Review of Breaking the Surface: The Greg Louganis Story (1997) by The Critic ( — 29 Nov 2013

This made-for-television biopic about celebrated American diver Greg Louganis (1960-present) is a well-meaning introduction to an inspirational figure, who overcame intense bullying and discrimination throughout his youth to become a record-breaking Olympic champion.

Based on the athlete's engaging, bestselling biography (co-written by Eric Marcus and published in 1996), this adaptation is restricted by its budget and time of production; real-life footage isn't very seamlessly integrated with the rest of the film and our gay protagonist is never seen kissing another man.

Louganis is portrayed by Patrick David and Mario Lopez for a bulk of the piece, and both deliver effective performances in a very worthwhile, if not too in-depth, movie.