David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived (2023) User Reviews

A Sad Side Of The Harry Potter Movies

[paulwetor · 8/10 · 16 November 2023]

I'd read about the stuntman's accident, but this documentary fleshes out more of the story. It's moving, but also a testament to how much stunt work was done beforehand so that Daniel Radcliffe could perform it safely for the films.

It's sad and scary to see how his life changed in an instant, despite all the precautions. The actual accident is not shown, which is a good decision by the filmmakers.

Daniel Radcliffe is interviewed extensively, and it speaks well of him that he maintains connections that developed during the movies' filming.

David's story isn't easy to watch, as a cyst also made his right arm less functional since the accident. But he carries on the best he can. His attitude is fairly upbeat, considering his circumstances.

So many people came out of the HP movies better off, so it's fitting that somebody who came out worse gets acknowledgement for his efforts and unwanted sacrifice.

Inspirational

[fitzmauriceruth · 9/10 · 23 November 2023]

Possibly one of the most humbling things I've ever watched in my life. As somebody who lives with pain this really is humbling, this gentleman is an inspiration to everyone. I think this should be made compulsory for all kids to watch because it just shows that attitude is everything. David Holmes is an inspiration!

Possibly one of the most humbling things I've ever watched in my life. As somebody who lives with pain this really is humbling, this gentleman is an inspiration to everyone. I think this should be made compulsory for all kids to watch because it just shows that attitude is everything. David Holmes is an inspiration!

A moving and insightful new addition to the Harry Potter universe

[eddie_baggins · 7/10 · 10 December 2023]

Since it's first arrival onto cinema screens all the way back in 2001 (a cinematic event that reminds me how old I am now!), the wizarding world of Harry Potter has provided fans with a plethora of memorable on screen and off screen moments with the property and characters still just as popular today as they ever were.

With a recent Harry Potter videogame, a much-liked reunion special that reunited members of the films as they celebrated the first films 20th anniversary and HBO's announcement that they are hard at work on a new series based off the original books, the amount of new and old Harry Potter stories coming our way shows no signs of slowing down with this years intimate and touching documentary David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived another important part of the Potter story.

A true life tale that has not been one prevalent in the public realm, documentary filmmaker Dan Hartley and Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe shine a light on the story of stuntman and Radcliffe stunt double David Holmes, an energetic performer whose life was changed forever on a fateful day of the Harry Potter film set when a stunt he was practising went very wrong, causing a spinal injury to Holmes that saw him forever bound to a wheelchair with no chance of regaining use of his legs or lower body.

Providing us with an insightful look into both the world behind the scenes of the Harry Potter films, Holmes friendship with Radcliffe and other stars of the movies and then Holmes life as he comes to terms with his new world and a constant battle to remain positive in the face of adversity, Hartley's film may not do anything outstanding in a delivery sense or production sense but Holmes story is an undeniably effective one that is touching, uplifting and important.

Showing just how much the Harry Potter film world has meant to not only viewers but those a part of it over the better part of more than a decade, The Boy Who Lived not only acts as a showpiece for Holmes's inspiring journey in the face of constant trials and tribulations but a testament to the special nature of the films themselves and what they did for those who helped to bring it too life and the camaraderie and family like bond between many involved in the productions is evident throughout this doco.

A documentary that is likely to be an important piece of the overall Harry Potter puzzle in the film universe fandom sense and one that will engage those rare few who care little for J. K Rowling's creation but have interest in the exploration of the human condition, The Boy Who Lived is a noteworthy small-scale film with a big heart, deserving to be seen by a wide-ranging audience.

Final Say -

Proving that the stories from the wider universe of Harry Potter both imaginary and real show no signs of running out, David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived is an effective documentary that shows a genuine care for its subject matter and the world he was an important part of bringing to life.

3 1/2 charity cricket matches out of 5

Jordan and Eddie (The Movie Guys)

Incredible Story inside a larger story

[icaremore · 10/10 · 16 November 2023]

I found it incredibly inspiring. I have spinal issues myself and I believe I've found who I need to model my attitude and struggle after. And I'm forty seven. Thank you David Holmes. You are a special souls and have clearly helped those near and dear to you whether you know it or not. Watching your story tonight helped me a great deal. So thanks for sharing your life & friends with the world. This documentary will do special things for those struggling out there with traumatic injuries and large life challenges. I'm so glad to see the former Harry Potter cast mates you bonded with are still around.

Very touching

[mc_segurado · 10/10 · 17 November 2023]

I loved that we got the chance to see a part of the films that we've never seen before, even though it is not a happy part at all. This was a very emotional documentary for me, as I am a huge fan of the Harry Potter series. It was hard not to share a tear on the entire story. Daniel Radcliff is a great human being and it shows the compassion and empathy he has for everyone. He stayed so humble even after all the fame he got. David Holmes has a great strong spirit, even at a young age he was so inspiring and always had a positive attitude towards everything in his life.

This documentary inspired me so much. I hope these two "boys" have the best life they can have.

An extraordinary human

[cutie7 · 6/10 · 20 November 2023]

"David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived" is a poignant coming-of-age documentary about the extraordinary friendship between Daniel Radcliffe and his stunt double, David Holmes. The film takes a heart-wrenching turn as it explores how their bond endures a life-altering accident, providing an intimate glimpse into the challenges faced by Holmes. As the narrative unfolds, we have a chance to witness the emotional impact of this incident on both individuals, and the documentary skillfully weaves together a tale that will break your heart in a million pieces.

For those who, like I, cherished the Harry Potter books and felt a certain nostalgia for the series, "The Boy Who Lived" offers a unique perspective. In its exploration of personal trials and friendship, "David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived" stands as a testament to the power of human connection and the resilience of the human spirit.

What an amazing man

[godsgiftwalshy_92 · 10/10 · 18 November 2023]

Honestly as a massive Harry Potter fan I never knew about David Holmes. What an amazing human to have such a great look on life with what happened. To do what you love every day being so active then to not be able to walk I can only imagine how hard that must be. Your an inspiration to anyone in your situation. I always wondered why Daniel Radcliffe wanted to distance himself from Harry Potter once the films were over and now I can imagine why it must of been hard with what happened. What a lovely friend to David and to stick by him through all the hard times seeing him like he is now must be so hard.

Such a lovely documentary which I will remember for a long time.

Well Produced

[jace_the_film_guy · 7/10 · 27 November 2023]

A fascinating dive into the tragedy that happened to David Holmes. The documentary is well-produced and packed with interesting information. It's also full of hope and optimism, especially from David.

The story is especially sad when you look at Greg and others on the set. The fact that they carried on, is a feat in itself. What Marc and Tolga have been able to do after the completion of the films is incredibly admirable.

Seeing the support of everyone in the Harry Potter cast, especially those like Tom Felton and the Weasleys, is something to marvel at.

Well worth the watch, even with the 20+ F-bombs.

some people just...

[ops-52535 · 10/10 · 17 November 2023]

Are nt born under a lucky star, a simple fact that i the grumpy old man also made a testimony trip to the broke-back mountain, though lucky enough to not to break the telephone cord that relays signals from A-B, so i might live under a rare lucky doublestar system that kept me away from T2-paralysis for the rest of my life...so david i can agree that the hell of pain of spinal damage is excruciating, a spell that you rather want to throw to people you hate most in life.

Also remember that anyhow you got your injuries, that doesnt mean that you should let yourself be eaten up by the pain it causes, cause pain aint the holy grail of mending up. So as one radio D. J once said, '' just eat it , just beat it'', that has given me some durable bonus years after the ''cataclysmic'' events of mine.

I'm a medical nurse by profession, and ive seen a lot of rehab work that has gone bad due to antimedicine oaths, therefore give yourself a chance along with your medical staff, it might change your already reduced options of life...

a bittersweet story about the stunt double who had a ''hag-shot''(hekseskudd in my language) in his neck, and just another reminder how frail a human life may be.

Very touching documentary

[alexglimbergwindh · 10/10 · 27 December 2023]

A very touching documentary that makes you respect stuntmen a whole lot more.

You never think about how many stuntmen actually do all the dangerous stuff you see in screen in this day of cig animations. The amount of skill, training and effort that takes to get this level of fitness and competence.

Imagine being an actor earning millions, and stuntmen that risk their lives to make said actors look cool and earn all those millions of dollars, make such a little cut of all of it. They are very under-appreciated and I wonder what we could do to improve their standards of reward.

Stuntmen are awesome.

Wow!

[andymorland · 10/10 · 30 November 2023]

It hit me harder than I expected. I don't really get tearfull but bloody hell, tears in my eyes for a good part of this. What a guy David is, plus all his mates are such a nice bunch of lads. As always Dan Radcliffe comes across a really nice bloke. I would recommend this, although it's not necessarily an easy watch, but definitely worth it it, it makes you think about how fragile the human body is and a neck injury is just a terrible thing to happen, and I tell you what, a lot of people wouldn't have coped with it as well as Dave did, so there is a lot to be admired from him. Again like I said it hit me quite hard.

Heartbreaking and heartwarming

[Missastro2023 · 10/10 · 2 December 2023]

I created an IMDB account just to review this at 10 stars. It was heart breaking and heart warming all at the same time. I am really glad I decided to watch this today as it's worth anyone's time. David's story and attitude are beyond admirable and inspiring. He reminds you of what is important in life and he inspires you to keep things in perspective and be a better person, all through his beaming personality, abundant kindness and acceptance of an actual living nightmare situation and through his continued drive, passion and motivation for life, friends, family and even the activities he loves but can no longer participate in himself. Definitely leaves you sitting in awe and a lot of feelings when the credits roll.

Amazing and incredibly moving

[Sky4021 · 10/10 · 28 April 2024]

Oh wow what an amazing man he is,strong willed incredible and at first so it seemed invincible then the worst thing in the world happened and my god my heart broke for him,David had no fear and there was no stopping him!,the documentary had me in tears in parts my heart broke for him he had everything and just like that his world fell apart,he is amazing!to go through so much and he still stays strong positive and determined,the friendship they all had was beautiful to see the emotion when they all spoke about David was so hard to watch you just wanted to jump in the tv screen and cuddle him was a very hard watch but he still tries to live his life to the fullest he is amazing I just can't say it enough,if you happen to see these reviews David I have so much admiration for you you are incredible.