incredible Hulk") take crap from his overbearing father will get to anyone who's ever had an obsessive parent pushing them in sports, music, academics, etc.

Four stars. Would've been five, but I think it loses a star for admittedly (see the special features) steering away from documentary and inventing some conflict to crank up the drama.



Outstanding Movie
I can't compare another more motivating movie to me than Pumping Iron. This is definitely one of the greatest movie of all time. Arnold is a idol of mine and movie proofs why he is. Everyone in the world should own this movie.

Pumping Iron
Pumping Iron to me was a huge step for professional bodybuilding. It motivates me to go the gym when im just not feeling up to it, like theres no point, and it just gets my morale up.

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