Super Seniors – Review
Super Seniors (AKA Silver Servers) is a touching documentary directed by Dan Lobb (which is the perfect name for someone involved with tennis, right?) that chronicles the lives of four senior tennis players—Leonid Stanislavskyi (95), Etty Marouani(82), King Van Nostrand(85), and John Powless(87) who is sadly no longer with us—as they compete in the International Tennis Federation Senior World Championships.
The film beautifully captures their passion, resilience, and camaraderie, offering a compelling look into the enduring human spirit, demonstrating that age is just a number when it comes to pursuing your dreams and staying active.
The documentary is genuinely heartwarming and motivational, highlighting the importance of staying engaged and physically active regardless how old you are. I think the old saying is “It’s never too late to start”.
Leonid may look like each whack of the ball is going to flatten him, but boy is he an inspiration!
In fact, the stories of all of these super seniors serves as an inspiration, making the film a great watch for audiences of all ages. The documentary excels in its portrayal of these athletes’ dedication, discipline, and unyielding passion for tennis. Each player brings a unique story and background, Leonid, a 95-year-old Ukrainian, embodies the spirit of resilience, having lived through significant historical upheavals. Etty, an 82-year-old from Israel, showcases the power of lifelong dedication to fitness and sport. King, 85, and John, 87, both Americans, demonstrate that competitive spirit and camaraderie do not wane with age.
Rebecca Kenyon and Pavle Kocanjer capture the elegance and intensity of the sport, while the score by Dave Rowntree and Mike Smith adds an emotional depth to the viewing experience. The documentary’s pacing is well-managed, balancing on-court action with personal interviews and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the athletes’ lives.
Ultimately, Super Seniors leaves us with a pretty powerful message that age should never be a barrier to pursuing your passion. The documentary is a tribute to these exceptional athletes and a reminder of the extraordinary potential that lies within us all, regardless of age.
I’m off for a sit down.
On UK digital 17 June from Bohemia Media
