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Plot Summary
Writer, philosopher, alcoholic, and MMA fighter Evan Tanner died mysteriously in the desert of Clapp Springs, California. He was searching for treasure but not the material kind. This feature length biopic focuses on the people whose lives he forever changed as they try to figure out who he really was and the reason behind his untimely death.
Customer Reviews
Phenomenal Story.... Amazing Guy!!!
This movie gives a realistic perspective on Evan Tanner using the perspective of those who were closest to him to tell the story of his unquiet life, influential MMA career, and surreal passing in the Southern California desert....
Inspiring, sad & only if
A great movie and only if the world would believe and filled with more Evan Tanners,it would be a better place.
A moving and fitting tribute
Roxburgh's film manages to accomplish something that even Tanner's most casual fans knew would be a difficult feat; it demystifies an endlessly complex individual.
Through a series of poignant and sometimes heartwrenching interviews, we learn Tanner's story from his humble beginnings as a high school wrestling star to his inevitable demise as a former MMA world champion, philosopher, and adventurer. Along the way we get to meet numerous peers of his as well as the people who knew him best such as his former lover, friends, manager, and numerous others.
Though there is not a great deal of footage from Tanner's actual fights, this has little bearing on the message and purpose of the film. Tanner's message in life was one of self belief and the power of the individual over the collective. Evan Tanner wasn't just a fighter. He was a person who cared deeply about the world. Once I Was a Champion does an excellent job of driving this point home.
A truly excellent documentary.
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