Brave Enough (2017)

Brave Enough: Directed by Dan Cutforth, Jane Lipsitz. With Lindsey Stirling, Justine Ezarik, Cassey Ho, Rosanna Pansino. Beginning on the eve of her thirtieth birthday, “Brave Enough,” documents violinist Lindsey Stirling over the past year as she comes to terms with the most challenging and traumatic events of her life. Through her art, she seeks to share a message of hope and courage and yet she must ask herself the question, “Am I Brave Enough?” Capturing her personal obstacles and breakthrough moments during the “Brave Enough,” tour, the film presents an intimate look at this one-of- a-kind artist and her spectacular live performances inspired by real-life heartbreak, joy, and love.

“I was really interested to see this documentary. I personally am not into her music, but I have some friends that are and I was curious what she was all about.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eI was disappointed in the film, however. There were many times where it displayed full music performances on stage, without any dialogue. Donu0026#39;t get me wrong, the performances were interesting, but I was hoping that the film couldu0026#39;ve used those to further the story. Simply adding in some interviews over the songs to talk about whatu0026#39;s going on couldu0026#39;ve added a lot.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eEarly on in the film peaked my interest, however. I was fascinated to see that it was not just her skill level that gained her popularity, she had to work hard to get a producer, to get a team, to get gigs. But it so briefly touched on it that I was left with more questions. How did she find other team members? How did she get gigs? How long did it take before she got notable attention?u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eAt the end, I was left feeling pretty beaten down and depressed. The film really communicated how miserable Linsdeyu0026#39;s been with the tragedies sheu0026#39;s experienced. I was hoping the film would spend more time inspiring me about how sheu0026#39;s being brave enough to push through it all. But I felt at the end that life can kick you while youu0026#39;re down, and you just got to deal it with. Along the way, though, you might as well make popular songs about that.”