Is Salute Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2020)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2020, Salute represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Documentary category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Once in a blue moon there comes an athlete that changes the sport forever, a true legend. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Once in a blue moon there comes an athlete that changes the sport forever, a true legend. Tom Brady for football, Messi or Ronaldo for soccer, John John Florence for surfing, Nyjah Huston for skateboarding.... and Henrik Harlaut for freeskiing. SALUTE is a 2 year freeski movie project by the most iconic freeskier Henrik Harlaut alongside some of the World best freeskiers polished by the award winning production STEPT STUDIO. A world wide trip taking you to the best spots on the planet (From the Jackson Hole BC to the streets of Minnesota) and showcasing the dedication and unique lifestyle to understand Henrik's dominance over nearly every discipline of the sport of freeskiing (from competition by becoming the most decorated Skier in the XGames' history, to the driest streets and the deep powdery backcountry). This is a SALUTE to Freeskiing."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Henrik Harlaut does an admirable job with the material provided, but one can't help but feel that a more daring directorial approach would have yielded a more impactful result. It is a competent but ultimately standard genre performance.

The direction by Isaac Sokol is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 31 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Salute truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Salute explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2020 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Isaac Sokol respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Salute is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Henrik Harlaut or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Salute is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.