Viewed in
2009
Premise
Part of ESPN's 30 for 30 series, Peter Berg interviews the people involved in Wayne Gretzky's trade to the Los Angeles Kings.
Who should watch
Casual or hardcore hockey fans. Well, maybe except for Edmonton fans, they're probably still in pain.
Thoughts
I was too young to experience and understand the trade, so this was a nice crash course for me. Considering that Berg was able to interview both owners, Gretzky, and others, 20 years later, I think even real hockey fans would learn some new insights.
Even though I did not experience the biggest sports trade (since 1918) in history, there was enough material and testimonies for me to get a good idea of how momentous it was. And it still was as mind-boggling after all these years.
Being in L.A., I never got to hear Edmonton's side of the trade. This documentary helped illuminate some of the shock, sadness, anger and pain that the fans experienced. I wish no fans will ever have their hearts ripped out, but sadly, we know that has/will happen again.
Some of the vintage footage was awesome. I got chills watching him walking out that tunnel in Edmonton for the first time since traded.
All these films from the series are a bit short (around 50 minutes long), but this was entertaining and educational.
What I would change
Interviewed Gretzky formally, instead of at a driving range. I don't see how someone can seriously express the most exciting/scariest/scrutinized/emotional moment of their life on a golf course.
